Organisation: Department of Employment and Labour
Location: Nationwide, South Africa
Duration: 24 Months (2025–2027)
Stipend: ± R7,860.50 per month
Closing Date: 21 November 2025
Eligibility: Unemployed South African graduates aged 18–35, including persons with disabilities
About the Programme
The Graduate Internship Programme (Project 20K) is a national initiative by the Department of Employment and Labour designed to tackle youth unemployment by creating practical learning opportunities across South Africa’s public service sector.
Through this programme, unemployed graduates will gain two years of structured work experience, equipping them with valuable technical and professional skills to help them transition smoothly into the labour market.
The internship focuses on skills development, youth empowerment, and employment equity, offering placements in various government units and departments.
Interns will receive exposure in several functional areas, including:
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
- Human Resources and Labour Relations
- Business Administration
- Auditing and Financial Management
- Environmental Health and Sciences
- Policy, Equity, and Research
- Social Work, Psychology, and Employee Wellness
- Organisational Development and Change Management
This is an excellent opportunity for young graduates who are passionate about making a difference and contributing to South Africa’s public sector transformation.
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Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Project 20K Graduate Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be an unemployed graduate aged between 18 and 35 years.
- Must have never participated in any other internship programme before.
- Must possess a recognised qualification:
- National Diploma (NQF 6) or
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in a relevant field.
- Must be willing to undergo assessments, interviews, and background screening.
- Must be able to arrange their own transport and accommodation if placed outside their area of residence.
- Must be fully committed to a 24-month full-time internship.
Required Certified Documents:
- South African ID
- Matric Certificate
- Academic Record / Transcript
- SAQA evaluation (if qualification is foreign)
Internship Categories and Minimum Qualifications
The Project 20K Internship Programme offers thousands of internship positions across several categories. Some of the key streams include:
1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) – 3,385 posts
- Environmental Health
- Environmental Science
- Mechanical / Mechatronics / Electrical / Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Construction Engineering
- Occupational Health / Industrial Hygiene
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mining or Industrial Engineering
2. Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA) – 3,197 posts
- Labour Relations
- BCom Law
- LLB
- Labour Law
- Commercial Law
3. Employment Equity (EEA) – 260 posts
- BCom Law
- LLB
- Labour Law
- Commercial Law
4. Employer Audit Services (EAS) – 1,076 posts
- BCom Law
- LLB
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Internal Auditing
- Financial Accounting
- Cost & Management Accounting
- Financial Information Systems
Other internship streams include roles in:
- Office of the COO
- Inspector-General Unit
- Corporate Services
- Employee Relations
- Training and Performance Management
- Human Resource Operations
- Organisational Development
- Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP)
- Gender, Disability, and Youth (GDY)
- Policy, Research, and Monitoring
Each category has its own qualification requirements aligned with the department’s operational needs.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully to apply for the Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme (Project 20K):
- Register or Log In on the SAYouth platform:
Visit 👉 sayouth.mobi - In the search bar, type “Project 20K.”
- Select your province and preferred internship stream from the available listings.
- Complete the online application form accurately and ensure all information is correct.
- If shortlisted, upload the following certified documents:
- CV
- ID
- Matric Certificate
- Academic Record
- SAQA Certificate (if applicable)
- Attend the required assessments and interviews if contacted.
- Successful candidates will sign a 24-month internship contract and begin placement from 2025.
Note: Walk-in applications close at 16:00, while online submissions close at 00:00 on 21 November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. The programme is specifically for unemployed graduates with no prior work experience.
Can I apply for multiple streams?
Yes, but you must submit a separate application for each stream or reference number.
How long is the internship?
The duration is 24 months (2025–2027).
Will I receive a salary?
Interns will receive a monthly stipend of approximately R7,860.50.
What if I don’t get feedback?
If you are not contacted within eight weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Are people with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes, persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and will receive preference in line with employment equity principles.
Conclusion
The Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme (Project 20K) 2025–2027 presents a unique opportunity for South African graduates to gain essential workplace experience and professional development within government structures.
If you are passionate about public service and eager to develop real-world skills that can open future career doors, this is your chance to take the next big step.
Apply before the closing date — 21 November 2025 — and be part of South Africa’s effort to empower its youth through employment and learning.
