Absa has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated 2026 Financial Adviser Learnership, a structured 12-month programme designed to empower unemployed graduates with the knowledge, workplace exposure, and regulatory training needed to start a successful career in the financial services environment. Applications for this opportunity close on 16 December 2025, giving interested candidates enough time to prepare a strong and complete application.

This learnership is part of Absa’s broader commitment to developing young professionals, strengthening financial literacy across the country, and contributing to a more inclusive and skilled financial sector. With over a century of experience in banking, Absa continues to invest in initiatives that uplift communities and create career pathways for the next generation of financial experts.

Overview of the 2026 Financial Adviser Learnership

The Absa Financial Adviser Learnership is designed for recent graduates who are eager to gain practical work experience while building strong foundations in customer engagement, financial advisory practices, compliance procedures, sales, administrative functions, and client support.

This full-time programme provides a blend of theoretical learning and real workplace exposure. Learners will be based in Absa branches across South Africa, where they will take part in daily banking operations under the supervision of experienced professionals.

The programme is ideal for young people passionate about finance, who enjoy working with customers and are committed to developing a long-term career in advisory or related fields.

Key Features of the Learnership

1. Structured Learning and Development

Learners will complete a series of training modules tailored to the financial services industry. These modules cover:

• Fundamentals of financial products
• Customer service excellence
• Compliance and regulatory requirements
• Advisory processes
• Financial needs analysis
• Ethical conduct in financial services

Absa ensures that all training aligns with industry standards and equips graduates with skills that are both practical and relevant.

2. Hands-On Workplace Experience

Participants will be placed in Absa branches, where they will work closely with banking staff and customers. This includes:

• Assisting with client queries
• Taking part in daily banking tasks
• Observing how financial advisers interact with clients
• Learning how sales and advice processes are executed
• Supporting business operations

This real-world exposure helps learners build confidence and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a financial adviser.

3. Exposure to Financial Advisory Roles

Under supervision, learners will gain valuable insight into:

• Conducting customer needs assessments
• Understanding different financial products
• Knowing how advice is delivered responsibly
• Interpreting customer information and recommending suitable solutions
• Supporting sales processes and customer engagement

4. FAIS Compliance and Regulatory Training

Because financial advisory roles in South Africa are regulated, the learnership includes essential FAIS-based training. This enables learners to understand the responsibilities, ethical standards, and rules required for financial representatives.

Candidates with the following will have an added advantage:

• FSCA-approved qualifications
• RE5 (Regulatory Exam for Representatives)
• Class of Business training
• Product-specific training (once onboarded)
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits

Having these qualifications is beneficial but not mandatory for application.

What Learners Will Be Expected to Do

Absa emphasises active participation and professional growth. Learners must be willing to take part in all activities assigned to them, including:

1. Workplace Activities

Learners will support branch operations by completing tasks such as:

• Assisting with customer service
• Participating in team activities
• Helping maintain smooth branch operations
• Preparing documentation and reports

2. Customer Support and Interaction

Customer interaction is a key component of the programme. Learners will:

• Assist customers with queries
• Direct clients to the correct services
• Maintain high service standards
• Ensure clients receive helpful and accurate information

3. Supporting Sales and Performance Targets

While this is a training programme, learners will be exposed to:

• Lead management
• Strike rates and performance indicators
• Sales-support activities
• Assisting financial advisers with customer engagements

This offers a realistic experience of how financial advisory units function within the banking environment.

4. Administrative and Reporting Tasks

Learners will also be responsible for:

• Data capturing
• Updating progress reports
• Preparing documentation
• Maintaining accurate records
• Ensuring all information is handled confidentially

5. Compliance, Ethics, and SOP Adherence

To succeed in this learnership, learners must uphold:

• Absa’s Standard Operating Procedures
• Confidentiality requirements
• Ethical conduct
• FSCA and FAIS regulations
• Quality assurance processes

Minimum Educational Requirements

To qualify for the learnership, applicants must meet the following:

Essential Requirements

• A completed Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in:
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Law
  • Economics
  • Banking
  • Or any related field
• Matric / National Senior Certificate

This makes the programme suitable for new graduates transitioning into the workforce.

Ideal Candidates

This learnership is best suited for individuals who:

• Enjoy working with people
• Want to grow a career in financial services
• Have strong communication skills
• Are eager to learn and develop professionally
• Can perform well in a structured and target-driven environment
• Have a passion for helping clients improve their financial well-being

Employment Equity Commitment

Absa is committed to diversity, transformation, and fair inclusion in the workplace. In line with the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998), preference may be offered to applicants from designated groups.

However, all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

Absa also reserves the right not to make an appointment if organisational needs change.

How to Apply for the Learnership

Candidates can submit their applications online through the official Absa career portal.

Documents Needed

Prepare the following for a successful application:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of your Matric Certificate
• Certified copies of your qualifications
• Any FAIS-related certificates (if applicable)

Ensure your documents are clear, valid, and correctly attached.

Why This Learnership Is Important

South Africa’s financial sector continues to grow and evolve, creating demand for skilled professionals who understand customer behaviour, compliance requirements, and financial advisory standards.

However, many graduates struggle to access workplace exposure or specialised training. The Absa learnership helps bridge this gap by providing:

• In-depth financial advisory training
• Real experience working in a banking environment
• A chance to pursue a professional financial adviser role
• Opportunities for long-term employment based on performance

Learners who successfully complete the programme often move into permanent roles or more advanced development programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the 2026 Absa Financial Adviser Learnership?

Unemployed South African graduates who have completed a degree or advanced diploma in finance, accounting, law, or related fields.

2. How long is the learnership?

The programme runs for 12 months, full-time.

3. Do I need prior experience in financial services?

No. Prior experience is not required, but having FAIS-related training or RE5 certification will strengthen your application.

4. Will I receive a monthly stipend?

Most learnerships include a stipend. The exact amount is not confirmed in the advert and will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.

5. Can the learnership lead to permanent employment?

Yes. Many learners transition into permanent positions depending on performance and business needs.

6. When is the application deadline?

Applications close on 16 December 2025.

7. Where do I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted on the official Absa Careers website under learnership opportunities.

8. Can I apply if my degree is not in Finance?

You may apply if your qualification is in a related field such as business, accounting, banking, or law.

9. Will I receive training for FAIS requirements?

Yes. The learnership provides regulatory training and support to ensure learners understand compliance requirements.

10. Is this programme only available in certain provinces?

Absa places learners across South Africa, so candidates from all provinces are welcome to apply.

THATO SABETHWA

Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.