Are you a young South African taking your first steps into the world of work? FirstRand’s FirstJob Graduate Programme is designed precisely for you. This structured development opportunity is offered through the FirstRand Corporate Centre (FCC) and is open to unemployed youth who are ready to gain meaningful, real-world experience within one of South Africa’s most respected financial services groups.

About the Programme

The FirstJob Graduate Programme is a development-focused role in which selected graduates deliver on predefined work objectives while gaining structured workplace exposure. Situated within the FirstRand Corporate Centre in Johannesburg, the FCC oversees critical group-wide functions including risk, compliance, governance, internal audit, treasury, finance, and tax. Working within this environment means you will gain a rare, cross-portfolio perspective of how a large and complex financial services group operates at the highest level.

During your time in the programme, you will be exposed to a variety of tasks spanning research, analysis, administration, and process and project work — all of which contribute directly to the business. Work-related training will be provided as required to support your development.

What You Will Do

As a Graduate Trainee, you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and quality in everything you do. Your responsibilities will include:

• Executing assigned tasks and deliverables with efficiency, careful planning, and timely reporting
• Contributing proactively and innovatively to projects and team objectives
• Participating in knowledge-sharing with peers and stakeholders across the group
• Managing your own development plan to build competencies through various learning channels
• Upholding and advocating FirstRand’s shared values and business philosophy in all interactions

Who Should Apply

The FirstJob Programme is specifically designed to support unemployed youth entering the workforce for the first time. To be eligible, you must:

• Be between 18 and 34 years of age
• Hold a relevant post-matric qualification
• Have been unemployed for at least the last six months
• Have no or limited work experience — defined as fewer than twelve months in total, and/or experience of a part-time or casual nature
• Be applying for your first formal job experience
• Not have previously participated in the FirstJob Programme at any FirstRand franchise, and not have worked for FirstRand before

Why FirstRand

FCC employees occupy a unique position within the group, with access to mandates and projects that span the entire portfolio. This is a place where big-picture thinking meets operational learning — and where emerging talent can make a genuine impact from day one. Appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan, and the bank actively supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities.

Closing Date: 17 May 2026

Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Submit yours well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Ready to launch your career with one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions? Apply for the FirstRand FirstJob Graduate Programme here.