Hillary Construction

About Hillary Construction

Hillary Construction is a civil engineering contractor based in Polokwane, Limpopo. Bill and Irene Hillary started the business in 1963 as an earthmoving operation. It was registered as a civil engineering contractor in 1967. Over six decades it has grown into a significant regional builder of roads, earthworks and other civil infrastructure.

The company works mainly in Limpopo, but its projects also reach Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Because much of its work happens far from the large cities, finding skilled technical staff is a constant challenge. Many graduates prefer to settle in bigger centres after they qualify.

How Hillary Construction supports students

To address this shortage, Hillary Construction runs a bursary programme. It is aimed at students working towards a National Diploma or a degree in civil engineering, quantity surveying or surveying. Applicants should be South African citizens or permanent residents with good matric Mathematics and Science results. Those already at a university or university of technology should hold an overall average of about 65%.

Published information says the support covers tuition and registration, exam costs, a monthly allowance and study equipment. The programme also stands out because of its learnership route. Successful candidates are first offered a one-year Road Construction Learnership as a gap year. During that year the company considers sponsorship for the following year of study. As a result, students learn how a site really works before they begin their degree.

In practice, the bursary works as a recruitment pipeline. The company invests in people it hopes to employ later. That suits students who want a career in road building or construction in the northern provinces.

What to know before applying

Applications are made by email. You will need to send a CV and your academic results to the company's human resources department. Shortlisted candidates are contacted and invited to an interview and psychometric testing at the Polokwane head office. The usual closing date is 30 November each year.

Road construction is a practical trade, and the learnership year gives applicants a real taste of it before they commit to years of study. You may work alongside experienced site teams, see how plant and materials are managed, and learn about safety on an active site. For students from Limpopo, this route can also mean building a career close to home instead of moving to a distant city.

Published material does not set out a further bonded-employment period after the learnership year. Even so, you should ask the company for the current agreement terms before you sign anything. Requirements, closing dates and the funding package can change from one intake to the next. Therefore, check the official Hillary Construction website or contact the company directly for the latest details.