The Sasol Technician Development Programme (TDP) is a comprehensive initiative designed to provide robust technical development opportunities and meaningful workplace experience for Learner Technicians. The programme ensures alignment with industry standards and Sasol’s operational requirements through structured learning, mentorship, and continuous assessment.
Minimum Entry Requirements for TDP Programme
- Hold a SAQA-registered qualification
- Qualification must be in a recognised engineering discipline
- Qualification must be at a minimum NQF Level 6
Candidates must meet the following minimum qualification criteria:
National Senior Certificate (Grade 12 / N3)
(6 subjects including Pure Mathematics, Physical Science, and English), and
National Diploma in Engineering (NQF 6)
(Chemical / Mechanical / Civil / Electrical – Heavy / Electrical – Light current – Majoring in Instrumentation and/or Process Control), or
B.Eng. Tech. (NQF 7/8)
(Chemical / Mechanical / Civil / Electrical – Heavy / Electrical – Light current – Majoring in Instrumentation and/or Process Control), or
International Qualifications
Must be evaluated by SAQA and equivalent to South African NQF Level 6 or higher Qualification. The candidate is responsible for obtaining SAQA evaluation prior to placement consideration.
Subject Recognition Criteria
The following subjects are recognised and not recognised by Sasol for TDP learner eligibility:
| Subjects Recognised | Subjects Not Recognised |
| • Pure Mathematics (HG, SG or N3) | • Functional Mathematics |
| • Technical Mathematics | • Mathematics Literacy |
| • Engineering Mathematics | • Life Science |
| • Physical Science | • Life Orientation |
| • Technical Physical Science | • Engineering Processes |
| • Engineering Science |
Important Note on Supporting Documentation
In cases where an official National Senior Certificate is not available, a Statement of Results will be accepted only if it explicitly confirms that the candidate “qualifies for the National Senior Certificate.” The Bachelor of Engineering Technology (B.Eng.Tech.) is the new degree-level qualification (NQF 7) offered at South African universities of technology. It replaces the old National Diploma (NQF 6) and BTech (NQF 7), aligning with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF).
Exclusion Criteria
Candidates will be deemed not eligible if:
- Qualification is not registered with SAQA
- Qualification is not in an engineering discipline
- Qualification falls below NQF Level 6
- International qualification is not evaluated by SAQA
- Qualification cannot be verified or is from an unrecognised institution
- Incomplete Qualifications will not be considered
- Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license (learner’s licenses will not be accepted).
- The candidate is not a South African Citizen
Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered for the programme.
Key Features of the Programme:
- Structured Technical Development: A well-defined framework that ensures exposure to relevant technical tasks and business processes.
- Professional Registration Support: Learner Technicians are encouraged to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) at their own cost, fostering professional growth and recognition.
- Annual Progress Reviews: Regular evaluations to track development milestones and ensure alignment with individual growth plans.
- Competency-Based Assessments: Frequent, standardised assessments focused on developing and measuring job-relevant competencies.
- Fit-for-Purpose Curriculum: Training content is tailored to meet the specific needs of each discipline and role within the organisation.
- Ongoing Mentorship and Buddy System: Continuous support through structured mentorship and peer guidance to reinforce learning and workplace integration.
Programme Objectives:
- Holistic Skill Development: Equip Learner Technicians with foundational leadership, managerial, technical, and life skills essential for success in the workplace, in line with Sasol’s expectations.
- Compliance and Professional Readiness: Ensure that Learner Technicians are developed to meet applicable legislative and professional standards. While registration with professional bodies is optional, associated costs are borne by the individual.
- Blended Learning Approach: Promote effective learning through a combination of classroom training, self-study, workplace application, coaching, and project-based assignments, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
How to Apply for the Technician Development Programme (NPE Learner Technician):
Interested applicants can visit www.sasolbursaries.com and select the Technician Development Programme (TDP) for a step-by-step application guide.
Important Notices:
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Applications submitted via email or any platform other than the Sasol bursaries website will not be accepted.
- Providing false information or invalid documentation will result in your application being declared null and void.
- If you do not receive feedback within six weeks of the application closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Application Guidelines for University of Technology Students
- All applications must be submitted online via the Sasol application portal, no later than the closing date indicated on the landing page.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Notifications will be communicated via telephone and written correspondence.
- The selection process includes a structured online panel interview and online psychometric assessments.
Additional Requirements
(Please note: Participation in the process does not guarantee employment)
- Completion of a standard pre-employment medical examination and a physical fitness assessment is required as part of the selection process.
- Candidates must undergo security clearance and MIE (Managed Integrity Evaluation) checks, which include:
- Physical fingerprinting
- Directorship and background checks
- Qualification verification
- Preference will be given to applicants residing within Sasol’s fence line communities. Valid proof of residential address must be submitted to be considered under this criterion.