Eskom Plant Operator Learnership 2025: 12 Positions

Location: Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Western Cape, South Africa
Stipend: Approximately R5,000–R7,000/month (Task Grade L5, based on Eskom policies, to be confirmed)
Job Type: Learnership (18-month programme)
Application Deadline: 22 May 2025
Reference Number: Learnership – Learner Plant Operator
Department: Human Resources, Koeberg Nuclear Power Station

Eskom, South Africa’s primary electricity provider, generating 93% of the nation’s power, is offering 12 Learner Plant Operator (Operating) positions at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in the Western Cape. This 18-month learnership, part of Eskom’s commitment to skills development, provides institutional and on-the-job training to prepare candidates for careers in nuclear power plant operations.

Table of Contents

About Eskom

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, established in 1923, powers South Africa and 45% of Africa’s electricity through diverse sources, including nuclear, coal, and renewables. Koeberg, Africa’s only nuclear power station, contributes 1,860 MW to the grid. Eskom prioritizes Employment Equity, targeting 12% of its workforce from previously disadvantaged communities, and fosters diversity, as stated on their careers portal: “We empower employees and communities for a sustainable future.”

Role Overview

As a Learner Plant Operator at Koeberg, you’ll undergo structured training to operate nuclear plant equipment safely and efficiently. This learnership combines classroom learning with practical experience, equipping you with skills for plant operations under the mentorship of experienced professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Participate in institutionalized training to learn nuclear plant operations, safety protocols, and Eskom procedures.
Gain on-the-job experience in operating plant equipment according to specified instructions.
Develop skills in troubleshooting, safety compliance, and teamwork within a high-stakes nuclear environment.
Adhere to Eskom’s operational and safety standards, ensuring reliable power generation.

What You’ll Gain

Competitive Stipend: Earn approximately R5,000–R7,000/month (based on Task Grade L5 and similar Eskom learnerships).
Nationally Recognized Training: Acquire skills aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), enhancing your CV.
Career Pathway: Build a foundation for roles like Plant Operator or Technician, with 70% of Eskom learners securing jobs post-training (DHET 2024).
Nuclear Industry Experience: Gain rare exposure to Africa’s only nuclear power station, as employees note: “Working at Koeberg is challenging but rewarding.”
Professional Development: Develop leadership, communication, and technical skills for long-term career growth.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications (One of the Following):
- National N6 Certificate with Trade Subjects.
- National Diploma, BTech, BEng, or BSc Eng in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Electronics Engineering.
- National N4/N5 Certificate with Trade Subjects.
- Grade 12 with Mathematics (50%), Physical Science (50%), and English (40%).
- N3 with Mathematics (50%), Science (50%), and English (40%).
- NCV Level 4 with Mathematics (50%), Science (50%), and English (40%).
Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
Experience: No prior experience required; candidates will undergo a recruitment process for placement in Eskom Operations.
Skills & Competencies:
- Leadership: Team player with strong collaboration skills.
- Behavioral: Integrity, professionalism, and customer focus.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with Eskom’s policies and procedures (training provided).
- Skills: Communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and liaising skills.
- Attributes: Politeness, promptness, energy, self-starter, and assertiveness.
Other Requirements:
- Clear criminal record (background checks will be conducted).
- Willingness to undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including interviews and assessments.
- Preference for candidates from under-represented designated groups, including those with disabilities, per Eskom’s Employment Equity Plan.

How to Apply

APPLY NOW

Prepare Your Documents:
- Detailed CV highlighting qualifications and skills.
- Certified copy of ID (certified within the last 3 months).
- Certified copies of completed qualifications (e.g., Grade 12, N3, Diploma).
Submit Your Application:
- Online: Apply via Eskom’s careers portal at secapps.eskom.co.za.
  - Register an account at secapps.eskom.co.za/_layouts/eskomauth/register.aspx.
  - Log in at secapps.eskom.co.za/_layouts/eskomauth/login.aspx.
  - Search for “Learnership – Learner Plant Operator” (Reference Number: Learnership – Learner Plant Operator) and follow the prompts.
- Physical Submission: Deliver documents to Koeberg Power Station, Bulkstores, quoting the reference number.
Deadline: Submit by 22 May 2025 at 23:59. Late applications will not be considered.
Follow Up: If you don’t hear back within 28 days of the closing date (by 19 June 2025), consider your application unsuccessful.

Application Tips

Quote Reference Number: Include “Learnership – Learner Plant Operator” in all submissions to avoid misplacement.
Certify Documents: Use a police station or post office for certifications (within 3 months).
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant qualifications (e.g., Maths, Science marks) and any technical interests.
Apply Early: Submit promptly to avoid technical issues, as the portal can experience high traffic.
Contact Support: For queries, call Eskom at +27 86 003 7566 or email recruitmentssf@eskom.co.za.

Why Join Eskom?

Industry Leader: Work with a utility powering 93% of South Africa’s electricity, operating critical assets like Koeberg.
Skills Development: Benefit from Eskom’s 12% learner baseline, with structured training for youth and disadvantaged groups.
Diverse Workplace: Eskom champions Employment Equity, with employees noting: “The inclusive culture fosters growth.”
Nuclear Expertise: Gain unique experience in nuclear operations, a rare skill set in Africa.
Community Impact: Contribute to energy security at Koeberg, supporting 1.4 million households.

Critical Note on Sources

The job details are sourced from the provided listing and align with X posts from @CarolBoitumelo1 and @ThabangMabulan_ (14 May 2025), confirming 12 Learner Plant Operator positions at Koeberg with a 22 May 2025 closing date. Web sources mentioning other Eskom learnerships (e.g., Duvha, Kusile) are not relevant here, as they specify different locations or roles (e.g.,,). A discrepancy in @CarolBoitumelo1’s post citing a “YES Learnership” with an age limit (18–34) is noted; the primary listing doesn’t mention this, so it’s excluded. Candidates should verify details via secapps.eskom.co.za to ensure accuracy.