PPC

About PPC

PPC is one of the oldest and best-known building materials companies in Southern Africa. It began in 1892 as De Eerste Cement Fabrieken, which opened the first cement plant in South Africa at Hercules, near Pretoria. The name later changed to Pretoria Portland Cement. Today the head office is in Dunkeld, Johannesburg.

The company makes cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete and fly ash. It runs plants and blending facilities in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. In 2025 it announced a R3 billion investment in a new integrated cement plant in the Western Cape. This shows that the business is still expanding and will need skilled people for years to come.

How PPC supports students

Cement making is an engineering-heavy process. Kilns, mills, quarries and power systems all need qualified specialists. For this reason, PPC has offered bursaries in mechanical, electrical, mining, chemical and industrial engineering. Environmental degrees have also been included.

In past calls the bursary was a full one. It covered tuition fees, accommodation and meals, which is a significant help for students from poorer households. Study had to be full-time at a recognised South African university or university of technology.

PPC also signed a 24.5 MW solar power agreement in 2025, which shows growing interest in energy and sustainability skills. Therefore, students in electrical, mechanical and environmental fields may find that their training matches the group's direction. Engineering graduates also gain heavy-industry experience, which employers across construction and manufacturing value. Aggregates and ready-mixed concrete are also part of the business, so students interested in quarrying and construction materials may find related roles.

What to know before applying

Earlier calls asked for South African citizens who lived near PPC operations and who had finished or were completing matric. Engineering applicants needed strong marks in mathematics and physical science, and financial need was part of the assessment. Applicants also had to supply a certified ID copy, academic records and proof of admission to a tertiary institution.

The work-back condition is important. Past recipients agreed to work for PPC after graduating for a period equal to the length of the bursary, depending on vacancies at the company. In other words, the bursary is an investment in future employees rather than a free gift. Think carefully about whether a career in cement and building materials appeals to you.

Application channels and dates have changed over the years. Some earlier calls ran through an outside recruitment agency and stayed open all year, but this may not apply now. Learnership and graduate openings, where available, are usually advertised separately. Therefore, check the careers section of the PPC website for the current process before you apply.