South African graduates looking for structured workplace experience now have a strong new opportunity to step into the transport and logistics sector. PUTCO, in collaboration with the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), has officially opened applications for 24 Graduate Internship opportunities for 2026, targeting unemployed graduates who have already completed their qualifications.
This 24-month internship programme offers practical exposure across multiple departments including Operations, Accounting, Human Resources, Technical Engineering, and Supply Chain Management. Even more encouraging is the monthly stipend of R6 500, making this programme both a learning and income opportunity.
If you are trying to secure your first professional role after completing your qualification, this internship could be a career-defining entry point.
Quick Overview
Programme: PUTCO Graduate Internship Programme
Partner: Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)
Number of positions: 24
Contract duration: 24 months
Stipend: R6 500 per month
Locations: Soweto, Pretoria, Linbro Park, Head Office
Minimum qualification: Completed Diploma / Degree / National Diploma
Age requirement: Under 35 years
Employment status: Must be unemployed
Closing date: 08 April 2026
Application email: internship@putco.co.za
Fields Available in the PUTCO Graduate Internship Programme
PUTCO is recruiting graduates across five key departments. These placements are designed to provide both administrative exposure and operational understanding of the transport environment.
Operations / Traffic Department (Soweto and Pretoria)
Required qualification:
- Degree
- Diploma
- National Diploma in Transport Management
- Logistics or equivalent qualification
Interns will gain exposure to scheduling, route planning, operational monitoring, and commuter transport coordination systems.
Accounts Department (Soweto and Pretoria)
Required qualification:
- Degree
- Diploma
- National Diploma in Accounting or equivalent
This placement supports graduates interested in finance administration, budgeting processes, reconciliation workflows, and compliance within a large transport organisation.
Human Resources Department (Pretoria and Linbro Park)
Required qualification:
- Degree
- Diploma
- National Diploma in Human Resources Management
- Personnel Management or related field
Interns will participate in recruitment support, employee relations processes, HR administration, and workforce planning exposure.
Technical Department (Soweto and Pretoria)
Required qualification:
- BTech Degree
- Diploma
- National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
This is one of the most valuable placements for engineering graduates seeking real technical exposure within fleet maintenance and transport operations environments.
Procurement / Stores Department (Soweto, Pretoria and Head Office)
Required qualification:
- Degree
- Diploma
- National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or equivalent
Interns will support purchasing coordination, supplier engagement processes, inventory tracking systems, and logistics workflows.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Minimum Grade 12 certificate
- Completed tertiary qualification from:
- TVET College
- University of Technology
- Public University
- Qualification must be completed (not currently studying)
- Must be unemployed
- Must be under the age of 35
- Must be in good health
These requirements align with standard eligibility conditions for many SETA-supported workplace learning programmes.
Internship Conditions and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive structured workplace exposure for two full years.
Conditions include:
- 24-month internship contract
- Monthly stipend of R6 500
- 15 days annual leave per year
A two-year internship is especially valuable because most programmes only run for 12 months. This extended duration allows interns to gain deeper experience and stronger references.
Who Should Apply for This Opportunity
This programme is ideal for:
- Recent graduates without workplace experience
- TVET graduates seeking industry exposure
- University of Technology graduates needing practical training
- Degree holders entering transport and logistics careers
- HR, Accounting, Engineering and Supply Chain graduates
If you completed your qualification recently and are still unemployed, this opportunity fits perfectly within your early career timeline.
Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying
To improve your chances of being shortlisted, prepare the following:
- Updated CV with contact details
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified qualification certificate
- Academic transcript if available
- Proof of residence (sometimes requested later)
- Driver’s licence (if applicable to role)
Keeping these documents ready helps you respond quickly if shortlisted.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- Updated CV
- Copy of qualification
Applications must be emailed to: internship@putco.co.za
Important reminder:
Do not send original certificates.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after submission.
Closing Date: 08 April 2026
Late applications may not be considered, so early submission is strongly recommended.
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Competition for SETA-supported internships is always high. To improve your chances:
Apply early before the deadline.
Make sure your CV includes:
- Your qualification clearly listed
- Contact details updated
- Any workplace exposure (even short-term experience)
- Computer literacy
- Driver’s licence if available
Also ensure your email subject line clearly states:
PUTCO Graduate Internship Application 2026
This helps recruiters identify your application faster.
If you qualify for more than one department, tailor your CV to highlight the most relevant skills for that placement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this internship open to students who are still studying?
No. Applicants must have already completed their qualification.
- Is there a salary or stipend?
Yes. Selected interns will receive R6 500 per month.
- Can TVET graduates apply?
Yes. TVET graduates with completed qualifications are eligible.
- Can applicants older than 35 apply?
No. The programme is limited to applicants under age 35.
- How long does the internship last?
The internship runs for 24 months.
- Are applicants guaranteed permanent employment afterwards?
No internship guarantees employment, but workplace experience improves job prospects significantly.
- Where will interns be placed?
Placements are available in:
- Soweto
- Pretoria
- Linbro Park
- PUTCO Head Office
CLOSING DATE: 08 APRIL 2026
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs shares verified opportunity information to support youth employment access. Applicants must submit applications directly to PUTCO using the official email provided. Edupstairs is not responsible for recruitment decisions made by the employer.
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