Organizers: Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber (NMBBC) & International Labour Organization (ILO)
Industry: Renewable Energy, Automotive Innovation, Electric Vehicles (EV) & Battery Technology
Location: Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Position Type: Fixed-Term Graduate Internship (20 Positions Available)
Posted Date: 05 August 2026
Closing Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
About the Just Transition Skills Programme
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is launching the Just Transition Skills Programme. As the global and South African automotive manufacturing sectors shift toward sustainable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced energy storage systems, this initiative aims to equip local technical graduates with high-demand green economy capabilities.
This specialized graduate internship will recruit 20 unemployed technical graduates across Nelson Mandela Bay to participate in a structured, hands-on development programme focused on Electric Vehicles (EV) and Battery Management Systems.
Key Responsibilities & Technical Workstreams
Selected graduates will undergo specialized technical training and workplace exposure covering four core areas:
1. Electric Vehicle (EV) Systems & Architecture
- EV Powertrains: Learn the fundamentals of electric drivetrains, high-voltage vehicle architectures, and electric motor diagnostics.
- Automotive Integration: Work alongside industry engineers to integrate green energy solutions into automotive manufacturing and assembly frameworks.
2. Battery Technology & Management Systems (BMS)
- Battery Analytics: Study lithium-ion and advanced chemical battery chemistry, cell balancing, state-of-charge (SOC) metrics, and thermal management.
- BMS Diagnostics: Assist in testing, monitoring, and diagnosing battery performance, energy storage systems (ESS), and charging infrastructure.
3. Renewable Energy Integration
- Green Energy Grid: Explore how solar, wind, and local microgrids interface with EV charging hubs and industrial energy networks.
4. Technical Reporting & Project Support
- Data Collection: Compile technical performance logs, battery testing documentation, and project reports under direct industry mentorship.
Candidate Profile & Minimum Entry Criteria
To qualify for one of the 20 graduate positions, applicants must meet the following entry criteria:
- Academic Qualification: Completed Diploma or Degree (NQF Level 5 or higher) from a recognized South African tertiary institution in one of the following fields:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Renewable Energy / Energy Studies
- Employment & Youth Status:
- Must be currently unemployed.
- South African Citizen.
- Location Requirement: Must reside in or be able to relocate to Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
- Key Soft Skills: Strong analytical mindset, eagerness to learn green energy systems, high attention to detail, and good technical writing abilities.
What the Programme Offers
- Pioneering Technical Exposure: Specialized training in EV technology and battery management—one of the fastest-growing technical sectors globally.
- Global & Local Backing: Mentorship and practical exposure backed by the ILO and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.
- Paid Internship: Stipend provided throughout the duration of the internship programme.
- Enhanced Employability: Positions graduates at the forefront of the Eastern Cape’s automotive shift toward electric mobility.
Career Advice for Graduate Applicants
- Highlight EV & Renewable Coursework: Feature any university modules, practical labs, or final-year research projects related to electric motors, electronics, thermodynamics, battery tech, or renewable energy on your resume.
- State NQF Level Clearly: Ensure your diploma or degree title, NQF level (NQF 5, 6, 7+), and graduation year are prominently listed near the top of your CV.
- Draft a Clean PDF Application: Combine your CV, certified SA ID copy, Matric certificate, and full academic transcript into a single well-labeled PDF file.
Sample Technical & Interview Preparation Questions
EV Powertrains & Battery Management
- Question (Battery Tech): “What are the primary functions of a Battery Management System (BMS) in an electric vehicle, and why is thermal management critical?”
- Question (Mechatronics/Electrical): “How does regenerative braking work in an electric vehicle to transfer kinetic energy back into battery storage?”
Just Transition & Industry Trends
- Question (Industry Vision): “What does the concept of a ‘Just Transition’ mean to you in the context of the Eastern Cape’s automotive manufacturing industry?”
How to Apply
Submit your application directly through the official Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber portal or designated ILO application link:
- Location: Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
- Total Vacancies: 20 Positions
- Closing Date: 21 August 2026