If you are a South African graduate struggling to get your first workplace experience, the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) FirstJob Learnership Programme could be exactly the stepping-stone you need. Designed specifically for unemployed graduates aged 18–34, this structured 12-month workplace learning opportunity provides exposure to real business environments, professional mentorship, and practical experience inside one of South Africa’s most respected financial institutions.
Many graduates face the “experience barrier” when entering the job market. Programmes like this one are designed to break that cycle by giving you structured workplace exposure while helping you develop technical and professional skills that employers actively look for.
Quick Overview
Programme: RMB FirstJob Learnership Programme 2026
Duration: 12 months
Location: South Africa (RMB / FirstRand Group divisions)
Closing Date: 18 April 2026
Eligibility Age: 18–34 years
Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Degree
Fields Accepted:
- Finance
- Data Analytics
- Statistics
- Law
- Information Security
- Computer Science
- Human Resources
Requirements:
- South African citizen
- Unemployed for at least 6 months
- No previous permanent employment
- No previous learnership participation
- Not currently studying
- No prior work experience within FirstRand Group
Documents Required:
- CV
- Full academic transcript
What the RMB FirstJob Learnership Programme Offers
The programme is structured to help unemployed graduates transition into the workplace through guided learning and real project participation.
During the 12-month contract period, selected learners receive exposure to:
Workplace Experience
Learners contribute to actual business functions instead of simulated training environments.
You may gain experience in:
- research and business analysis
- administrative coordination
- reporting systems
- process optimisation initiatives
- project execution support
This helps learners develop practical confidence while building employable skills.
Mentorship and Professional Guidance
Participants benefit from structured mentorship aligned with FirstRand’s internal development standards.
Mentorship typically includes:
- guidance from experienced professionals
- structured learning milestones
- performance feedback cycles
- exposure to workplace culture expectations
- support with career planning
Mentorship plays a major role in helping graduates transition successfully into corporate environments.
Exposure to Real Projects
Unlike many short-term internships that involve observation only, this learnership allows active contribution to projects.
Learners may:
- assist with business research tasks
- support analytics reporting
- contribute to internal improvement initiatives
- participate in team-based assignments
This builds strong CV-ready experience.
Your Responsibilities as a FirstJob Learner
Successful learners are expected to actively contribute while managing their professional development throughout the programme.
Typical responsibilities include:
- delivering quality work across assigned tasks
- managing deadlines effectively
- supporting reporting and documentation activities
- contributing innovative ideas to team projects
- participating in knowledge-sharing sessions
- collaborating with stakeholders
- following FirstRand professional standards
- managing a personal development plan
Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative during learnership programmes.
This programme encourages exactly that.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To qualify for the RMB FirstJob Learnership Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants must hold a completed diploma or degree in one of the following:
- Finance
- Data Analytics
- Statistics
- Law
- Information Security
- Computer Science
- Human Resources
Graduates from related analytical or business-support disciplines may also be considered depending on placement availability.
Employment Status Requirements
Applicants must:
- be unemployed for at least six months
- not have previous permanent employment
- not have participated in another learnership programme
These conditions ensure opportunities reach candidates who truly need workplace entry exposure.
Study Status Requirements
Applicants must: not be currently registered for studies
The programme requires full-time participation.
Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must: be South African citizens
FirstRand Experience Restriction
Applicants must: not have previous work experience within the FirstRand Group
This keeps the opportunity open to new entrants.
Skills That Strengthen Your Application
While meeting minimum requirements is essential, successful applicants usually demonstrate additional strengths.
Examples include:
- strong Excel or analytics capability
- communication and presentation skills
- research ability
- teamwork experience
- problem-solving mindset
- attention to detail
- initiative and accountability
If your qualification includes data or reporting exposure, highlight it clearly in your CV.
How to Apply
To apply successfully:
Prepare the following documents:
- updated CV
- full academic transcript
Then submit your application through the official FirstRand careers platform before the closing date 18 April 2026
APPLY FOR THE RMB FIRSTJOB LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Banking-sector learnerships are among the most competitive graduate opportunities in South Africa.
To improve success chances:
Apply for multiple programmes simultaneously, including:
- banking internships
- SETA-funded programmes
- corporate graduate pipelines
- analytics training programmes
Never rely on one application only.
Consistency increases placement success.
Also keep checking Edupstairs daily for newly released April graduate opportunities before deadlines close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the RMB FirstJob Learnership paid?
Most FirstRand learnership programmes provide structured stipends aligned with corporate learnership frameworks. Payment details are confirmed during recruitment stages.
Does this programme guarantee permanent employment?
No.
However, learners who perform well significantly improve their chances of future employment within the banking sector.
Can students apply?
No.
Applicants must not be registered for studies during the programme period.
Can graduates with previous internships apply?
Yes, provided they have:
- no permanent employment history
- no previous learnership participation
Is work experience required?
No prior work experience is required.
The programme is specifically designed for graduates entering the workplace for the first time.
Important Closing Date Reminder
Applications close on: 18 April 2026
Late submissions are not accepted.
Apply early to avoid technical delays or document issues.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimers
- The RMB FirstJob Learnership Programme is administered by FirstRand Group recruitment teams. Selection decisions are made solely by the employer.
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
- Applicants must submit accurate documentation and apply through official channels only.
- Edupstairs shares verified opportunity guidance but does not manage recruitment.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY