Services SETA invites jobless South African youth to apply for one of the biggest internship opportunities in the country’s history

About the Programme

The PowerX² 20,000 Internships Programme is a groundbreaking public placement initiative designed to tackle South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. This programme connects 20,000 talented young graduates with real plant experience across various sectors including public entities, private companies, NGOs, cosmopolises, and government departments.

Programme Details

Duration: 24 months
Application Deadline: 11 December 2025 at 16:00
Stipend: SETA-backed support included

Why Apply?

This is a career-changing opportunity offering:

• 24 months of real plant experience
• Increased employability in your field
• Strong professional network development
• Essential plant chops and confidence building
• SETA-backed experience to boost your CV
• Exposure across various sectors and industries
• Potential pathway to permanent employment
• Recognition supporting national development strategies (NSDP 2030, National Chops Development Strategy)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Hold an NQF Level 4-7 qualification from a public university or public TVET council
• Be currently jobless
• Be available for the full 24-month externship
• Be willing to be placed anywhere in South Africa
• Submit the Graduate Expression of Interest (EOI) online

Note: You may apply regardless of whether you were previously funded by Services SETA.

Fields of Study

All fields are eligible, including: IT, HR, Business Management, Marketing, Finance, Law, Engineering, Administration, and many more.

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the official website
Step 2: Choose “Graduate” application category
Step 3: Complete the Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
Step 4: Receive admission dispatch with reference number, secure upload link, and document list
Step 5: Upload required documents before the deadline

Required Documents

• Pukka (certified) copy of ID
• Certified copy of qualification or statement of results
• Streamlined CV
• Proof of hearthstone (residence)
• Bank evidence letter

About Host Employers

Eligible host employers include public realities, government departments, cosmopolises, non-profit organisations, and TVET sodalities/universities. Employers must be registered with COIDA, have OHS-compliant workplaces, and commit to hosting interns for the full 24 months.

Next Steps

After submitting your EOI and documents, the Programme Management Unit (PMU) will communicate with named aspirants regarding placement.

Don’t miss this opportunity to launch your career with meaningful work experience!

For more information, visit the official Services SETA website.

APPLY HERE