Graduates are feeling the pressure now – employers keep asking for experience you haven’t had a chance to get. The Services SETA To The Power of X² Internship Programme offers a fast track to two years of paid workplace experience, and registration is still open.
What the opportunity is
The To The Power of X² programme is a national graduate internship scheme funded by Services SETA and managed by African Global Skills Academy. It aims to create 20 000 structured, paid internships that last 24 months. Placements are offered by approved public‑sector and private‑sector employers across all nine provinces.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You are currently unemployed.
- You have completed a recognised post‑school qualification (Matric, N6, diploma, degree, etc.) that meets the programme’s criteria.
- You can provide a certified copy of your South African ID, your Matric certificate, and your highest qualification certificate (both certifications less than six months old).
- You can upload an up‑to‑date CV.
- You are available for a 24‑month structured internship if you are matched with a host employer.
- You meet any additional requirements set by the specific host employer (e.g., language, location).
What you gain
- Monthly stipend for the full 24 months (exact amount is confirmed by the host employer).
- A laptop provided to every placed intern.
- Practical experience that links directly to your qualification.
- Mentorship and supervision from professionals in the workplace.
- Development of technical, communication and problem‑solving skills.
- Better chances of securing permanent employment after the internship.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official programme page. Review details on To The Power of X² Programme Information.
- Open the registration portal. Click the graduate registration option or go directly to the application portal.
- Enter personal information. Provide your full name, ID number, email, phone number, home address and preferred province.
- Enter qualification details. Select your highest qualification, the institution, year of completion and qualification level (use the SAQA identifier if known).
- State employment and location preferences. Confirm you are unemployed, indicate where you are willing to work and note any relocation constraints.
- Complete declarations. Answer truthfully about previous work experience, any prior SETA funding, disability status and consent to data processing.
- Upload the required documents. Upload each file as a PDF under 8 MB: certified ID copy, certified Matric certificate, certified highest qualification certificate, and your CV.
- Submit and check your email. After submitting, you will receive a link (valid for 48 hours) to set a password for the portal. Keep an eye on your spam folder.
Tips to improve your chances
- Use an ATS‑friendly CV. List your contact details, qualification, year of completion, relevant modules, technical skills, projects, volunteering and any achievements.
- Certify documents correctly. Ensure the ID, Matric and qualification certificates are signed and dated within the last six months.
- Provide accurate location information. The matching process heavily relies on province and municipality data.
- Research possible occupations. Look up related job titles on the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer to see where your qualification can lead.
- Apply to multiple programmes. While you wait for a match, also consider other legitimate internships posted on the SETA SA platform.
Next steps
Register now to add your profile to the national talent pool. After you submit, monitor your email for any further instructions and be ready to provide additional verification if requested.
If you have questions, email the graduate support team at recruitment@tothepowerofx.co.za or visit the FAQ page for more information.
Remember, the internship is a stepping stone, not a guarantee of permanent work. Keep building your skills, stay proactive, and use every opportunity to move closer to a sustainable career.
