Graduate Development Programme – Information Technology (Entry Level)

Rand Water

Available Locations: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Job Description

Job Summary


Rand Water is seeking high‑potential IT graduates to join our structured Graduate Development Programme. This entry‑level opportunity is designed to fast‑track your transition from university to the world of work through rotational exposure, mentoring, formal learning, and real, high‑impact project delivery within a mission‑critical utility environment. You will support core IT functions such as applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data & analytics, and end‑user support while developing the professional, technical, and leadership capabilities needed for a long-term career at Rand Water.



Key Responsibilities



  • Rotate across IT domains (e.g., Service Desk, Networks & Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Application Development, Data & BI, OT/SCADA support) and contribute to day-to-day operations.

  • Assist with solution development: requirements gathering, coding, testing, documentation, deployment, and maintenance.

  • Support incident, problem, and change management processes aligned to ITIL practices.

  • Participate in cybersecurity hardening, monitoring, and awareness initiatives.

  • Contribute to data engineering and analytics work: ETL pipelines, dashboards, data quality checks, and reporting.

  • Automate repetitive tasks using scripting and low-code/no-code tools.

  • Draft and maintain technical and user documentation.

  • Collaborate in cross-functional project teams to deliver improvements to business processes and customer experience.

  • Engage in continuous learning through formal modules, certifications, mentoring sessions, and on-the-job coaching.

  • Present learnings and project outcomes to stakeholders and programme sponsors.



Required Skills and Qualifications



  • Bachelor’s Degree/National Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science/Analytics, or related fields.

  • Strong academic track record and demonstrable interest in technology, problem-solving, and public service.

  • Foundational knowledge of one or more of the following:



    • Programming / scripting (e.g., Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, SQL, PowerShell).

    • Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching, firewall basics).

    • Cloud concepts (Azure/AWS/GCP fundamentals).

    • Databases, data modelling, BI/visualisation (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

    • Cybersecurity principles, governance, and risk basics.



  • Familiarity with ITIL concepts (incidents, problems, changes) is advantageous.

  • Proficiency in MS Office / 365 suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, Teams).

  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical audiences.



Experience



  • No prior full-time work experience required—this is an entry-level graduate programme.

  • Internship, vacation work, hackathons, community tech projects, or open-source contributions will be a strong plus.

  • Certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+/N+, Azure/AWS Fundamentals, ITIL Foundation) are advantageous but not mandatory.



Working Hours



  • Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday.

  • Hybrid/onsite arrangements may be applied depending on rotation, team needs, and operational requirements.

  • After-hours or weekend availability may occasionally be required for planned maintenance, deployments, or incident response (with time off in lieu as per policy).



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities


Technical Knowledge



  • Software development lifecycle (SDLC) concepts.

  • Basic networking, operating systems (Windows/Linux), and cloud fundamentals.

  • Data warehousing, ETL, and reporting basics.

  • Information security fundamentals (CIA triad, access control, vulnerability management).


Professional Skills



  • Analytical and critical thinking with strong attention to detail.

  • Curiosity and a growth mindset; willingness to learn and be mentored.

  • Collaboration, teamwork, and stakeholder management.

  • Time management, prioritisation, and ability to meet deadlines.

  • Adaptability in a fast-paced, mission-critical operational environment.



Benefits



  • Structured 12–24 month development journey with defined learning outcomes.

  • Mentorship & coaching from seasoned IT professionals.

  • Formal training & certifications aligned to your rotation pathway.

  • Hands-on project experience that impacts essential public services.

  • Competitive stipend/remuneration for the programme duration.

  • Access to employee wellness resources and organisational learning platforms.

  • Potential for permanent placement based on performance, business needs, and available roles.



Why Join Rand Water



  • Purpose-driven work: Contribute to reliable, safe water services that underpin social and economic development.

  • Enterprise-scale technology landscape: Gain exposure to complex infrastructure, operational technology (OT), and business systems.

  • Career acceleration: Build a broad foundation across multiple IT disciplines to discover your best-fit career path.

  • Inclusive culture: Work within diverse teams that value innovation, integrity, service, and continuous improvement.



How to Apply


Please submit the following via the designated Rand Water careers portal/application channel:



  1. Updated CV/Resume (PDF).

  2. Certified copies of your academic transcripts/qualification(s).

  3. Copy of your ID document (and work authorization, if applicable).

  4. Short motivation letter (max 1 page) explaining why you’re passionate about IT and public service, and how you will add value to Rand Water.

  5. Any supporting certifications, portfolios, GitHub/LinkedIn links (optional but encouraged).


Application Tip: Highlight academic projects, capstones, hackathons, or practical assignments that show your technical depth, problem-solving ability, and teamwork.

Apply Now

Similar Jobs