Apply for the Services SETA PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme 2026. A 24-month national internship for unemployed graduates with NQF Level 4–7 qualifications. Open across South Africa with placements in public and private sectors.
The Services SETA PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme is one of South Africa’s most ambitious graduate placement initiatives, offering thousands of unemployed graduates the chance to gain real work experience. Applications are currently open, and this large-scale programme is set to run from 2025 to 2027, with the goal of connecting graduates to workplaces across the country.
This internship rollout gives young people a fair opportunity to develop the experience and confidence needed to enter the job market. With host employers across both the public and private sectors, this programme offers structured workplace learning aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy.
The internship application closing date is 11 December 2025 at 16:00.
Quick Overview
Programme: PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships
Duration: 24 Months
Who Can Apply: Unemployed graduates with NQF Level 4–7 qualifications
Host Employers: Public and private sectors, NGOs, municipalities, SOEs
Opening Date: 21 November 2025
Closing Date: 11 December 2025 at 16:00
Contact Email: powerx@serviceseta.org.za
What the PowerX² Programme Is About
This national internship initiative was launched to help unemployed graduates who have qualifications but limited workplace exposure. The objective is to link 20 000 young people to employment sites where they can obtain meaningful experience.
The programme supports national strategies such as the NSDP 2030 while ensuring that young graduates gain access to formal workplace environments. It covers all fields of study, including Business, Finance, IT, Marketing, HR, Law, Engineering, Administration, and many others. Graduates will be matched with employers based on their skills and the needs of the workplace.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold an NQF Level 4–7 qualification from a public university or public TVET college
- Be unemployed when applying
- Be available full-time for the 24-month internship
- Be willing to work anywhere in South Africa
- Complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI)
You may apply whether or not you have previously been funded by the Services SETA.
Documents Needed After Submitting the EOI
Once you complete the online Expression of Interest, you will receive a confirmation email with an upload link. The following documents will be required:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your qualification or statement of results
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Bank confirmation letter
Host Employers – Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to a wide range of organisations that are able to host interns. Eligible employers include:
- Private companies
- Public entities
- Municipalities
- Government departments
- Non-profit organisations
- TVET colleges and universities
Employer Requirements
To host interns, employers must meet the following criteria:
- Be registered with COIDA
- Provide an OHS-compliant workplace
- Commit to hosting interns for the full 24-month period
- Complete the employer EOI
- Pass the Workplace Approval Process
- Participate in monitoring and reporting
Documents Employers Must Submit After the EOI
Employers will need to upload:
- CIPC registration documents
- SARS Tax Compliance PIN
- CSD summary report
- COIDA letter / Letter of Good Standing
- OHS compliance evidence
- Physical workplace addresses
- List of workplace sites
- ID of the authorised organisation representative
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to www.servicesseta.org.za/powerx2
Step 2: Choose Your Category
Select either Graduate or Employer.
Step 3: Complete the Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
Fill in the required information accurately.
Step 4: Check Your Confirmation Email
You will receive a reference number, upload link, and document checklist.
Step 5: Upload All Documents Before the Deadline
Step 6: Await Further Communication
The Programme Management Unit will contact suitable applicants.
Why Graduates Should Apply
This programme offers several important benefits:
- Gain 24 months of valuable workplace experience
- Improve your employability
- Build your professional network
- Develop essential workplace skills
- Strengthen your CV
- Gain exposure across different industries
- Increase your chances of long-term employment
If you’ve been struggling to secure workplace exposure, this programme offers a real pathway toward your future career.
How to Apply Online
Visit the official application page to get started:
www.servicesseta.org.za/powerx2
Conclusion
The Services SETA PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme is a major opportunity for unemployed graduates in South Africa. With placements across multiple sectors and a structured 24-month training period, it offers a realistic path toward building experience and securing long-term employment. If you meet the requirements and are ready to begin your career journey, make sure to apply before the deadline and take advantage of this important national initiative.
