A new opportunity has become available for young South Africans interested in building a career in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). Applications are now open for the EHS Trainee (YES Programme) 2026, a fixed-term position based in Brakpan, Gauteng.
The programme forms part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative and offers practical workplace experience within an Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) environment. Successful candidates will work alongside experienced professionals while gaining valuable exposure to occupational health, workplace safety, environmental compliance, and sustainability practices.
This opportunity is ideal for graduates who want to develop practical HSE skills while contributing to a safer and more environmentally responsible workplace.
Opportunity Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | EHS Trainee (YES Programme) |
| Employment Type | Fixed-Term Contract |
| Department | Health, Safety and Environment |
| Location | Brakpan, Gauteng |
| Work Arrangement | On-site |
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) |
About the EHS Trainee Programme
The EHS Trainee Programme has been developed to provide practical workplace exposure to graduates interested in occupational health, environmental management, and workplace safety.
Participants will assist experienced Health, Safety and Environment professionals with maintaining legal compliance, improving workplace safety standards, monitoring environmental performance, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
The programme provides valuable hands-on experience that can strengthen a graduate’s professional profile within the manufacturing, industrial, mining, engineering, and construction sectors.
Key Responsibilities
Successful trainees may assist with:
Health and Safety
- Conducting workplace safety inspections.
- Assisting with health and safety audits.
- Supporting compliance assessments.
- Participating in hazard identification exercises.
- Assisting with risk assessments.
- Monitoring implementation of corrective actions.
- Supporting incident reporting and investigations.
- Assisting with root cause analysis.
- Monitoring safe working practices.
- Promoting workplace safety awareness.
Environmental Management
- Supporting environmental compliance inspections.
- Monitoring environmental performance.
- Collecting environmental data.
- Assisting with waste management activities.
- Participating in environmental awareness campaigns.
- Supporting sustainability initiatives.
- Maintaining environmental records.
Administration
- Maintaining Health, Safety and Environment databases.
- Updating registers and filing systems.
- Controlling documentation.
- Preparing monthly EHS reports.
- Supporting document management systems.
- Maintaining compliance records.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 12 (Matric).
- Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety or an equivalent qualification.
- SAMTRAC qualification or equivalent.
- Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles.
- Good computer literacy.
Advantageous Experience
Candidates with exposure to the following will have an advantage:
- ISO 9001 implementation.
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
- Internal auditing.
- Health and Safety Management Systems.
- Environmental compliance monitoring.
Skills Required
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Organisational skills.
- Analytical thinking.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Computer literacy.
- Teamwork.
- Time management.
- Professional ethics.
- Ability to follow procedures.
What You Will Learn
During the programme, trainees may gain practical experience in:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Compliance
- Risk Assessment
- Incident Investigation
- Hazard Identification
- Waste Management
- ISO Management Systems
- Sustainability Reporting
- Safety Auditing
- Regulatory Compliance
- Environmental Monitoring
- Workplace Safety Administration
Career Opportunities After the Programme
Completing the EHS Trainee Programme can help prepare candidates for careers such as:
- Health and Safety Officer
- Environmental Officer
- EHS Coordinator
- SHEQ Administrator
- Compliance Officer
- Risk Officer
- Sustainability Officer
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Safety Auditor
- Occupational Health Practitioner
Why Apply?
The EHS Trainee (YES Programme) offers graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience while working in a professional Health, Safety and Environment environment.
Participants will strengthen their technical knowledge, develop workplace skills, and gain valuable experience in implementing health, safety, and environmental management systems that are widely used across multiple industries.
Application Tips
Before submitting your application:
- Ensure your CV is updated.
- Include your Matric certificate.
- Attach your Diploma or Degree certificate.
- Include your SAMTRAC qualification if available.
- Highlight any experience with ISO standards or internal auditing.
- Ensure your contact information is current.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the employer’s official recruitment platform before the advertised closing date.
Prepare the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric Certificate
- Diploma or Degree certificate
- SAMTRAC certificate (where applicable)
- Supporting qualifications and references
Employment Equity
The employer is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities. Selection will be based on merit, qualifications, skills, and experience while supporting employment equity objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the EHS Trainee (YES Programme)?
Applicants with Matric and a Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety (or an equivalent qualification), together with SAMTRAC or an equivalent certification, are encouraged to apply.
Where is the position based?
The opportunity is based in Brakpan, Gauteng.
Is this a permanent position?
No. The advertisement specifies that this is a fixed-term contract under the YES Programme.
What qualifications are preferred?
A Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety or an equivalent qualification, together with SAMTRAC certification.
Is ISO knowledge required?
Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and internal auditing is considered advantageous.
What experience will trainees gain?
Participants will gain practical experience in workplace safety, environmental management, compliance monitoring, risk assessments, reporting, and Health, Safety and Environment administration.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared using publicly available information regarding the EHS Trainee (YES Programme) 2026 vacancy. It is intended to provide job seekers with a clear summary of the opportunity, minimum requirements, and responsibilities. This publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the recruiting employer. Applicants should consult the official recruitment portal for the latest application instructions and vacancy updates before submitting their applications.
Sources and References
- Official Employer Careers Portal
- Youth Employment Service (YES South Africa)
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
