A career in telecommunications does not always begin behind a desk. For young people who want practical exposure to towers, fibre, network systems and field operations, the Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme 2026 offers a structured route into one of South Africa’s most important technical industries.
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme 2026 is a 12-month opportunity for qualifying candidates who want hands-on experience in telecommunications, networking, fibre installations, tower operations and field-based technical support. The programme starts on 1 June 2026 and includes monthly stipend support.
South Africa’s demand for reliable digital connectivity continues to grow.
Behind every mobile signal, fibre connection and communication network are technical teams who install, maintain, repair and upgrade the infrastructure that keeps people connected.
For candidates who enjoy practical work, problem-solving and technology, this Ericsson learnership could become a valuable first step into the telecommunications sector.
What is the Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership 2026?
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership is a structured training programme that introduces learners to real telecommunications network operations.
The programme combines workplace exposure with technical training in areas such as network maintenance, telecommunications installations, equipment support, fibre work, health and safety, and field operations.
This is not only an office-based learnership. Learners should expect practical outdoor work, technical site exposure, physical activity and possible travel to network sites.
What are the key programme details?
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme 2026 |
| Company | Ericsson |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| SAQA ID | 59057 |
| NQF Level | 4 |
| Start Date | 1 June 2026 |
| End Date | 31 May 2027 |
| Primary Location | East London, Eastern Cape |
| Head Office Location | Woodmead, South Africa |
| Reference Number | Req ID: 784797 |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes |
| Travel Required | Yes, within the Eastern Cape after 4–6 months |
| Minimum Qualification | Matric or ICT/Networking-related qualification |
| Closing Date | Not specified |
This opportunity is especially relevant for candidates who want exposure to the technical side of telecommunications infrastructure.
Who should consider this learnership?
This programme is suitable for candidates who are interested in practical ICT field work rather than only office-based computer tasks.
It may be a good fit for applicants interested in:
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Network operations
- Tower support
- Fibre installations
- Technical maintenance
- ICT field services
- Communication hardware
- Safety-focused technical work
Candidates should be comfortable learning in a hands-on environment.
If you enjoy working with equipment, solving technical problems and learning outside a traditional classroom, this programme may offer strong early career exposure.
What will learners be trained to do?
Successful candidates will be trained to support telecommunications network operations and infrastructure activities under supervision.
Learners may assist with:
- Climbing ladders and communication towers safely
- Installing telecommunications equipment
- Supporting antenna installations
- Working with microwave dishes and communication hardware
- Installing tower components and structural steel
- Supporting fibre optic and cable installations
- Repairing and maintaining telecommunications equipment
- Assisting with network upgrades
- Conducting audits and technical testing
- Responding to emergency repair situations
- Following work instructions and operational plans
- Applying workplace health and safety procedures
- Supporting team leaders with operational tasks
- Working with ropes, winches and pulleys
- Completing Ericsson tower training successfully
This gives learners practical exposure to how telecommunications infrastructure is installed, tested, repaired and maintained.
Why is this opportunity different from ordinary training?
Many training programmes focus mainly on theory.
This learnership includes strong field-based exposure, giving learners a closer look at how network operations work in real environments.
Learners should be prepared for:
- Outdoor technical sites
- High structures
- Changing weather conditions
- Physical tasks
- Travel across the province
- Emergency maintenance situations
- Shift and weekend duties
This makes the programme best suited to candidates who want real technical experience, not only a certificate.
What are the minimum academic requirements?
Applicants should have at least one of the following:
- Matric or National Senior Certificate, preferably with technical subjects
- TVET qualification in IT, ICT, Telecommunications, Digital Electronics or Low Voltage Systems
- University of Technology qualification related to ICT, Networking or Telecommunications
A technical background may help candidates understand the practical and theoretical parts of the programme more easily.
However, discipline, willingness to learn and reliability are also important in field-based technical environments.
What skills and qualities are required?
Applicants should demonstrate strong personal and technical potential.
Useful skills and qualities include:
- Good English communication skills
- Willingness to learn
- Teamwork ability
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Flexibility in challenging situations
- Basic networking knowledge
- Understanding of Ethernet standards
- Knowledge of power systems
- Cable testing awareness
- Ability to work outdoors
- Strong work ethic
Telecommunications field teams often work in fast-moving environments where safety, communication and teamwork are essential.
What should applicants know about the location and travel requirements?
The learnership is primarily based in East London in the Eastern Cape.
Applicants should preferably reside in East London and must be willing to travel across the Eastern Cape when required.
After the first few months of training, learners may be required to visit telecommunications sites across the province.
This is important because network operations work often happens where the infrastructure is located — not only in offices or training rooms.
Which documents are needed for the application?
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified qualification certificates
Documents should be clear, recently certified and uploaded correctly.
Incomplete or unclear documents can weaken an application, especially where many candidates are competing for the same opportunity.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: For technical learnerships like this, your CV should not only list your qualifications. Include practical details such as computer skills, networking knowledge, technical subjects, ICT projects, volunteer work and any hands-on experience that shows you can learn in a real field environment.
What benefits can learners expect?
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership offers a combination of learning support and practical industry exposure.
Learners can expect:
- Monthly stipend support
- Telecommunications industry exposure
- Technical skills development
- Workplace experience
- Professional mentorship
- Network operations training
- Health and safety training
- Exposure to networking systems
- Practical field learning
For unemployed youth, this type of programme can help build confidence, experience and employability in a technical sector.
What challenges should candidates prepare for?
This programme may be rewarding, but it can also be physically and mentally demanding.
Candidates should prepare for:
- Working at heights
- Outdoor conditions
- Physical tasks
- Travel requirements
- Technical troubleshooting
- Emergency callouts
- Shift work
- Weekend duties
- Strict safety procedures
Applicants who prefer only office-based work may find this environment challenging.
However, candidates who are serious about telecommunications field operations can gain valuable early experience through this type of training.
How can applicants improve their chances?
A strong application should clearly show both technical interest and personal reliability.
Your CV should include:
- Educational background
- Technical subjects
- ICT or networking exposure
- Computer skills
- Practical projects
- Team activities
- Volunteer experience
- Any relevant hands-on learning
Applicants should also highlight interest in:
- Telecommunications
- Networking
- Fibre infrastructure
- Problem-solving
- Technical maintenance
- Safety-focused work
- Field operations
Employers in technical industries often value discipline, punctuality, responsibility and safety awareness just as much as academic performance.
How can candidates submit an application?
Applications for the Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme 2026 must be completed online.
Applications must be submitted through the official Ericsson careers application portal.
Applicants should use the reference number Req ID: 784797 when checking the opportunity details.
No closing date is specified, so candidates should submit their applications as soon as possible while the listing remains available.
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Final Thoughts
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership Programme 2026 is a strong opportunity for candidates who want to enter the telecommunications and ICT field through practical, hands-on experience.
This programme is best suited to young people who are technically curious, physically prepared, safety-conscious and willing to work in real field environments.
For candidates interested in network operations, fibre installations, tower support and telecommunications infrastructure, this 12-month learnership could provide a valuable foundation for future career growth
