South African graduates now have a major opportunity to gain real work experience through the Department of Employment and Labour’s Graduate Internship Programme, known as Project 20K. This nationwide programme offers 24-month internship placements across all provinces, prioritising unemployed youth and people living with disabilities.
Quick Overview
Hiring Organisation: Department of Employment and Labour
Programme: Graduate Internship Programme (Project 20K)
Duration: 24 months (2025–2027)
Stipend: ± R7 860.50 per month
Who Can Apply: Unemployed South African graduates aged 18–35
Application Link: Search “Project 20K” on SAYouth.mobi
Closing Date: 21 November 2025 (16:00 walk-ins | 00:00 online)
Employment Type: Internship (no prior experience required)
Special Priority: Youth, previously disadvantaged applicants, and persons with disabilities
About the Department of Employment and Labour
The Department of Employment and Labour is responsible for promoting workplace safety, fair labour practices, employment equity, and job creation across South Africa. The Department delivers services through labour centres in all nine provinces and actively supports youth employment and skills development.
Through Project 20K, the Department is scaling its internship intake to give thousands of graduates hands-on training in areas such as:
- Occupational Health & Safety
- HR, Labour Relations & Employee Relations
- Business Administration
- Auditing & Financial Management
- Environmental Health
- Equity, Policy & Research
- Social Work, Psychology and Wellness
- Organisational Development
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Who Can Apply?
You can apply if:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are an unemployed graduate.
- You have never participated in any internship programme before.
- You have a recognised qualification:
- National Diploma (NQF 6)
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7)
- You are willing to undergo assessments, interviews, and screening.
- You can secure your own accommodation and transport if applying outside your area.
- You are willing to work for 24 months full-time.
Important:
Shortlisted applicants must submit certified copies of:
- Matric Certificate
- Academic Record / Transcript
- SAQA evaluation if qualification is foreign
- ID
Internship Categories & Minimum Qualifications
-
Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) – 3 385 Posts
Qualifications:
Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Mechanical/Mechatronics/Electrical/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Construction Engineering, Occupational Health/Hygiene, Analytical Chemistry, Explosives Management, Mining/Industrial Engineering.
-
Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA) – 3 197 Posts
Qualifications:
Labour Relations, BCom Law, LLB, Labour Law, Commercial Law.
-
Employment Equity (EEA) – 260 Posts
Qualifications:
BCom Law, LLB, Labour Law, Commercial Law.
-
Employer Audit Services (EAS) – 1 076 Posts
Qualifications:
BCom Law, LLB, Labour Law, Accounting, Auditing, Internal Audit, Financial Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, Financial Information Systems.
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-
Office of the COO (PME & Operations) – 8 Posts
Qualifications:
Public Administration, Project Management, Statistics, Business/Operations Management.
-
Inspector-General Unit – 5 Posts
Qualifications:
Public Finance, Business Admin, Local Governance, Administrative Management.
-
Corporate Services – 2 Posts
Qualifications:
Public Administration, Office Management & Technology, Business Management.
-
Employee Relations – 26 Posts
Qualifications:
LLB or Labour Relations / Labour Law.
-
Training & Performance Management – 26 Posts
Qualifications:
HR Management, HR Development, Public Management, Management of Training.
-
Human Resource Operations – 90 Posts
Qualifications:
Human Resource Management.
-
Organisational Development – 4 Posts
Qualifications:
Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Work Study, HRM, Industrial Psychology.
-
Employee Health & Wellness Programme (EHWP) – 26 Posts
Qualifications:
Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Health & Safety.
-
Gender, Disability and Youth (GDY) – 26 Posts
Qualifications:
Social Work, Psychology, Social Science, Gender Studies, Youth Studies.
-
Policy Research & Monitoring – 4 Posts
Qualifications:
Human Resource Management.
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How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1 — Register or Log In on SAYouth.mobi
Visit:
https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN
or search “SA Youth” in your browser.
Step 2 — Search for the Opportunity
Type:
Project 20K into the search bar.
Step 3 — Select Your Province & Internship Stream
Choose a category (OHS, BCEA, EEA, EAS, HR, etc.).
Step 4 — Complete the Online Application
Fill in all details accurately.
Step 5 — Upload Documents (If Shortlisted)
You will need:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID
- Certified Matric Certificate
- Certified academic record
- SAQA certificate (if needed)
Step 6 — Attend Assessments & Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 8 weeks after the closing date.
Step 7 — Wait for Final Placement
If successful, you will sign a 24-month internship contract.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need experience to apply?
No. These internships are for unemployed graduates with no experience.
- Can I apply for more than one internship?
Yes, but you must submit separate applications per reference number.
- How long is the internship?
24 months, from 2025 to 2027.
- Will I be paid?
Yes, interns receive a monthly stipend of around R7 860.50.
- What happens if I don’t get a response?
If you are not contacted within 8 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Do foreign qualifications need SAQA evaluation?
Yes. SAQA evaluation is mandatory.
- Are people with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. The programme prioritises youth and persons with disabilities.
CLOSING DATE: 21 NOVEMBER 2025
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not a recruitment agency and does not charge fees for job applications. All information in this article is sourced directly from the official advert published by the Department of Employment and Labour. Always apply through official channels only.
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