FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026 for Matric Applicants: Earn R5,933 a Month

 

You have your Matric certificate. You are ready to work. You have submitted applications, updated your CV and waited for employers to respond.

But the same obstacle keeps appearing: employers want experience, yet nobody has given you the opportunity to gain that experience.

What if the next 12 months could look different?

First National Bank (FNB), part of FirstRand Bank Limited, is advertising its First Job 12-Month Learnership Programme 2026, offering unemployed South African youth an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while participating in a selected learnership.

According to the advertised opportunity, successful applicants will receive R5,933 per month during the 12-month fixed-term programme.

Even more importantly, applicants do not need years of previous employment experience. The programme specifically targets young people entering the workplace for the first time.

Opportunities are advertised across several Western Cape locations, including George, Paarl, Claremont, Grabouw, Cape Town and surrounding areas.

If you are between 18 and 34 years old, have completed Matric and have been unemployed for at least six months, this could be an opportunity worth investigating.

However, the application window is limited.

Applications close on 20 October 2026.

Before applying, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements, particularly the restrictions on previous employment and participation in FirstRand programmes.

Quick Overview: FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026

• Organisation: FirstRand Bank Limited – First National Bank (FNB)
• Programme: FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026
• Industry: Banking and Financial Services
• Location: Various locations across the Western Cape
• Programme Duration: 12 months
• Monthly Pay: R5,933
• Remuneration Classification: Fixed base pay
• Employment Type: Fixed-term
• Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 / Matric
• Age Requirement: 18–34 years
• Citizenship: South African citizens
• Employment Status: Unemployed for at least six months
• Experience Requirement: Less than 12 months of total work experience, subject to the advertised first-job conditions
• Current Studies: Applicants must not currently be studying
• Date Posted: 13 October 2026
• Closing Date: 20 October 2026
• Application Method: Online through SAYouth.mobi

Apply for the FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026 through SA Youth

What Is the FNB First Job Learnership Programme?

For many unemployed young people, the hardest part of building a career is obtaining their first meaningful workplace opportunity.

FNB’s First Job Programme is intended to help address this challenge.

The initiative provides eligible young people with 12 months of practical work experience alongside an opportunity to undertake a selected learnership.

Unlike an ordinary entry-level position that may require an established employment history, this programme is designed for individuals with little or no formal work experience.

Successful participants may gain exposure to workplace systems, professional communication, customer service, administration and business operations.

The programme brings together two important elements:

Workplace experience: Participants gain practical exposure to professional responsibilities within FNB’s business environment.

Structured learning: Participants are expected to undertake a selected learnership while gaining workplace experience.

This combination can help participants develop skills that may support future employment applications.

However, successful completion does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with FNB.

FNB First Job Learnership Locations in the Western Cape

The advertised opportunity identifies several locations across the Western Cape.

These include:

1. George
2. Heidelberg (listed as Heidelburg in the supplied advertisement)
3. Grabouw
4. Paarl
5. Claremont
6. Vangate
7. Willowbridge
8. N1 City Shopping Mall
9. Cape Gate
10. Promenade Mall
11. Sea Point
12. Cape Town City

These are advertised locations, not confirmation that exactly one position is available at each location.

Applicants should check the location information displayed on SA Youth and ensure they can realistically travel to the workplace if selected.

For example, candidates living in Cape Town’s northern suburbs may wish to investigate locations such as Willowbridge, Cape Gate and N1 City.

Applicants residing closer to the Cape Town CBD and Atlantic Seaboard may find Sea Point or Cape Town City more accessible.

Candidates in George, Grabouw, Heidelberg and Paarl should similarly check which advertised opportunities match their circumstances.

Do not select a location that you cannot reasonably attend simply because you believe it might improve your chances.

FNB First Job Learnership 2026 Requirements: Who Qualifies?

Before you begin your application, carefully assess the published eligibility requirements.

According to the supplied FNB recruitment advertisement, candidates must meet the following conditions.

1. Age and Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 34 years old.
• Be South African citizens.

2. Educational Qualifications

Applicants must have completed at least Grade 12 / Matric.

The advertisement also accepts further-study qualifications such as certificates and diplomas associated with NQF Levels 5 and 6.

A university degree is not listed as a compulsory requirement.

Therefore, young people with Matric should not automatically exclude themselves because they have not attended university.

3. Employment Requirements

Candidates must:

• Have been unemployed for at least the previous six months.
• Not currently be studying.
• Have little or no previous work experience.
• Have less than 12 months of total work experience, with the advertisement referring to limited part-time or casual experience.
• Be entering their first significant workplace employment experience.

Important: Having completed some casual or part-time work does not automatically establish eligibility. Applicants must disclose their complete work history and allow the recruiter to assess it against the programme’s first-job conditions.

4. Previous FirstRand Employment

Applicants must not:

• Have previously participated in the FirstJob Programme at any FirstRand franchise.
• Have previously worked for FirstRand.

This requirement is especially important for applicants who have participated in other FirstRand employment-development initiatives.

5. Additional Requirements

Candidates must also:

• Have a good command of English.
• Have no criminal record.
• Meet the advertisement’s condition that applicants must not be blacklisted.
• Be willing to complete a learnership while gaining workplace experience.
• Demonstrate maturity, initiative, resilience and motivation.
• Have strong communication and customer-service potential.

The advertisement does not explain precisely what is meant by “blacklisted”. Applicants who are uncertain about this condition should seek clarification through the recruiter rather than assume a particular interpretation.

Which FNB Departments Could Successful Learners Work In?

One of the interesting features of the programme is the range of business units mentioned in the advertisement.

The opportunities are not necessarily limited to traditional banking counters.

FNB identifies the following business areas:

Customer Service and Sales

Learners may develop skills relating to customer communication, service standards, product knowledge and professional sales interactions.

For someone who enjoys working with people, these are useful capabilities to develop.

Administration and Support

Administrative functions can involve organising information, maintaining records, assisting business teams and supporting day-to-day operations.

Applicants who are organised, detail-oriented and comfortable using computers may find these career fields worth exploring.

Finance and Collections

These environments may expose learners to financial processes, account-related administration, customer communication and operational procedures.

FNB Cards and Banking Operations

Participants assigned to relevant teams may gain an understanding of financial products, customer-service processes and banking support systems.

Marketing, Private and Wealth Investments

The advertisement also identifies Marketing, Private and Wealth Investments among its business areas.

These departments perform different functions within the financial-services environment and may offer specialised workplace exposure.

Catering and Other Support Functions

FNB also includes Catering among the listed business areas, demonstrating that a large banking organisation has operational requirements beyond finance alone.

Important: These are advertised business units, not a promise that every applicant can choose a particular department. Placement, responsibilities and available roles will depend on the recruitment and operational arrangements.

The Skills FNB Wants: What Could Make an Applicant Stand Out?

Having Matric may satisfy the minimum educational requirement, but eligibility alone does not guarantee selection.

FNB indicates that it is interested in young people who demonstrate:

• A willingness to learn.
• Good spoken English.
• Confidence when communicating with others.
• A customer-service mindset.
• Initiative and self-motivation.
• Resilience when dealing with challenges.
• Energy and enthusiasm.
• Professional behaviour.
• An interest in sales.
• The ability to work towards targets.

You do not need to invent previous employment experience to demonstrate these qualities.

For example, participating in school projects, volunteering in your community, helping organise an event or assisting with genuine family-business activities may provide examples of communication and responsibility.

The important thing is to describe what you have actually done.

Very Important: Do Not Forget the FNB Application Voice Note

One detail in this advertisement deserves special attention.

FNB specifically reminds applicants to record a voice note because it is important to the screening process.

This is not something you should ignore.

Since the programme emphasises communication and customer-service potential, your voice note provides an opportunity to communicate clearly and professionally.

How to Prepare Your Voice Note

Before recording:

1. Find a quiet environment with minimal background noise.
2. Speak clearly and at a natural pace.
3. Introduce yourself professionally.
4. Explain why you are interested in the FNB First Job Programme.
5. Mention relevant strengths and your willingness to learn.
6. Follow any specific questions or recording-duration instructions displayed during the application.

If the application permits a general personal introduction, you could adapt the following example:

“Good day. My name is [your name], and I am based in [your town]. I have completed my Matric and am interested in joining the FNB First Job Learnership Programme because I want to develop professional workplace skills and build a career in financial services. I consider myself responsible, motivated and willing to learn. I enjoy working with people and would value the opportunity to contribute to a professional team while developing my experience. Thank you for considering my application.”

Do not memorise the example word for word if it does not reflect your personality or actual experience.

Your objective is to communicate naturally and accurately.

Most importantly, complete the voice-note requirement before submitting your application, following the platform’s instructions.

Your CV Matters: Create an ATS-Friendly CV Before Applying

A common mistake among first-time job seekers is believing that a CV is useless without employment experience.

That is not true.

Your CV can communicate your education, genuine skills, personal achievements and potential.

For this programme, consider including:

• Your full name and reliable contact information.
• Your town or area of residence.
• Your highest completed qualification.
• Your Matric subjects and relevant achievements.
• Computer literacy and digital skills.
• Communication and customer-service abilities.
• Relevant school projects.
• Volunteer or community experience.
• Any genuine casual or part-time work.
• Additional certificates or training.

Do not fabricate job titles, employment dates or qualifications.

Edupstairs provides a free tool to assist South African job seekers with preparing professional CVs.

Create your professional ATS-friendly CV and cover letter using the Edupstairs Career Assistant.

A simple, accurate and well-organised CV can help recruiters understand your background.

An ATS-friendly CV does not guarantee selection, but it can help present your information in a format that is easier to review.

How to Apply for the FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026

Applications are submitted through the SA Youth recruitment platform.

Step 1: Open the Official Application Listing

Visit the FNB First Job Learnership 2026 application page on SAYouth.mobi.

You may be redirected to the SA Youth login page.

Step 2: Register or Sign In

If you already have an SA Youth profile, sign in using your existing account.

If you have never registered, use the official SA Youth registration platform.

Registration and applications through SA Youth are free. Its platform is generally zero-rated on participating mobile networks, although opening external websites may require data.

Step 3: Update Your Personal Information

Check that your profile reflects:

• Your correct personal details.
• Your current cellphone number.
• Your residential location.
• Your highest educational qualification.
• Your employment status.
• Your actual previous work experience.

Incorrect or outdated information could create problems during screening or prevent recruiters from contacting you.

Step 4: Find the Correct Opportunity

Confirm that the listing identifies: FirstRand Bank Limited – FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026.

Check the advertised Western Cape locations, monthly remuneration, programme duration and closing date.

Step 5: Complete the Application Questions

Read each question carefully.

Pay particular attention to your employment history, unemployment period, previous FirstRand participation and study status.

Answer truthfully.

Step 6: Record the Required Voice Note

Complete the voice-note requirement according to the platform’s instructions.

Check that your recording is audible and that you have answered any questions provided.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before submitting, ensure that your application is complete.

Keep any application confirmation or reference information made available to you.

Monitor your SA Youth profile, cellphone and email for recruitment communication.

Closing Date: 20 October 2026.

The supplied advertisement does not specify an exact closing time. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the system will accept submissions until midnight.

Interested in Banking? Explore Your Career Options Before and After the Learnership

An entry-level opportunity becomes more valuable when you understand the career pathways connected to it.

Edupstairs has developed several research tools that can help applicants make informed decisions.

1. Career & Qualification Explorer

The Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer provides access to South African occupational information, OFO careers, SAQA qualifications and NQF levels.

Applicants interested in banking may investigate careers such as:

• Bank Teller
• Customer Service Representative
• Financial Administrator
• Credit Controller
• Accountant
• Financial Adviser
• Marketing Officer
• Compliance Officer

These are examples of careers worth researching, not positions guaranteed by the FNB programme.

2. Career Discovery Assessment

Not sure whether sales, finance, administration or customer service suits your interests?

Use the Edupstairs Career Discovery Assessment.

This tool helps users explore occupational interests and possible career directions.

It is particularly useful if you are uncertain about which professional field you would like to pursue.

Career Discovery is a guidance tool, not an FNB recruitment assessment.

3. Explore BANKSETA and Banking Qualifications

South Africa’s banking and financial-services sector has dedicated skills-development pathways.

The Edupstairs BANKSETA Programme Hub provides information about banking-related learnerships, internships, qualifications, work-readiness programmes and other development pathways.

You can explore programmes such as the Letsema Post-Matric Learnership pathway, banking qualifications and workplace-learning opportunities.

Programme information does not automatically mean that a particular intake is currently accepting applications.

For opportunities across other industries, explore the Edupstairs SETA Platform covering all 21 South African SETAs.

4. University Explorer

If your longer-term ambition involves accounting, commerce, financial management, business administration or another professional qualification, research the relevant study requirements.

The Edupstairs University Explorer helps prospective students investigate universities, programmes, APS requirements and application information.

Remember that current studies are prohibited under the advertised FNB first-job criteria. Investigating future education options does not mean you should enrol during the programme without confirming the applicable conditions.

5. TVET College Explorer

Not every business career requires a university degree.

The Edupstairs TVET College Explorer provides information about South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges, campuses, courses and study pathways.

Applicants can investigate relevant programmes in business studies, finance and administration as part of their longer-term education planning.

6. Explore Accredited Training Providers

Before enrolling for an occupational qualification, it is important to investigate the status of the training institution and the qualification.

Use the Edupstairs QCTO Accredited Provider Database to research accredited occupational training providers.

This is an independent education resource and is not an additional FNB application requirement.

Latest Learnerships and Youth Programmes Published on Edupstairs

One application should not become your entire employment strategy.

Edupstairs has recently published several other opportunities that may suit applicants with different qualifications, interests and locations.

1. SITA Cloud Administrator Learnership Programme 2026/2027

The State Information Technology Agency is advertising a 12-month NQF Level 4 Cloud Administrator Learnership in Pretoria.

The programme offers an advertised monthly stipend of R5,500 and targets eligible unemployed youth with Matric or an equivalent qualification.

Closing Date: 16 October 2026.

Read about the SITA Cloud Administrator Learnership Programme 2026.

2. SAHPRA Business Administration Learnership Programme 2026

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority is advertising a 12-month Business Administration Learnership for qualifying unemployed applicants residing in Pretoria.

Eligible education pathways include Matric and specified N4, N5 or N6 qualifications.

Closing Date: 23 October 2026 at 16:00.

Explore the SAHPRA Business Administration Learnership Programme 2026.

3. Sasol Artisan Learnership Programme 2026

Sasol is advertising 36-month artisan learnerships in Secunda, Mpumalanga.

The advertised training fields include Mechanical Fitter, Instrumentation, Electrician, Welding and Rigging.

Applicants must meet the specified Matric or N3 subject requirements.

Closing Date: 23 October 2026.

Read the Sasol Artisan Learnership Programme 2026 application guide.

4. KVR Training Business Administration Learnership 2026

KVR Training is offering an NQF Level 3 Business Administration Services Learnership in Kempton Park.

The programme offers an advertised stipend of R5,196 per month and specifically targets qualifying unemployed South African youth with disabilities, aged 18–28.

Closing Date: 31 October 2026.

Explore the KVR Training Business Administration Learnership Programme 2026.

5. Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme 2026/2027

Rohlig-Grindrod is recruiting unemployed Matric applicants for a 12-month Youth Employment Service workplace programme.

Locations include the Western Cape and other provinces.

The programme targets candidates interested in logistics, supply chain and freight forwarding, with specific Matric subject requirements.

Closing Date: 15 November 2026.

Read about the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme 2026/2027.

6. Msobo Coal Non-Artisan Learnerships 2026

Msobo Coal is advertising non-artisan training pathways in Mpumalanga.

The externally advertised opportunity involves Surface Rock Breaking, with Matric and other eligibility requirements.

Closing Date: 30 November 2026.

Explore the Msobo Coal Non-Artisan Learnership Programme 2026.

Applicants should check the individual requirements and current vacancy status before applying.

For more opportunities, visit the Edupstairs Latest Learnerships page.

Official FNB Requirements vs Edupstairs Guidance

Information From the Supplied Recruitment Advertisement

The following details are taken from the FNB First Job 2026 advertisement supplied for publication:

• FirstRand Bank Limited / FNB as the recruiting organisation.
• Twelve months of workplace experience with a selected learnership.
• Advertised monthly base pay of R5,933.
• Western Cape locations.
• Minimum Matric requirement.
• Age requirement of 18–34 years.
• South African citizenship.
• At least six months of unemployment.
• No current studies.
• Limited previous work experience and first-job conditions.
• No previous employment with FirstRand or participation in its FirstJob Programme.
• English communication, criminal-record and blacklisting conditions.
• Voice-note screening requirement.
• Closing date of 20 October 2026.

The specific SA Youth opportunity requires account authentication, so its live vacancy details could not be independently inspected during preparation of this article.

Additional Edupstairs Guidance

Recommendations involving CV preparation, voice-note practice, career research, BANKSETA, the SETA Platform, university and TVET study options, QCTO-accredited providers and other learnerships are independent Edupstairs guidance.

These resources do not represent additional FNB eligibility conditions and do not guarantee recruitment, qualification completion or permanent employment.

Continue Building Your Career

Use these Edupstairs resources to make informed employment and education decisions:

• Career & Qualification Explorer – Research banking and financial careers
• Career Discovery – Identify careers that match your interests
• University Explorer – Investigate university courses and admission requirements
• TVET College Explorer – Research vocational and occupational study options
• BANKSETA Programme Hub – Explore banking-sector skills development
• SETA Platform – Explore programmes across all 21 SETAs
• Create an ATS-Friendly CV – Prepare your professional application
• Youth Employment Eligibility Checker – Investigate youth employment pathways
• QCTO Accredited Provider Database – Research occupational training providers
• Latest Learnerships – Discover recently published training opportunities
• Latest Internships – Explore workplace experience opportunities
• Edupstairs Scam Detector – Check suspicious recruitment information

Tools you may find useful:

• Money Finder
• SETA Platform
• RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
• SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
• SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
• Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
• SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
• UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator

View Other Employment Opportunities here

• Government Entry Level Jobs
• Company Entry Level Jobs
• South African Teaching Posts

Need Help?

• Ask Edupstairs anything here OR
• Ask the Edupstairs Community here
• Download the New Z83 form here

Edupstairs Advice: Your First Job Could Change What Comes Next

There is something frustrating about having the willingness to work but not being able to demonstrate your abilities because you have never been given an opportunity.

You may have completed Matric several years ago.

You may have submitted dozens of applications without receiving an interview.

You may even have started questioning whether employers will ever consider someone without experience.

The FNB First Job Programme is specifically intended to create workplace opportunities for young people facing this challenge.

It offers something important: the possibility of developing practical experience within a professional organisation while completing structured learning.

But there is a decision only you can make.

If you meet the requirements, will you prepare your application while the opportunity is available, or will you allow the closing date to pass without applying?

Do not allow uncertainty about the selection outcome to prevent you from taking a legitimate opportunity seriously.

At the same time, do not assume that being eligible guarantees acceptance.

Check your requirements. Prepare your CV. Complete your SA Youth profile. Record your voice note. Submit an accurate application.

Then continue applying for other suitable opportunities.

Your career will not necessarily be determined by one application, but every carefully prepared application gives you another opportunity to be considered.

FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026 – Closing Date: 20 October 2026.

APPLY ONLINE THROUGH SA YOUTH FOR THE FNB FIRST JOB LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I apply with Matric only?

Yes. The supplied advertisement lists a minimum Matric certificate, provided applicants satisfy all other eligibility conditions.

2. How much does the FNB learnership pay?

The advertised amount is R5,933 per month, classified as fixed base pay.

3. How long is the programme?

The programme lasts 12 months.

4. Can I apply without previous work experience?

Yes. The initiative targets applicants with little or no experience who satisfy the first-job eligibility conditions.

5. Can university and TVET College graduates apply?

Applicants with eligible additional certificates or diplomas may qualify, but they must not currently be studying and must meet the remaining requirements.

6. Can I apply if I have been unemployed for three months?

The advertisement requires at least six months of unemployment. Applicants with only three months of unemployment would not satisfy that condition.

7. Can I apply if I previously worked for FNB or another FirstRand franchise?

The advertisement excludes candidates who have previously worked for FirstRand or participated in its FirstJob Programme.

8. Is the voice note compulsory?

The advertisement specifically emphasises recording a voice note as an important part of screening. Applicants should follow the recording instructions provided on the application platform.

9. Is permanent employment guaranteed?

No. The programme is advertised as a 12-month fixed-term opportunity and does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.

10. Is there an application fee?

SA Youth registration and applications are free. Applicants should never pay anyone who claims to guarantee an FNB placement.

11. When is the closing date?

The advertised closing date is 20 October 2026.

12. Where do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official FNB First Job opportunity listing on SAYouth.mobi.

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

 

 

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is an independent South African education, career guidance and employment-opportunities information platform.

Edupstairs is not affiliated with FirstRand Bank Limited, FNB or the SA Youth recruitment team and does not recruit, shortlist, interview or select candidates for this programme.

This Opportunity Explainer is based on the supplied October 2026 recruitment information, supplemented by research into SA Youth and Edupstairs career-development resources.

Applicants must verify the current vacancy status, salary, eligibility conditions, available locations and application instructions through the official SA Youth recruitment platform before applying.

Never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee a learnership, interview or employment opportunity.

Editorial Integrity

Edupstairs distinguishes recruitment conditions from independent educational guidance. No unadvertised number of vacancies, specific qualification outcome, placement guarantee or permanent-employment promise has been invented.

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