If you’re a young South African graduate looking for a real opportunity to start your career, the Department of Employment and Labour has opened its doors for the 2026 Graduate Internship Programme. This nationwide initiative is designed to give unemployed graduates the chance to gain meaningful workplace experience, build professional skills, and increase their employability in a competitive job market. Employment and Labour Graduate Internships 2026
The programme is more than just a placement — it’s a stepping-stone into the working world and a valuable platform to develop skills that will benefit your career for years to come.
Application Deadline: December 5, 2025
Internship Locations: National (Head Office & Provincial Offices)
Whether you live in Limpopo, Gauteng, Western Cape, or any other province in South Africa, opportunities are available across the country. Both the Head Office in Pretoria and all provincial offices will be hosting interns.
About the Employment and Labour Graduate Internships 2026
The Department is offering a 24-month structured internship aimed at empowering unemployed graduates. The programme blends practical experience with professional development, ensuring you leave with solid knowledge, improved skills, and workplace exposure.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for you if:
- You are currently unemployed
- You are a South African citizen
- You have never participated in an internship before
- You hold the required qualification for the opportunity you want to apply for
The programme encourages applications from:
- Youth
- Persons with disabilities
- Individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
The aim is to create a fair and inclusive workforce where everyone has the chance to succeed.
Before You Apply — Important Guidelines
To ensure your application is processed successfully, make sure you carefully follow these instructions:
1. You must apply via the SAYouth.mobi platform
All applications are completed through the official SAYouth portal. This ensures a fair and transparent selection process.
2. Search for “Project 20K”
This is the listing name for the Department of Employment and Labour internship opportunities.
3. Do not use outdated forms
Old Z83 application forms will not be accepted.
4. Documentation for shortlisted candidates
If you are shortlisted, you will need to provide certified copies of the following:
- South African ID
- Matric Certificate
- Academic Record / Qualification
5. Travel & Accommodation
If you apply for an internship outside your home province and are selected, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodation and transportation.
6. No feedback after 8 weeks?
Due to the high number of applicants, the department may not be able to respond to everyone individually. If you do not receive feedback within 8 weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
How to Apply
👉 Click here to apply for the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026
OR
Visit the official platform:
🔗 https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN
Search: Project 20K
Available Internship Opportunities (24 Months)
Below is a breakdown of the internship opportunities available across multiple fields. Each role provides valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real government operations.
1. Intern: Remote ICT Technicians (x4)
Reference: HRP20KRIT/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Stipend: R7 860.50 per month
Requirements:
- National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in Information Technology
- A+ and/or N+ certification is advantageous
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing remote and telephonic ICT support
- Troubleshooting desktop and connectivity issues
- Assisting with user account administration
- Logging and managing support calls through the IT Service Management (ITSM) system
2. Intern: ICT Service Desk Agents (x4)
Reference: HR/P20K/ISDA/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
- Higher Certificate or Diploma in ICT (NQF 5+)
- A+ certification required
Key Responsibilities:
- Logging incidents via ITSM
- Assigning and tracking support calls
- Ensuring resolution within service-level timelines
3. Intern: Contract & Licence Controller (ICT) (x5)
Reference: HR/P20K/CLC/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
Diploma/Degree in:
- Business Management
- Logistics
- Financial Management
- Information Technology
- LLB / Commercial Law
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting ICT service level agreements
- Monitoring contract implementation
- Assisting with procurement and software licensing management
4. Intern: Asset Management Officer (ICT) (x3)
Reference: HR/P20K/AMO/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
Diploma/Degree in:
- Supply Chain Management
- Asset Management
- Public Management
- Internal Auditing
- Accounting
- Financial Management
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing ICT store administration
- Handling stock and inventory
- Supporting procurement and disposal processes
5. Intern: Administration Clerk (ICT)
Reference: HR/P20K/IADC/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
Diploma/Degree in:
- Public Administration
- Office Management
- Business Management
- Management Assistant
- Governance
Key Responsibilities:
- Filing, documentation, and office administration
- Maintaining and updating user databases
- Drafting and typing official documents
6. Intern: Field ICT Technicians (x50)
Reference: Varies per Province
Stipend: R7 860.50 per month
Locations: All provinces (HO, GP, KZN, EC, WC, LP, MP, NW, FS, NC)
Requirements:
Diploma/Degree in:
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
Key Responsibilities:
- Desktop and printer support
- LAN and network troubleshooting
- Device installations
- Logging support calls via ITSM
7. Intern: Labour Market Information & Statistics (x2)
Reference: HR/P20K/LMIS/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
Diploma/Degree in:
- Economics
- Statistics
- Data Analytics
- Social Sciences
Key Responsibilities:
- Data collection and analysis
- Report writing
- Identifying labour market trends
- Stakeholder coordination
8. Intern: Labour Market Monitoring & Information (x2)
Reference: HR/P20K/LMM & LMI/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
Same as above
Key Responsibilities:
Same as above
9. Intern: Library (LMIS)
Reference: HR/P20K/IL/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Library & Information Science
Key Responsibilities:
- Daily library operations
- Cataloguing and classification of material
- Assisting library users
10. Intern: Digital Content Creator
Reference: HR/P20K/DCC/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
Diploma (NQF 6) in:
- Graphic Design
- Multimedia
- Visual Communication
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing digital content for campaigns
- Photo and video editing
- Branding compliance
- Preparing promotional visuals
11. Intern: Researcher
Reference: HR/P20K/RSC/HO
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements:
Diploma/Degree in:
- Public Administration
- Social Sciences
- Economics
Key Responsibilities:
- Reviewing research reports
- Data analysis and coding
- Producing research documents
- Stakeholder collaboration
Conclusion
The 2026 Graduate Internship Programme is a powerful opportunity for young South Africans to break into the job market with real experience and credible exposure. Whether you’re interested in ICT, research, administration, or library sciences, there’s a place for you to grow.
If you meet the requirements, don’t delay — apply before December 5, 2025.
Your future career might begin here.
FAQ — Employment and Labour Graduate Internships 2026
1. Who can apply for the internship?
Any unemployed South African citizen who meets the qualification requirements and has never participated in an internship before.
2. How long is the internship programme?
The internship lasts 24 months (2 years).
3. Do I need work experience?
No. This programme is specifically designed for individuals without prior workplace experience.
4. Can I apply for more than one internship position?
You may apply for positions you are qualified for, but each application must be submitted individually on SAYouth.mobi.
5. Do I need to upload certified documents when applying?
No. Certified documents are only required if you are shortlisted.
6. Will the department help me with accommodation if I apply outside my province?
No. You must arrange your own accommodation and travel.
7. When will I know if my application was successful?
If you do not receive feedback within 8 weeks after the deadline, your application was not successful.
8. Where do I apply?
Visit SAYouth.mobi and search for Project 20K.
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.
