Learnerships & Apprenticeships

Government Learnerships & Graduate Internships 2026 – Apply Today in South Africa

Government Invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Government Learnership and Internship vacancies.
The closing date for applications is 30 November 2025.


What Are Government Learnerships and Internships?

Government learnerships and internships are paid programmes that give young people a chance to work in real jobs while learning new skills.
They mix classroom lessons with hands‑on work at places like city halls, hospitals or big state companies.
You’ll earn a monthly stipend and, for learnerships, you can get an official NQF qualification.

What you getWhat you learn
Training in a trade or a job skillHow to do the job in a real office or on a job site
Money each month (R4 000–R10 000)Career knowledge in public service
Accredited qualification (for learnerships)Exposure to a professional work environment

Who can join?
Unemployed South African youth, 18–35 years old, who hold at least a Grade 12 diploma (or a lower level for some roles).


Where to Find Learnerships and Internships

Below is a simple guide to the top government departments and state‑owned companies that offer these jobs.
Click on each link to see the full list of positions, the steps to apply and the exact stipend amount.

Related:  City of Cape Town Metro Police & Traffic Learnership Programme 2026 | Apply Today for Career Opportunities

1. Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI)

  • Learnerships – Construction, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Civil Engineering
  • Internships – HR, Supply Chain, Finance, Public Administration, Civil Engineering

Browse for DPWI Internships here

2. Department of Health

  • Internships – HR, Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, ICT, Environmental Health
  • Learnerships – Pharmacy Assistant, Nursing (via HWSETA), Community Health Worker

3. Department of Home Affairs

  • Internships – Civic Services, Immigration, Admin/Clerical
  • Learnerships – Front Office, Security (Grade C–A)

4. Department of Education

  • Internships – HR, Finance, Admin, IT
  • Learnerships – Early Childhood Development, AET Practitioner, Teaching Assistant

5. Department of Transport

  • Learnerships & Internships – Freight Handling, Rail Operations, Aviation Ground Operations, Administration, Civil Engineering, Logistics

Also check: TETA Funded Employment and Job Opportunities

6. Department of Environmental Affairs

  • Internships – Environmental Management, Marine Science, Biodiversity Projects, Admin & HR, Legal Services

7. Department of Social Development

  • Internships – Social Work, Community Development, HR & Admin, Finance, Monitoring & Evaluation

8. Department of Correctional Services

  • Learnership – Corrections (NQF Level 4) – focuses on offender rehabilitation, security and operations management

9. South African Police Service (SAPS)

  • Learnerships – Police Trainee Programme, Crime Prevention, Community Safety
  • Internships – HR, Finance, Admin, Forensic (limited spots)

10. Municipal Government (Local Municipalities)

  • Roles – Finance, HR, Engineering, Water & Sanitation, Community Services, EPWP Office Internships

Browse for Municipality Vacancies here

11. State‑Owned Enterprises (SOEs)

These firms often pay the highest stipends. Popular options include:

  • Eskom – Engineering, Finance, IT, Safety
  • Transnet – Train Assistant, Port Operations, Engineering
  • Prasa – Transport Logistics, Administration
  • SABC – Media, Production, Journalism
  • SANRAL – Civil Engineering and more
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How to Apply

  1. Get your documents ready
    • Certified ID
    • Certified Grade 12 (or equivalent) certificate
    • CV (use the Edupstairs CV Builder for a clean layout)
    • Proof of residence
    • Academic transcripts if you’re applying for an internship
  2. Fill out the new Z83 form – this is mandatory for every government application.
  3. Submit before the closing date – late applications won’t be accepted.
  4. Check your email or the recruitment portal – you’ll see a reference number, interview invite or a short‑listing notice.

Quick Tips to Boost Your Chances

  • Apply early – the first 100 spots are often the best.
  • Keep your CV simple and tidy.
  • Attach all required documents – missing paperwork can cost you a spot.
  • Double‑check spelling on the Z83 form.
  • Apply to multiple departments; you can have more than one chance.
  • Follow Edupstairs daily updates – new openings appear every week.

Best Options for Grade 12 Holders (2025)

  • Corrections Services Learnership
  • SAPS Trainee Programme
  • Home Affairs Front Office Learnership
  • Health Care Worker Learnership (HWSETA)
  • Traffic Trainee Learnerships
  • Municipal General Worker Learnerships

Top Internships for Graduates (2025)

  • DPWI Internships
  • Department of Health Graduate Internships
  • CIPC Internships
  • Mintek Internships
  • NNR Internships
  • Eskom / Transnet / Prasa
  • Municipal Finance Internships
  • Environmental Affairs Internships

FAQs

QuestionAnswer
Which learnerships can I join with a Grade 12 diploma?Corrections Services, SAPS, Home Affairs, Traffic Officer, Health Worker
How old do I need to be?18 to 35 years
Do I need prior work experience?No – these programmes are for unemployed graduates.
How much does an internship pay?R5 000 to R10 000 a month, depending on the department.
Can I apply for more than one internship?Yes – as many as you qualify for.
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Expand Your Horizons with SETA Bursaries

If you’re also interested in training that pays you while you learn, check out the SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year. They’re a great way to build skills without a job, and many are open until the end of the year.


Edupstairs does not recruit on behalf of any government department or SOE.
We only publish official, verified job openings. Always apply directly using the instructions in each advert.

Priya Sachdeva

Priya Sachdeva is a Content creator with expertise in SEO. With 7 years of experience, she is passionate about content writing

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