Step-by-Step: Applying for Government Printing Works Internships 2026
Government Printing Works (GPW) invites suitably qualified South African graduates to apply for their Internship Programme 2026/2028 (24-months). The closing date for applications is 20 October 2025.
If you are a young graduate looking for hands-on workplace training with one of South Africa’s most important government departments, this internship might be your chance. GPW plays a vital role in producing secure documents like passports, ID books and official publications. Now, they are opening doors for graduates to gain real experience in different fields.
Why You Should Apply for the GPW Internship Programme
For many young graduates, finding that first job is the hardest part of the career journey. Employers often want experience, but how do you get it if no one gives you a chance? That’s exactly why GPW is running this internship. It offers 24 months of structured, practical exposure, under the guidance of experts, across various fields like Finance, Human Resources, ICT, Security, Communications, and Operations.
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R7,860.40, giving them financial support while they learn and grow.
Internship Locations
The internship opportunities are spread across different regions in South Africa, making it easier for graduates from different provinces to apply. Locations include:
- Pretoria
- Zandfontein
- Polokwane
- Mahikeng
- East London
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed and not currently in another internship programme.
- Hold a relevant diploma or degree in the field you are applying for.
- Be ready to commit to a full 24-month training contract.
This opportunity is not only about learning, but also about preparing yourself for real employment in the government or private sector after the internship ends.
Internship Streams Available & Emails (Ref Nos.)
There are more than 40 internship posts across different units. Here are some of the available streams:
- Finance & Accounting – Contract Management, Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Budget Office, Asset Management.
- Risk & Compliance – Internal Audit, Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity.
- ICT (Information & Technology) – Applications Management, ICT Security, Infrastructure, System Development.
- Security – Protection Security, Security Systems (Electronics), Administration & Coordination.
- Sales & Operations – Printing Outsourcing, Sales at different branches, E-Gazette Desktop Publishing.
- Communications – Graphic Design, Layout, and Publishing.
- Human Resources – Talent Management, Change Management, Organisational Development.
- Contract Management x2 – Ref GPW2025/01 → Email: Gpw.ContrManIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Office of the Director: Contract Management x1 – Ref GPW2025/02 → Gpw.ContrManIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Printing Outsourcing x2 – Ref GPW2025/03 → Gpw.ContrManIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Salaries & Payroll x1 – Ref GPW2025/04 → Gpw.FinServIntern@gpw.gov.za
- General Ledger x1 – Ref GPW2025/05 → Gpw.FinServIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Accounts Receivable x2 – Ref GPW2025/06 → Gpw.FinServIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Accounts Payable x1 – Ref GPW2025/07 → Gpw.FinServIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Budget Office x1 – Ref GPW2025/08 → Gpw.FinServIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Asset Management x2 – Ref GPW2025/09 → Gpw.FinServIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Enterprise Risk Management x1 – Ref GPW2025/10 → Gpw.ERMIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Business Continuity & Compliance x1 – Ref GPW2025/11 → Gpw.ERMIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Internal Audit x2 – Ref GPW2025/12 → Gpw.IAIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Communications (Graphic Design) x1 – Ref GPW2025/13 → Gpw.CommsIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Sales (Zandfontein) x6 – Ref GPW2025/14 → Gpw.SalesIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Sales (Polokwane) x2 – Ref GPW2025/15 → Gpw.SalesIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Sales (Mahikeng) x2 – Ref GPW2025/16 → Gpw.SalesIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Sales (East London) x2 – Ref GPW2025/17 → Gpw.SalesIntern@gpw.gov.za
- E-Gazette DTP (Desktop Publishing/Layout) x2 – Ref GPW2025/18 → Gpw.OpsManIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Protection Security x3 – Ref GPW2025/19 → Gpw.SecManIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Administration & Coordination x1 – Ref GPW2025/20 → Gpw.SecManIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Security Systems (Electronics) x2 – Ref GPW2025/21 → Gpw.SecManIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Applications Management (IT) x1 – Ref GPW2025/22 → Gpw.ICTIntern@gpw.gov.za
- ICT Security/Governance/Risk/Compliance/Strategy/Continuity x2 – Ref GPW2025/23 → Gpw.ICTIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Infrastructure Management (IT) x1 – Ref GPW2025/24 → Gpw.ICTIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Organisational Development & Change Management x1 – Ref GPW2025/25 → Gpw.HRIntern@gpw.gov.za
- Talent Management (HRD/Training) x1 – Ref GPW2025/26 → Gpw.HRIntern@gpw.gov.za
Each stream has its own reference number that applicants must use when applying. Make sure you apply for the correct one that matches your qualifications.
What You Need to Apply
Applicants are required to submit:
- A new Z83 application form (make sure page 2 is signed and the reference number is filled in correctly).
- A detailed CV.
Important to note: Certified copies of your ID, matric certificate, qualifications and driver’s license (if needed) will only be asked from shortlisted candidates. If you studied outside South Africa, your qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.
How to Apply for GPW Internships 2026
Applications can be sent in three ways:
- Email (Preferred Method)
- Use the email address listed for your chosen stream.
- Put the correct reference number in the subject line.
- Post
- Address to: The Branch: Human Resources, Government Printing Works, Private Bag X85, Pretoria, 0001
- Hand Delivery
- Drop off at: 149 Bosman Street, Pretoria
- For Attention: Ms DD Madiba / Ms NW Mathibela (HR)
For questions, you may call (012) 748 6277 / (012) 748 6297.
Things You Should Know
- Security checks and suitability tests will be done before placement.
- GPW is not forced to fill all the posts.
- Getting into the internship does not guarantee a permanent job afterwards.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- If you don’t hear back within 3–6 months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Why This Internship Matters
Internships like this one are more than just work experience. They open doors. You get the chance to prove yourself, make networks, and build confidence in your career field. Many graduates who start in such programmes later find jobs in the government or private sector because of the skills they gained.
If you are serious about growing your career and want to take a step toward financial independence, this GPW internship can be your golden ticket.
Don’t wait until the last day. Prepare your documents, check the reference numbers carefully, and submit your application before 20 October 2025.
