Government Youth Employment Drive 2026: R350m to place 130,000 youths

South Africa needs more jobs for its youth right now, and the government has just announced a huge new programme to help you get into work. The Government Youth Employment Drive 2026 is aimed at putting thousands of young South Africans into learnerships, internships and skills training.

What the initiative is

The Department of Employment and Labour will spend R350 million on a partnership with business, the Presidency and the National Pathway Management Network. The goal is to place 130 000 young people in learning opportunities, workplace exposure and employment interventions. An extra R95 million from the IDC will fund youth‑innovation projects, and a separate plan will recruit 200 000 unemployed South Africans during the 2026/27 financial year.

Who can apply

• South African citizens aged 15‑34.
• Graduates, TVET students, first‑time job seekers and anyone currently unemployed.
• You must have valid identification and South African qualifications (matric, diploma or degree) relevant to the role you target.
• For the innovation projects, you need a clear business or entrepreneurship idea.

What you will gain

• Practical work experience through internships and work‑integrated learning.
• Skills development in high‑demand sectors such as engineering, accounting, finance, law, health and digital technologies.
• Access to a driver’s licence training programme (10 000 places) and a separate digital‑skills training programme (10 000 places).
• Better chances of finding permanent employment after the placement.

How to apply – step by step

1. Visit the official Department of Employment and Labour website or your nearest Department of Labour office for the latest application forms.
2. Register on the Employment Services South Africa (ESSA) portal – this is the main database for job‑seekers.
3. Gather the required documents: ID copy, proof of qualification, updated CV and any certificates of previous training.
4. Complete the online or paper application, clearly stating the type of opportunity you are seeking (learnership, internship, digital‑skills training, etc.).
5. Submit the application before the deadline posted on the website. Keep a copy of the confirmation email or receipt.
6. Follow up through the ESSA portal or the contact details provided in the acknowledgement letter.

Tips to improve your chances

• Tailor your CV to the sector you want – highlight relevant modules, projects or volunteer work.
• Use clear, simple language and avoid spelling mistakes.
• Register for more than one opportunity; 70 % of the spots are reserved for youth, but competition is high.
• Keep your certificates, ID and proof of residence ready as PDF files for quick upload.
• Stay alert to official announcements on the Department of Employment and Labour site and ESSA updates.
• Consider taking short free digital‑skills courses online now to boost your profile.

Next steps

Start by creating or updating your ESSA profile today. Then gather the documents listed above and watch for the first round of announcements – they are expected to appear early in 2026. Remember, the programme is a chance to gain real work experience, not a guarantee of a permanent job. Stay persistent, keep learning, and you will be better positioned for the opportunities that 2026 will bring.