WK Construction

About WK Construction

WK Construction is a South African civil engineering and building contractor. Its head office is in Olifantsfontein, Johannesburg. The company traces its roots to 1960, when it traded as WJM Construction. A management buyout in 1993 gave it the WK Construction name it uses today.

Over the years the firm has helped to build railways, roads and pipelines across the country. It also works for state-owned and public clients, including Transnet and Rand Water. Its services include roads and earthworks, pipeline construction, trenchless technology, concrete structures, hydro power and township infrastructure. Management also states a commitment to broad-based black economic empowerment and to equal treatment of all employees.

The company runs a large fleet of excavators, dozers, graders and loaders, and it also owns specialised trenchless equipment. Operators receive regular refresher training. As a result, the business depends on a steady supply of skilled people, from machine operators to qualified engineers.

How WK Construction supports students

To secure that supply of engineers, WK Construction offers an all-inclusive bursary for students of BSc Civil Engineering. The funding covers study-related expenses, so a bursar can focus on lectures and exams instead of costs. Civil engineering is the core discipline behind the projects the company delivers, which makes the match between funder and field a natural one.

The award is not meant for school leavers. Instead, WK Construction looks for students who have already completed their first year, or who can show that they will do so before the award is made. This approach lets the company judge real university results before it commits money over several years. For example, a student with a strong first-year record has a better chance than one who has only matric results to show.

What to know before applying

Funding of this kind is aimed at South African citizens who study full time. Applicants are generally asked to send a short CV and a copy of their academic results to the company. Contact details and closing dates can change from year to year. Therefore, check the official WK Construction website, or phone the head office, before you send anything. The company has not published a formal work-back period for its bursary. However, a bursar may still be asked to sign an agreement with conditions. Read that agreement carefully and ask about any service obligation before you accept the award. Finally, remember that a bursary from WK Construction can also open the door to practical experience on road, pipeline and township projects around Gauteng and beyond. Students can also prepare in simple ways. Keep your first-year marks strong, since they carry the most weight. Gather certified copies of your ID and results early. Learn about the company's pipeline, trenchless and township projects, so that you can talk about them with confidence. A clear, short CV helps too, because the selectors read many applications. Above all, apply on time and keep a copy of everything you send.