Ericsson Launches Telecoms Learnership Program In SA

Ericsson South Africa has launched the first intake of a new field operations learnership programme aimed at developing technical skills for the country’s telecommunications sector and preparing young people for careers in network infrastructure deployment and maintenance.

The initiative forms the first cohort of a planned five-year programme and welcomed 15 learners during a launch event held in KuGompo in South Africa’s Eastern Cape on 22 July.

The 12-month learnership will lead to a Further Education and Training Certificate in Telecommunication Network Operations (SAQA ID 59057, NQF Level 4). The programme is being delivered by Human Capital Learning Solutions and is accredited by the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

Participants will undergo a combination of classroom instruction, practical training and workplace experience designed around Ericsson’s field operations requirements. The curriculum includes telecommunications fundamentals, telecom infrastructure, rigging and installation, safety procedures, tower climbing and field simulations.

According to Ericsson, learners will also gain supervised experience on live projects while completing workplace logbooks and portfolios of evidence required for certification.

Siseko Ngxola, Head of Ericsson South Africa, said the programme is intended to help address the skills needed to support the country’s expanding digital infrastructure.

“Skills development is important to the future of South Africa’s digital economy. Through this learnership, Ericsson is helping young people build the technical, safety and workplace skills needed to support telecommunications infrastructure. The program also reflects our commitment to developing local talent and supporting a more capable future workforce in South Africa,” said Ngxola.

The programme has been tailored to prepare participants for roles such as telecommunications technicians and riggers, with training focused on the installation, maintenance and repair of network infrastructure. It also includes instruction on health and safety standards, environmental responsibility, quality assurance and documentation practices used in telecommunications projects.

Beyond technical competencies, the learnership incorporates professional development components covering communication, teamwork, accountability, ethics and adaptability. Ericsson said these skills are intended to help participants operate effectively in project-based environments and field operations.

The launch comes as telecommunications operators and infrastructure providers across Africa continue to expand and modernise networks, increasing demand for technicians with specialised skills in network deployment and maintenance. Industry stakeholders have frequently identified technical skills development as a critical requirement for supporting connectivity expansion, network upgrades and the rollout of emerging technologies.

Ericsson said the programme forms part of its broader effort to develop local telecommunications talent in South Africa and contribute to workforce readiness in the sector. The company noted that building a skilled workforce is important for supporting network deployment, modernisation and restoration activities across the country.

The first cohort will spend the next year undertaking training and practical assignments, with successful participants receiving nationally recognised qualifications in telecommunications network operations upon completion.