Ericsson is offering a 12-month Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership in East London, Eastern Cape, starting 1 June 2026. The programme is open to candidates with Matric or an ICT-related qualification, includes a monthly stipend, and provides hands-on training in fibre, towers, networks, and field operations.
Imagine getting paid every month to climb communication towers, install fibre cables, and learn the exact technical skills that keep South Africa connected. Ericsson, one of the biggest names in global telecommunications, just opened a 12-month learnership in East London for young people with Matric or an ICT qualification. No experience needed. Just willingness, discipline, and one online application. For young South Africans who want to work with real network infrastructure and solve problems in the field, this could be the door worth running through.
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership 2026 is a structured opportunity that comes with a monthly stipend, real workplace exposure, and a chance to enter one of the most critical industries powering South Africa’s digital future. If you enjoy hands-on technical work and learning by doing, keep reading.
What Exactly Is the Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership?
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership is a 12-month training programme that places learners directly into real telecommunications network operations.
It combines workplace exposure with technical training in network maintenance, fibre installations, equipment support, tower operations, safety procedures, and field work.
This is not a sit-down, classroom-only learnership. You will be outside, climbing structures, working with equipment, and travelling to network sites. If you love practical learning, this is built for you.
What Are the Key Programme Details?
Here are the most important details every applicant should know before applying:
| 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 to 6 months |
| Minimum Qualification | Matric or ICT/Networking-related qualification |
| Closing Date | Not specified |
This opportunity is especially valuable for candidates who want real exposure to the technical side of telecommunications infrastructure.
Who Should Consider This Learnership?
This programme is built for candidates who prefer practical ICT field work rather than only sitting behind a computer.
It may be a strong fit for applicants interested in:
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Network operations
- Tower support
- Fibre installations
- Technical maintenance
- ICT field services
- Communication hardware
- Safety-focused technical work
If you enjoy working with equipment, fixing things, learning outside the classroom, and being part of a team, this programme could fit you well.
What Will Learners Be Trained to Do?
Successful candidates will be trained to support real telecommunications network operations 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 is real exposure to how telecommunications infrastructure is built, tested, repaired, and kept running across South Africa.
Why Is This Opportunity Different From Ordinary Training?
Most training programmes are heavy on theory and light on real experience. This one flips the script.
You will be working in actual field environments. That means:
- Outdoor technical sites
- High structures and elevated work
- Changing weather conditions
- Physically demanding tasks
- Travel across the Eastern Cape
- Emergency maintenance callouts
- Shift work and weekend duties
Bottom line: This learnership is for candidates who want hands-on industry experience, not just a certificate to frame on the wall.
What Are the Minimum Academic Requirements?
To qualify, 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 gives candidates an edge, but discipline, willingness to learn, and reliability matter just as much in this field.
What Skills and Qualities Are Required?
Strong applicants bring more than just academic results. Ericsson is looking for the full package.
Useful skills and qualities include:
- Good English communication skills
- Willingness to learn
- Strong 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
- Comfort working outdoors
- Strong work ethic and discipline
Telecommunications field teams move fast and rely heavily on safety, clear communication, and teamwork. The right attitude can sometimes matter more than the highest marks.
Where Is the Learnership Based and What About Travel?
The learnership is primarily based in East London, Eastern Cape.
Applicants should preferably already live in East London and must be willing to travel across the Eastern Cape when required.
After the first few months of training, learners will likely visit telecommunications sites across the province. This is normal in network operations because the infrastructure is rarely located inside a single office.
What Benefits Can Learners Expect?
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership offers both financial support and real career-building exposure.
Learners can expect:
- Monthly stipend support
- Telecommunications industry exposure
- Technical skills development
- Real workplace experience
- Professional mentorship
- Network operations training
- Health and safety training
- Exposure to networking systems
- Practical field learning
For unemployed youth, this kind of programme can build confidence, experience, and employability inside a sector that is always hiring skilled technicians.
What Challenges Should Candidates Prepare For?
This programme is rewarding, but it is not easy. Be honest with yourself before applying.
Candidates should prepare for:
- Working at heights
- Tough outdoor conditions
- Physical labour and lifting
- Frequent travel
- Technical troubleshooting under pressure
- Emergency callouts
- Shift work
- Weekend duties
- Strict safety procedures
If you only want office work, this is not the right programme for you. But if you are serious about telecommunications field operations, the experience you gain here is hard to match anywhere else.
How Can Applicants Improve Their Chances?
A strong application shows both technical interest and personal reliability. Ericsson wants people they can train and trust.
Your CV should include:
- Educational background and Matric results
- Technical subjects studied
- Any ICT or networking exposure
- Computer skills
- Practical projects (school, college, or personal)
- Team activities
- Volunteer experience
- Any hands-on learning experience
Make sure your CV also highlights interest in:
- Telecommunications
- Networking
- Fibre infrastructure
- Problem-solving
- Technical maintenance
- Safety-focused work
- Field operations
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: In technical industries like this, employers care just as much about discipline, punctuality, responsibility, and safety awareness as they do about academic marks. If you have ever fixed something at home, helped with electrical work, or completed any short online course in IT or networking, mention it on your CV. Small things make you stand out.
Which Documents Are Needed for the Application?
Before you start the online application, get your documents ready.
You will need:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified qualification certificates (Matric or higher)
Make sure every document is clear, recently certified, and uploaded correctly. Many candidates lose their chance simply because they upload blurry or incomplete documents.
How Do You Submit an Application for the Ericsson Learnership 2026?
Applications must be completed online through the official Ericsson careers portal.
Submit your application directly on the Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership 2026 careers page.
Use the reference number Req ID: 784797 when checking the opportunity details.
No closing date has been confirmed, which means the listing could close at any time. Submit your application as soon as possible while the opportunity is still open.
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Final Thoughts
Telecommunications is one of the most stable, in-demand, and future-proof industries in South Africa. Every mobile call, fibre connection, and data signal depends on skilled technicians working behind the scenes.
The Ericsson Telecommunication Network Operations Learnership 2026 is your chance to become one of them. It comes with a stipend, real industry exposure, and the kind of hands-on training that builds careers, not just certificates.
If you have Matric or an ICT-related qualification, if you live in or near East London, and if you are ready to learn, climb, install, and grow in a technical field, do not wait. Submit your application today. Opportunities like this fill up fast and rarely come around twice.
Your future in telecommunications could start with one application.
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