The creative industry in South Africa is growing rapidly, and more young people are stepping into careers in digital media, visual design, branding, and content development. If you’ve been searching for an opportunity to start or strengthen your design career, the City of Johannesburg Graphic Design Learnership & Internship (2025–2027) is one of the most promising entry points you’ll find.City of Joburg Graphic Design Learnership 2025
This programme is crafted for young people who have talent, passion, and enthusiasm—but may lack experience or opportunities. Whether you dream of designing for major brands, contributing to city-wide campaigns, or building a strong design portfolio, this opportunity gives you a professional environment to grow.
This expanded guide covers everything you need to know about the internship—from what you’ll learn to what you need, how to apply, the benefits, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Introduction: Why This Programme Matters for Young Designers
The City of Johannesburg is a center of business, entertainment, culture, and innovation. To communicate effectively with millions of residents, the city relies heavily on graphic design, branding, digital communication, and visual storytelling.
This is where the Graphic Design Learnership & Internship comes in.
The programme allows young designers to work within the Communications and Stakeholder Management Unit, specifically the Strategic Communications team. Interns are trained to produce visual material that supports the city’s communication goals—including public awareness campaigns, social media communication, digital branding, and printed marketing content.
This isn’t just a training programme; it’s a career launchpad.
You’ll gain experience that is difficult to obtain without industry exposure. You’ll also build a professional portfolio that can help you land future roles in government communication, advertising agencies, digital marketing studios, corporate branding, or freelance design.
What the Programme Offers (Expanded Detail)
The internship provides a structured learning environment where you work directly with professionals in communication, design, and marketing. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Hands-On Learning Environment
Interns participate in real design projects that serve real audiences. You will contribute to:
- Website banners and digital posters
- Social media campaigns
- Printed communication materials
- Event branding and marketing
- Stakeholder communication projects
- Community awareness campaigns
- Multimedia and animation content
This practical experience is extremely valuable and gives you a clear understanding of how design functions in a fast-paced environment.
2. Training Across Multiple Design Areas
You will gain experience in both traditional and modern design fields, including:
- Digital design
- Print media and layout design
- Corporate branding
- Public-sector communication styles
- Infographic creation
- Motion graphics
- Basic video editing
- Character design and illustration
- Logo development
- Concept creation and design thinking
The goal is to equip you with the skills that modern employers look for.
3. Working with Multiple Departments
One of the unique aspects of this internship is the exposure you’ll receive to different parts of the city’s operations. You may work with:
- Finance
- Economic Development
- Property and infrastructure units
- Community Safety
- Environmental management
- Housing and urban planning
This helps you understand how design supports communication across various sectors.
4. Professional Mentorship
You will learn from experienced communication specialists, designers, content creators, and brand managers. Working with experts helps you:
- Improve your design quality
- Learn faster
- Understand professional standards
- Receive constructive feedback
- Build confidence
This is mentorship you rarely receive outside structured programmes.
Why the Programme Is a Big Opportunity
1. You Build a Strong Portfolio
Every designer needs a portfolio. During the internship, you will work on enough real projects to start developing yours. Your portfolio becomes a powerful tool when applying for jobs or internships in the future.
2. Corporate-Level Experience
Public-sector communication is very organized and structured. Learning how to manage deadlines, processes, and team communication prepares you for similar environments in advertising agencies, marketing departments, and design studios.
3. Monthly Stipend
Yes, the internship includes financial support. This makes the programme more accessible to young people who want to learn and grow while still earning.
4. You Learn With Purpose
Your work will help the city:
- Improve public communication
- Raise awareness about services
- Promote safety
- Share important updates
- Support community development
You are contributing to something bigger—adding meaning to your design journey.
Detailed Breakdown of the Skills You Will Learn
Here’s a closer look at the technical and professional skills covered in the programme:
Technical Design Skills
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Toon Boom (bonus, but not required)
- Image editing and retouching
- Layout and typesetting
- Poster and flyer design
- Video editing and animation basics
- Social media graphic templates
- Brochure and publication design
Communication & Branding Skills
- Understanding brand consistency
- Designing within brand guidelines
- Creating messages for diverse audiences
- Visual storytelling
- Designing for public campaigns
Professional Skills
- Time management
- Planning and organizing
- Creative problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Research and concept development
- Interpreting briefs
- Providing design solutions
- Attention to detail
These skills are essential for long-term growth in the creative industry.
Eligibility & Requirements (Expanded)
To qualify for the 2025–2027 cycle, applicants must meet the following:
Basic Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate
- NQF Level 6 Diploma in:
- Graphic Design
- Visual Arts
- Web Design
- Computer Graphics
- Marketing
- Digital Media
- Or a related creative field
- Must be a resident of the City of Johannesburg
- Must be able to work full-time
- Must have basic or advanced Adobe software knowledge
Personal Qualities They Value
- Creativity
- Communication skills
- Curiosity
- Eagerness to learn
- Professionalism
- Reliability
- Positive attitude
- Ability to follow instructions
- Willingness to work in a team
If you tick most of these boxes, you have a strong chance of being selected.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official City of Johannesburg portal:
👉 Apply Online:
https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1GDjMi7udQrG6CzvOVpemlQew554
Make sure you prepare:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Portfolio samples (if requested)
- Updated CV
Closing Date: 27 November 2025
Late applications are not accepted.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the internship?
Anyone living in the City of Johannesburg who has at least an NQF Level 6 qualification in design or a related creative field.
2. Is the programme paid?
Yes. Interns receive a monthly stipend to support them during the programme.
3. How long is the internship?
The cycle runs from 2025 to 2027, giving interns enough time to gain meaningful experience.
4. Do I need to know Adobe software?
Yes. Basic to strong knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is required. Knowledge of After Effects and Premiere Pro is an added advantage.
5. Can I apply if I am studying part-time?
No. This is a full-time programme, and availability from Monday to Friday is essential.
6. Will I work with different departments?
Yes. You may collaborate with multiple city units depending on project needs.
7. Do I need a portfolio?
A portfolio is always helpful, even if simple. It increases your chances of selection.
8. Is this programme suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you meet the minimum academic and technical requirements.
9. What happens after the internship ends?
Interns can pursue opportunities in government departments, media companies, marketing agencies, freelance design, corporate branding, or digital content creation.
Final Thoughts
The City of Joburg Graphic Design Learnership & Internship (2025–2027) is one of the best opportunities for young creatives who want to grow their skills, gain real-world experience, and build a strong professional foundation. It offers practical training, mentorship, and access to real communication projects that impact millions of people.
If you have a passion for visual messaging, branding, digital design, and storytelling, you shouldn’t miss this opportunity. Start preparing your documents, polish your portfolio, and submit your application before the closing date.
