Youth Skills Development

Building Futures: Inside the EPPF Skills Training Programme 2025/2026

In the heart of Sandton’s bustling financial district, an organisation quietly shapes the retirement dreams of thousands of South Africans. It’s not a bank, not a corporate giant chasing quarterly profits, but a fund with a deeper mission — to protect, manage, and grow the life savings of its members.

This is the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF), one of South Africa’s most respected retirement fund administrators and investment managers. And for the 2025/2026 period, EPPF is opening its doors to young, ambitious individuals through its Skills Training and Learnership Programme.

For those eager to blend practical work experience with career growth — all while making a real difference — this programme might be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for.


EPPF: More Than a Retirement Fund

When people hear “pension fund,” they often imagine a quiet office that only deals with retirees. But EPPF’s role is far more dynamic and impactful. It manages the retirement contributions and benefits of:

  • In-service members (employees still working)
  • Deferred pensioners (members who left employment but preserved their funds)
  • Pensioners (retirees receiving benefits)
  • Beneficiaries (those entitled to benefits after a member passes away)
  • APPLICATION PROCESS

The fund’s work is a mix of precision, responsibility, and long-term vision. In essence, EPPF safeguards not just money, but futures — ensuring that after years of work, members can enjoy the financial security they deserve.


The Services That Keep EPPF Running

At the heart of EPPF’s operations are two critical areas:

1. Administration

  • Managing personal and contribution records
  • Processing retirement and withdrawal claims
  • Safeguarding members’ funds
  • Ensuring compliance with South African pension laws and financial regulations

It’s a meticulous process that requires efficiency, accuracy, and care.

2. Investment Management

  • Allocating assets strategically
  • Developing investment policies and strategies
  • Managing market and economic risks
  • Promoting socially responsible investing (ensuring investments also have a positive social or environmental impact)

This side of EPPF is all about ensuring the funds grow sustainably over decades, providing long-term stability for members.


The Learnership Opportunity: Your Career Starting Point

For 2025/2026, EPPF is offering Learnerships across multiple departments, creating space for driven individuals to gain hands-on exposure to the retirement and investment management sector.

Unlike short-term internships, learnerships combine practical work experience with structured learning, often leading to a formal qualification or recognised work experience record.


Why EPPF Could Be the Perfect Career Launchpad

1. Work With Industry Leaders

Learn directly from experienced professionals who have spent years — sometimes decades — mastering retirement fund administration and investment management.

2. Gain Real-World Experience

You won’t just observe — you’ll actively contribute to projects and daily operations, making your work meaningful from day one.

3. Make a Social Impact

Every task you complete contributes to the financial security of thousands of South Africans. This is a job where your work truly matters.

4. Grow Professionally and Personally

You’ll gain not only technical skills but also professional values such as integrity, accuracy, and responsibility.


Who Can Apply?

EPPF’s programme is open to South African youth who meet these basic requirements:

  • Educational Requirement: A Grade 12 / Matric certificate is essential.
  • Location: You must be able to work in Sandton, South Africa.
  • Interest in Finance and Administration: While no formal work experience is required, an interest in retirement fund management, administration, or investment management will give you an advantage.

Inside the Learnership: What to Expect

Think of the EPPF Learnership as a journey. It begins with orientation, where you’ll learn about the organisation’s values, services, and mission. From there, your experience will grow in three phases:

Phase 1: Understanding the Basics

  • Learn how retirement funds operate in South Africa.
  • Understand pension legislation and regulations.
  • Get trained on EPPF’s internal systems and processes.

Phase 2: Skills in Action

  • Work within your assigned department, whether that’s administration, investment management, or member services.
  • Assist with real projects, such as processing claims or compiling investment reports.
  • Learn to handle data accurately and securely.

Phase 3: Professional Growth

  • Develop workplace skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Get feedback from mentors and supervisors to refine your performance.
  • Prepare for a career in finance, administration, or even broader business roles.

The EPPF Workplace Culture

EPPF’s workplace is professional, but it’s also people-focused. You’ll find a culture of:

  • Integrity: Every decision is made with the members’ best interests in mind.
  • Collaboration: Teams work together to solve challenges and improve processes.
  • Excellence: There’s a constant push for accuracy, efficiency, and quality.
  • Social Responsibility: The organisation actively considers the social and environmental impact of its operations.

Location Advantage: Working in Sandton

The programme is based in Sandton, Johannesburg — often called the “financial capital” of South Africa. This location offers:

  • Access to major financial institutions and corporate networks
  • Modern office spaces equipped with the latest technology
  • A hub of economic activity, perfect for young professionals looking to grow their careers

Application Details

  • Closing Date: 31 August 2025
  • Application Method: Submit your CV and supporting documents through the official EPPF application process (details usually provided on their careers page).
  • Documents Needed:
    • Certified copy of your Matric certificate
    • Copy of your ID
    • Updated CV highlighting your skills and education

Tips for a Strong Application

  1. Highlight Your Skills
    Even if you have no work experience, showcase skills like computer literacy, communication, or problem-solving.
  2. Show Enthusiasm for Learning
    EPPF values candidates eager to grow and contribute. Mention why you’re interested in retirement fund management.
  3. Be Professional
    Ensure your CV is neat, clear, and error-free. This reflects the attention to detail expected in financial work.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for South Africa’s Youth

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the most pressing challenges. Opportunities like the EPPF Skills Training Programme bridge the gap between school and work, offering practical pathways into stable careers.

By joining, you’re not just finding a job — you’re stepping into a sector that offers long-term growth, professional stability, and the chance to make a positive societal impact.


A Day in the Life of a Learnership Participant

Picture this: You arrive at EPPF’s Sandton offices, greeted by colleagues who are as committed to service as they are to personal growth. After a quick morning meeting, you help process a claim for a pensioner who’s been waiting for their benefits.

Later, you work on compiling data for an investment portfolio review. By the end of the day, you’ve learned something new, completed meaningful work, and contributed to a member’s financial peace of mind.

Every day is different — but every day matters.


What Happens After the Programme?

While EPPF doesn’t guarantee permanent employment after the learnership, many participants find that the skills, knowledge, and connections they’ve built make them competitive candidates in the job market.

Some even secure positions within EPPF or in related industries like:

  • Banking and finance
  • Corporate administration
  • Investment advisory services
  • Non-profit financial management

EPPF’s Commitment to Development

Beyond technical training, EPPF invests in participants’ personal growth. You may have access to:

  • Mentorship programmes
  • Workshops on professional etiquette and workplace readiness
  • Opportunities to participate in social responsibility projects

This is training for both the mind and the heart.


Final Thoughts: Your Next Step

The EPPF Skills Training Programme 2025/2026 is more than a stepping stone — it’s a launchpad. If you’ve completed Matric, are based in or can relocate to Sandton, and want to start a career that blends finance, administration, and social impact, this is your chance.

With the closing date set for 31 August 2025, the clock is ticking. Your future self might thank you for making this move today.


EPPF Skills Training Programme 2025/2026 – Quick Facts

DetailInformation
OrganisationEskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF)
Programme TypeLearnership / Skills Training
LocationSandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
Minimum RequirementGrade 12 / Matric
Closing Date31 August 2025
Key BenefitsPractical work experience, professional mentorship, industry exposure

Linda Mokwena

Linda Mokwena is the voice behind YouthSkills.co.za, sharing the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, and career tips for young South Africans. Passionate about youth empowerment, Visit our offices or contact me directly on linda@youthskills.co.za

Linda Mokwena

Linda Mokwena is the voice behind YouthSkills.co.za, sharing the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, and career tips for young South Africans. Passionate about youth empowerment, Visit our offices or contact me directly on linda@youthskills.co.za

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