South African graduates now have a powerful new opportunity to launch their careers through the SABS Youth Development Programme 2026. The programme has officially opened applications and will recruit 70 young professionals across 25 departments on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
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For many graduates struggling to secure their first professional role, this programme offers a structured entry into industry, exposure to technical and corporate environments, and real workplace experience within one of South Africa’s most respected standards and quality assurance organisations.
Quick Overview
Programme: SABS Graduate Youth Development Programme
Number of vacancies: 70
Departments: 25
Contract duration: 12 months (fixed term)
Grade: A2/P17
Application closing date: 06 March 2026
Application method: Online via the SABS e-recruitment system
Employment equity: Recruitment aligned with EE Act and SABS EE Policy
What Is the SABS Youth Development Programme?
The SABS Youth Development Programme is a structured graduate development initiative designed to equip young South Africans with practical workplace skills, industry exposure, and professional competence.
Participants are placed across technical, administrative, engineering, ICT, customer relations, and compliance environments to build real-world experience that bridges the gap between academic learning and employment.
This programme aligns with national priorities such as:
- Skills development
- Youth employment
- Industrial competitiveness
- Standards and quality assurance capacity
For many graduates, this serves as a stepping stone into sectors like engineering, finance, ICT, regulatory services, marketing, and supply chain.
Departments and Available Positions
The programme spans multiple functional areas, ensuring graduates from diverse academic backgrounds can participate.
Accreditation
- 1 position
Laboratory Services
- Chemicals & Materials – 2
- Secunda – 2
- Paints and Sealants – 2
- Food & Health – 2
- Auto, Civil & Mechanical – 4
- Electro-technical – 3
Customer Partnering
- Customer Engagement – 1
- Sales/Business Development – 3
- Digital Marketing – 2
Standards
- 9 positions
ICT & Knowledge Management
- 2 positions
Project Management Office
- 1 position
Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations
- 2 positions
Certification
- 6 positions
Facilities
- Support and Assets – 1
- Engineering and Plant Maintenance – 1
- Maintenance – 1
Risk, Compliance & Legal Services
- 2 positions
Internal Audit
- 2 positions
Human Capital Services
- 2 positions
Supply Chain Management
- 1 position
Finance
- BSAS – 1
- Credit Management – 1
- Strategy – 1
Minimum Requirements
While the advert focuses on graduate placements across departments, typical expectations include:
- Completed qualification relevant to the department applied for
- Strong academic foundation
- Ability to work in structured environments
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Professional conduct and willingness to learn
Fields likely relevant include:
- Engineering
- Science
- Finance
- Marketing
- ICT
- Law
- Business Administration
- Human Resources
- Supply Chain
Applicants must apply via the official SABS e-recruitment system before the deadline.
Applications submitted after 06 March 2026 will not be considered.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through the SABS recruitment platform.
Key steps:
- Prepare updated CV
- Compile certified copies of qualifications
- Prepare ID document
- Apply for the department aligned with your qualification
- Submit before closing date
Recruitment will follow Employment Equity guidelines.
APPLY FOR THE SABS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
If you want to stand out, approach this programme strategically.
Focus on:
- Tailoring your CV to the department
- Highlighting practical experience
- Demonstrating willingness to learn
- Showing knowledge of SABS and standards environment
Important actions:
- Apply early
- Apply to the correct department
- Avoid generic applications
- Prepare for competency-based interviews
Also consider applying to other youth programmes such as:
- Government internships
- SETA learnerships
- YES Programme placements
- TVET workplace learning programmes
Diversifying applications increases success chances.
Career Growth Path After the Programme
Participation in the SABS Youth Development Programme can open multiple long-term career pathways.
Possible progression routes:
- Permanent employment at SABS
- Employment in regulatory or compliance sectors
- Engineering and technical career roles
- Government and public sector opportunities
- Private sector corporate roles
Skills gained include:
- Project management exposure
- Technical compliance understanding
- Laboratory and testing experience
- Corporate governance awareness
- Customer engagement and stakeholder management
Graduates who perform well often secure references, networks, and experience that significantly improve their employability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
Graduates seeking workplace exposure and career entry opportunities.
Is this a permanent job?
No. It is a 12-month fixed-term development programme.
How many positions are available?
70 placements across 25 departments.
Where do I apply?
Through the SABS e-recruitment system online.
When is the deadline?
06 March 2026.
Will late applications be accepted?
No. Applications after closing date will not be considered.
Is employment guaranteed after the programme?
No, but it significantly improves employability.
CLOSING DATE: 06 MARCH 2026
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Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
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Disclaimers
- Information is based on the official programme announcement.
- Applicants must verify details on the official SABS platform.
- Meeting requirements does not guarantee selection.
- Recruitment is aligned with Employment Equity policies.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
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