GAST

About GAST

GAST is a South African engineering, construction and specialist-materials group with its head office in Pretoria. It began in 1961 as a chemicals business that made waterproofing compounds and coatings for dams and reservoirs. Over the decades, the company grew well beyond those origins.

Today GAST works in geosynthetics such as geomembranes, geotextiles, geogrids and clay liners. It also offers waterproofing, civil engineering, construction, mining-support products and lagoon systems for water and wastewater. According to company information, it has completed more than 13 000 projects and operates in over 30 countries. Dr Kevin Gast, who became chairman in 1983, has led much of this growth.

Many of these projects serve water, sanitation, mining and agriculture. These sectors depend on trained civil, geotechnical and construction professionals, and South Africa does not have enough of them. Geosynthetics is also a niche area. Few university courses teach it in depth, so industry training plays a real role in building the skills base.

How GAST supports students

GAST runs a bursary programme to build its own pipeline of engineers and technical staff. Listings from earlier years show funding for degrees and diplomas in civil engineering, construction management, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, mining engineering and quantity surveying. The cover included registration fees, tuition, exam fees, prescribed textbooks and travel costs.

The company has also advertised learnership and graduate development opportunities on its careers pages. For example, a civil engineering graduate could join a construction or geosynthetics team and learn on live sites. However, the company does not publish full terms for every programme, so details vary.

What to know before applying

Earlier adverts asked for South African citizens or permanent residents with matric Mathematics and Science. They also asked for full-time study at a recognised university or university of technology and a minimum academic average of 70%. Applicants sent an ID copy, matric results, proof of enrolment, academic records, a CV and a motivation letter. One important point concerns work-back. In earlier listings, GAST required graduates to work for the company for one year for each year of bursary funding. That is a typical arrangement, but the terms may change. Therefore, confirm the current rules directly with GAST, and read your contract carefully before you sign. Finally, check the official site for open dates, since GAST accepts applications only at certain times of the year. Students can prepare by building practical knowledge. Read about geomembranes, dam lining and wastewater lagoons, because these are central to the company's work. Show interest in site work, not just theory. In addition, keep your average above the stated minimum, and try to gain vacation experience with any engineering firm. That kind of background helps a selection panel see your commitment.