The Department of Employment and Labour is recruiting unemployed graduates for the 2025–2027 Project 20K Graduate Internship Programme. Learn who qualifies, available fields, stipend details, and how to apply.
Employment and Labour Graduate Programme (Project 20K) 2025/2027
The Department of Employment and Labour has opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme, widely known as Project 20K, giving thousands of young South Africans the chance to gain meaningful work experience. This nationwide programme runs for 24 months and is designed to support unemployed graduates, including youth living with disabilities, by placing them in real workplace environments across all provinces.
This initiative offers a rare opportunity for young people to build practical skills, improve employability, and receive exposure to professional systems and services within one of the country’s most impactful government departments.
Closing Date: 05 December 2025
Quick Overview
Hiring Organisation: Department of Employment and Labour
Programme: Graduate Internship Programme (Project 20K)
Duration: 24 months (2025–2027)
Stipend: Approximately R7 860.50 per month
Who Can Apply: Unemployed South African graduates aged 18–35
Application Method: Search “Project 20K” on SAYouth.mobi
Employment Type: Internship
Special Priority: Youth, previously disadvantaged individuals, and persons with disabilities
About the Department of Employment and Labour
The Department of Employment and Labour plays a crucial role in building a fair, safe, and productive labour environment in South Africa. The Department oversees labour policies, workplace safety, employment equity, and job creation initiatives. With labour centres across all nine provinces, it provides essential services that support workers, jobseekers, and businesses.
Project 20K forms part of the Department’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and helping graduates transition into the world of work. Through this programme, participants gain hands-on exposure in areas such as:
- Remote ICT Support
- ICT Service Desk
- Contract and Licensing
- Asset Management
- Administration (ICT)
- Labour Market Information and Statistics
- Research
- Digital Content Creation
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you meet the following requirements:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are an unemployed graduate.
- You have never participated in any internship programme.
- You have a recognised qualification:
- National Diploma (NQF 6)
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7)
- You are willing to attend interviews, assessments, or screening.
- You can secure your own accommodation and transport if placed outside your region.
- You are available to work full-time for the full 24-month period.
Find Useful Links Below:
Important Documents for Shortlisted Applicants
If you are shortlisted, you must submit certified copies of the following:
- Matric certificate
- Academic transcript or full academic record
- SAQA evaluation (for foreign qualifications)
- South African ID
Internship Categories and Minimum Qualifications
Below are the available positions and the qualifications required for each:
Remote ICT Technicians – 4 Posts
Qualifications:
Three-year National Diploma (NQF 6) or Undergraduate Degree (NQF 7) in Information Technology.
A+ or N+ certification will be an advantage.
ICT Service Desk Agents – 4 Posts
Qualifications:
National Higher Certificate or College Diploma (NQF 5) in Information Technology or ICT-related field.
A+ certificate is also acceptable.
Contract and Licence Controller (ICT) – 5 Posts
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in:
Business Management, Administration, Logistics, Financial Management, LLB, Commercial Law, or Information Technology.
Asset Management Officer (ICT) – 3 Posts
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in:
Supply Chain Management, Asset Management, Public Management, Public Administration, Business Management, Business Administration, Financial Management, Accounting, Taxation, or Internal Auditing.
Administration Clerk (ICT) – 1 Post
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in:
Management, Public Management, Public Administration, Business Management, Business Administration, Management Assistant, Office Management and Technology, Administrative Management, or Public Management and Governance.
Field ICT Technicians – 50 Posts
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in:
Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
Labour Market Information and Statistics – 2 Posts
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in:
Economics, Statistics, Data Analytics, or Social Sciences.
Labour Market Monitoring and Labour Market Information – 2 Posts
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in:
Economics, Statistics, Data Analytics, or Social Sciences.
Library – 1 Post
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in Library and Information Science or a related field.
Digital Content Creator – 1 Post
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Visual Communication, or an equivalent qualification.
Researcher – 1 Post
Qualifications:
National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in Public Administration, Social Sciences, or Economics.
Conclusion
The Employment and Labour Graduate Programme (Project 20K) 2025/2027 is one of the largest internship opportunities available to South African graduates. With placements across all provinces and a wide range of fields to choose from, this programme gives young people the chance to gain real workplace skills, build confidence, and improve their prospects of long-term employment. If you have completed a relevant qualification and are ready to start your career journey, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.
