South African Youth Jobs – In a major push to tackle youth unemployment, the South African government and various private sector partners have announced over 14,000 new learnerships, internships, and entry-level job opportunities for young people across the country. These positions are open to South African citizens aged 18 to 35 and cover a wide range of industries including finance, IT, healthcare, public administration, retail, logistics, and engineering. With the deadline for applications set for June 30, 2025, this initiative is part of the government’s ongoing effort to uplift the youth, create sustainable employment, and enhance skill development in alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. Several top government departments, state-owned enterprises, and leading private companies have committed to filling vacancies specifically designed for unemployed youth with no or limited work experience. From stipend-based training programmes to full-time employment contracts, this opportunity can be life-changing for thousands of job seekers. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the available opportunities, how to apply, what benefits to expect, and contact information for further assistance.
Who Can Apply for South African Youth Jobs
The new positions are aimed at empowering South African youth from disadvantaged backgrounds with minimal barriers to entry.
- Must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 35
- Must be currently unemployed or underemployed
- Matric certificate or equivalent (some roles require higher education)
- No prior work experience required for most positions
- Fields include administration, IT, education, health services, customer care, and logistics
Types of Opportunities Available:
| Opportunity Type | Number of Openings | Minimum Requirement | Stipend/Salary | Duration | Sector | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learnerships | 5,200 | Matric | R3,500/month | 12-18 months | Retail, Finance | 30 June 2025 |
| Internships | 4,800 | Diploma/Degree | R5,500/month | 6-12 months | IT, Admin, HR | 30 June 2025 |
| Entry-Level Jobs | 4,000 | Matric/Diploma | R7,000–R10,000 | Permanent | Transport, Sales | 30 June 2025 |
| Apprenticeships | 1,100 | N2/N3 Certificate | R4,000/month | 12-24 months | Engineering, Trades | 30 June 2025 |
How to Apply for These South African Youth Jobs
The application process is designed to be easy and accessible online and offline for all youth across the country.
- Visit the official National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) website
- Navigate to the “Careers & Opportunities” section
- Create a profile and upload required documents
- Apply directly for multiple opportunities at once
Required Documents for South African Youth Jobs
Applicants must prepare the following before submission:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Updated CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Certified Matric certificate or academic transcripts
- Proof of residence or affidavit
Key Employers Participating in the South African Youth Jobs
Many major players are supporting this employment drive through targeted recruitment and training.
| Employer/Partner | Type of Opportunity | Fields Covered | Website/Application Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Labour | Internships | Admin, Compliance | www.labour.gov.za |
| NYDA | Learnerships | Youth Services | www.nyda.gov.za |
| Eskom | Apprenticeships | Electrical Engineering | www.eskom.co.za/careers |
| Transnet | Entry-Level Jobs | Logistics, Railways | www.transnet.net/Careers |
| Pick n Pay | Learnerships | Retail & Sales | www.picknpay.co.za/careers |
| Netcare | Internships | Healthcare | www.netcare.co.za/careers |
| Nedbank | Learnerships | Finance, Banking | www.nedbank.co.za/careers |
Which Provinces Have the Most Vacancies?
The distribution of jobs and training positions varies per province. Here’s where to look based on location:
- Gauteng: 4,800+ opportunities
- KwaZulu-Natal: 2,700+ opportunities
- Western Cape: 2,000+ opportunities
- Eastern Cape: 1,500+ opportunities
- Limpopo, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape: Remaining slots distributed evenly
Benefits of Participating in These South African Youth Jobs
Joining a government or private-sector youth initiative provides much more than a monthly stipend.
- Gain valuable on-the-job training and workplace readiness
- Receive official certificates of completion
- Some programs offer full-time job placement post-training
- Get mentorship from industry professionals
- Improve your employment history and future earning potential
Financial Support During Training
Many of the programs offer financial support to ensure youth can fully participate:
- Monthly stipends ranging from R3,500 to R7,000
- Transport and meal allowances in select programmes
- Access to government support services via NYDA and Labour Centres
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Through NYDA
For youth unfamiliar with the application process, follow these steps through the NYDA portal:
Step 1: Register
- Go to www.nyda.gov.za
- Click on “Login/Register”
- Fill in your personal details and contact info
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Ensure these files are scanned and ready in PDF format:
- Certified ID (not older than 3 months)
- Latest academic qualification
- Proof of residence
Step 3: Browse Opportunities
- Click on “Youth Opportunities”
- Filter by sector, location, or program type
- Click “Apply” on suitable listings
Step 4: Submit Application
- Double-check details before submission
- Submit and save confirmation email or application number
- Wait for SMS or email notification regarding shortlisting
This employment initiative is a golden opportunity for thousands of South African youth to gain skills, earn income, and kickstart their professional careers. With the June 30 deadline fast approaching, applicants are urged to apply immediately and not wait until the last minute. Always double-check the official websites and avoid any third-party agents charging fees—all government and NYDA applications are 100% free.
Contact Information for Queries and Support
If you face technical difficulties or need assistance with your application, contact the following departments directly:
| Department/Agency | Contact Number | Email Address | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYDA National Call Centre | 087 158 6345 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8AM–5PM |
| Department of Employment | 012 309 4000 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8AM–4PM |
| Transnet HR | 011 308 3000 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 9AM–4PM |
| Eskom Careers Helpline | 086 003 7566 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8AM–5PM |
FAQs of Youth Jobs
Q1: Can I apply for more than one opportunity?
Yes. You may apply for multiple internships, learnerships, or entry-level positions as long as you meet the requirements.
Q2: Do I need prior work experience?
No, most roles are specifically designed for individuals with no or limited work history.
Q3: Are these positions only available to university graduates?
No, many positions only require a Matric certificate. However, some internships may require a diploma or degree.
Q4: Will I get paid during the training or internship?
Yes, all programs listed provide monthly stipends to cover your basic expenses.
Q5: What happens after completing the programme?
You will receive a certificate and, in many cases, be considered for permanent employment within the organization.