The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) invites applications for its structured 24-month Engineering Internship Programme, designed to provide emerging graduates with intensive workplace exposure and professional development. Based at the SANRAL Head Office in Val de Grace, Pretoria, the programme offers three internship positions across Research and Innovation (one position) and Asset Management (two positions). Successful candidates will receive an annual stipend of R96,000 and gain exposure to advanced engineering, research, and road asset management practices within the national road network environment.
The internship aims to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice, equipping graduates with practical skills, technical competencies, and hands-on experience under the guidance of qualified managers and specialists.
Internship Categories and Minimum Requirements
Research and Innovation Internship (1 Position)
Applicants must hold an NQF 7 qualification in Public Administration and Management. The role is particularly suited to graduates interested in public-sector research management, innovation systems, and road safety initiatives.
Asset Management Internships (2 Positions)
Applicants must hold an NQF 6 or higher qualification in Civil Engineering. These roles are suited to graduates who wish to gain operational and technical experience in road infrastructure management.
Applicants must clearly indicate the internship category they are applying for when submitting their applications.
Exposure Areas: Asset Management Internship
Interns appointed to the Asset Management division will work under the supervision of a Project Manager and a Road Network Manager. Their training will include exposure to the following technical areas:
Traffic Monitoring and Structures
- Introduction to TMH3 Traffic Monitoring Specifications and TMH14 Data Formats
- Assistance with preparing tenders related to traffic monitoring operations
- Updating and maintaining traffic monitoring databases
- Loading and verifying monitoring station information
- Introduction to TMH19 Visual Assessment of Structures
- Updating structural information within the database
- Allocation and verification of structure numbers
- Performing quality assurance on traffic and structure data
Road Network Management
- Introduction to the TMH22 Road Asset Management Manual
- Assisting with administrative processes linked to ISO 55001 certification
- Capturing and verifying procurement gate project data
- Assisting with configuration, trail section verification, and 3D LiDAR data establishment
This component of the programme is designed to familiarise interns with the essential technical frameworks, compliance requirements, and data-driven decision-making used in national road asset management.
Exposure Areas: Research and Innovation Internship
Interns appointed to the Research, Innovation, and Road Safety Education unit will gain experience in research programme administration, contract management, stakeholder engagement, and technical advisory processes. Under the supervision of the unit manager, interns will be exposed to the following responsibilities:
Research Programme Management
- Coordinating workshops across research focus areas to identify, review, and prioritise research needs
- Managing external peer-review processes for project proposals
- Coordinating quarterly technical meetings to monitor project progress and alignment with SANRAL’s research strategy
- Providing administrative oversight of research project contracts and budgets
- Reviewing project milestones to support the payment of invoices
- Ensuring accurate data uploads to the ITIS Research Module
- Coordinating quarterly research impact assessment reports
- Supporting the preparation and delivery of research results at industry seminars
Academic and Research Support
- Providing mentorship support to Master’s and PhD students working within relevant research focus areas
