Power Construction Bursary
BSc in Civil Engineering · BEng in Civil Engineering · National Diploma in Civil Engineering · +1 more
Power Construction Bursary 2026
About the Provider
Power Construction is one of two operating entities within the Power Group, a leading provider of civil engineering, road construction, building, wind farm development, turnkey housing, project management and property development services across Southern Africa. The company operates on multi-disciplinary projects spanning road construction, concrete works, township development, bulk earthworks, airport taxi-and-runways, building construction, engineering management services and structural engineering.
As a major employer in the Western Cape construction sector, Power Construction has a direct interest in developing skilled civil engineers and construction professionals who can contribute to the company's growing project portfolio. The organisation recognises that South Africa's infrastructure development pipeline depends on a steady supply of qualified engineers, and that many talented students in smaller Western Cape towns lack access to the financial support needed to complete tertiary qualifications.
To address this gap, Power Construction runs a dedicated bursary programme targeting students from specific communities in the Western Cape — Gouda, Saron, Tulbagh and Porterville. By investing in young people from these areas, the company builds a pipeline of local talent that understands the region, has roots in the community, and is motivated to build a long-term career in civil construction. This community-focused approach distinguishes the Power Construction Bursary from larger national programmes and reflects the company's commitment to meaningful local economic development.
About the Program
The Power Construction Bursary Programme funds undergraduate students pursuing qualifications in Civil Engineering at recognised South African tertiary institutions. The programme is specifically designed for students who reside in Gouda, Saron, Tulbagh or Porterville in the Western Cape, and who are studying towards a BSc, BEng or National Diploma in Civil Engineering or Construction.
The bursary is structured as a full study support package with a work-back obligation. Recipients sign a bursary agreement with Power Construction and, after graduation, are required to work for the company for an agreed period. This arrangement benefits both parties: students receive financial support to complete their studies without debt, and Power Construction secures a pipeline of qualified engineers who are already familiar with the company's operations and culture.
The programme is competitive and selection is merit-based. Shortlisted candidates are contacted within 30 days of the closing date. The company looks for students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, problem-solving ability, computer literacy (especially Microsoft Excel), and a genuine willingness to build a career in civil construction. Candidates who can work independently, adapt to challenging environments, and are willing to travel to outlying project sites for extended periods are particularly valued.
While the bursary is primarily aimed at students already enrolled in their Civil Engineering programme, the work-back component means that successful applicants are effectively joining a graduate pipeline — they are not just funded students, but future employees being developed from day one.
Bursary Benefits
- Tuition and study fees covered for the duration of your Civil Engineering qualification
- Work-back employment guarantee — a confirmed position at Power Construction after graduation
- Practical industry exposure through the bursary agreement relationship with a major construction company
- Career development pathway from student to engineer-in-training to qualified professional
- Access to multi-disciplinary projects including roads, concrete, earthworks, airports, buildings and wind farms
- Regional focus — you stay connected to your Western Cape community while building a national-level career
Eligibility Criteria
- Residence: Must reside in Gouda, Saron, Tulbagh or Porterville in the Western Cape province
- Field of study: Must be enrolled in and studying towards a BSc, BEng or National Diploma in Civil Engineering or Construction
- Institution: Must be studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Career intent: Must be willing to build a career in a civil construction company
- Problem-solving skills: Must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Computer literacy: Must have strong computer skills, especially in Microsoft Excel
- Interpersonal skills: Must have excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Independence: Must be able to work independently and take initiative
- Leadership: Must have proven leadership potential
- Mobility: Must be willing to work and/or travel in outlying areas for extended periods
- Advantageous (not mandatory): A valid Code 08 driver's licence, ability to adapt in challenging environments, ability to speak 2 or more South African official languages
Required Documents
- ID Document (certified copy)
- Full academic record (certified copy)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of address (confirming residence in Gouda, Saron, Tulbagh or Porterville)
- Driver's licence copy (if applicable)
How to Apply
- Confirm your eligibility — you must reside in Gouda, Saron, Tulbagh or Porterville and be enrolled in a Civil Engineering programme at a recognised South African institution.
- Prepare your supporting documents — gather certified copies of your ID, academic record, proof of address, CV, and driver's licence (if you have one).
- Access the online application form at the Power Construction careers portal.
- Complete all sections of the application form carefully and honestly.
- Upload your supporting documents in the format requested. Ensure all certified copies are legible.
- Review your application for completeness before submitting.
- Submit before the deadline of 1 June 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
- Wait for feedback — shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days of the closing date. If you do not hear back, consider your application unsuccessful.
Tips for Success
- Check your address carefully. This bursary is restricted to residents of Gouda, Saron, Tulbagh and Porterville. If you live outside these areas, you are not eligible regardless of your academic record.
- Get your documents certified early. Certified copies of your ID and academic record take time to arrange — do not leave this to the last week.
- Highlight your willingness to travel. Power Construction works on projects across Southern Africa. If you have experience working or volunteering in remote or challenging environments, mention it.
- Show leadership evidence. The company values leadership potential. Include examples from school, university societies, community work or sport.
- Demonstrate computer skills. If you have completed any Excel courses, data analysis projects, or used engineering software, list them on your CV.
- Be honest about the work-back obligation. This bursary comes with a commitment to work for Power Construction after graduation. Make sure you are genuinely interested in a career in civil construction before applying.
- Mention language skills. If you speak Afrikaans, isiXhosa or other South African languages in addition to English, highlight this — it is an advantage for site work in diverse communities.
- Apply early. The deadline is 1 June 2026. Do not wait until the last day.
Career Prospects
Graduates who complete the Power Construction Bursary programme enter the civil construction industry with a confirmed position at one of Southern Africa's leading construction companies. The Power Group operates across multiple disciplines — road construction, concrete works, township development, bulk earthworks, airport infrastructure, building construction, wind farm development and engineering management — which means career paths are diverse from day one.
Typical entry roles include site engineer, junior project engineer, quantity surveyor (for diploma graduates), and construction supervisor. As you gain experience and professional registration (Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng through ECSA), you can progress into project management, contracts management, technical directorship, or operations leadership.
The construction sector in South Africa is driven by government infrastructure spending, private development, renewable energy projects and housing delivery programmes. Demand for qualified civil engineers consistently outstrips supply, which means job security and career mobility are strong for graduates with practical experience and a recognised qualification.
Beyond Power Construction, the skills and experience gained transfer directly to other construction firms, consulting engineering practices, municipal engineering departments, transport authorities, and property development companies. Some graduates also move into related fields such as project management consulting, quantity surveying practices, or infrastructure planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bursary only for students from the Western Cape?
Yes — specifically for residents of Gouda, Saron, Tulbagh or Porterville. If you live elsewhere in the Western Cape or in another province, you are not eligible.
What qualifications are funded?
BSc in Civil Engineering, BEng in Civil Engineering, and National Diploma in Civil Engineering or Construction at any recognised South African tertiary institution.
Is there a work-back obligation?
Yes. Bursary recipients sign a bursary agreement and are required to work for Power Construction for an agreed period after graduation.
When do applications close?
The closing date is 1 June 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
Do I need a driver's licence to apply?
A valid Code 08 licence is advantageous but not mandatory. You can still apply without one.
How will I know if my application was successful?
Shortlisted candidates are contacted within 30 days of the closing date. If you do not receive feedback, your application was unsuccessful.
Can I apply if I am in my first year of study?
The bursary is for students currently enrolled in a Civil Engineering programme. First-year students who meet all other criteria are eligible.
What kind of projects will I work on after graduation?
Power Construction operates across road construction, concrete works, earthworks, airport infrastructure, building construction, wind farms and township development. Your specific assignment depends on company needs at the time.
Applications Closing
Applications close on 1 June 2026. Submit your application well before this date to ensure it is considered.
About the Organization
Tel: 021 907 1300 Email: recruitmentatpower@gmail.com / general@powergrp.co.za Contact page: https://www.powergrp.co.za/contact.html