7 South African Learnerships & Internships Closing by 1 May 2026

There is a rush of high‑value learnership or internship opportunity in South Africa right now, and the deadlines are fast approaching. If you miss the cut‑off, you may have to wait another year for a chance to earn real workplace experience, a stipend and industry contacts.

1. Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) ICT Experiential Learnership 2026

This programme offers a 24‑month placement in the ICT department of a government research institute.

Who can apply

  • South African citizens
  • Unemployed graduates with an ICT‑related degree
  • Age 18‑35

What you gain

  • Hands‑on work in help‑desk support, procurement systems and digital services
  • Monthly stipend of R7,000 – R10,000
  • Professional networking in the public sector

How to apply

  1. Visit the official application page.
  2. Download the application form and read the guidelines.
  3. Fill in all sections accurately.
  4. Attach a certified copy of your ID, degree certificate and CV.
  5. Submit before 27 April 2026.

Tips

  • Proofread your CV for ICT‑relevant keywords.
  • Make sure all documents are certified and legible.
  • Include any volunteer IT support you have done.

👉 Apply for the MKRI ICT Experiential Learnership 2026


2. MANCOSA Cybersecurity Learnership 2026

MANCOSA, together with The Transcendance Group, runs a learnership focused on entry‑level cybersecurity skills.

Who can apply

  • Unemployed South African youth
  • Basic knowledge of computers; no formal degree required
  • Willingness to learn and obtain industry certifications

What you gain

  • Paid placement aligned with MICTSETA standards
  • Training in network security, threat analysis and ethical hacking
  • Potential pathway to a full‑time job in a high‑demand sector

How to apply

  1. Open the official learnership link.
  2. Complete the online registration form.
  3. Upload a current CV, ID copy and a brief motivation letter.
  4. Submit before 28 April 2026.

Tips

  • Highlight any self‑studied security courses or certifications.
  • Keep your motivation letter short and focused on why you want a cybersecurity career.
  • Check your internet connection before uploading files.

👉 Apply for the MANCOSA Cybersecurity Learnership 2026


3. AVI Limited (I&J) YES4Youth Learnership 2026

AVI Limited offers a short‑term work‑experience programme for young people wanting exposure to corporate and industrial settings.

Who can apply

  • South African citizens, unemployed youth
  • Age 18‑30
  • Interest in business, engineering or logistics

What you gain

  • Entry‑level workplace experience at a leading manufacturing group
  • Mentoring from experienced professionals
  • Potential for further employment within AVI

How to apply

  1. Visit the application portal.
  2. Fill in personal details and educational background.
  3. Attach a CV and certified ID copy.
  4. Submit before 30 April 2026.

Tips

  • Show any school projects or internships that relate to manufacturing.
  • Proofread your CV for spelling errors.
  • Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application.

👉 Apply for the AVI Limited YES4Youth Learnership 2026


4. Harmony Gold Learnership 2026/2027

Harmony Gold’s learnership programme targets South African youth interested in mining and technical trades.

Who can apply

  • Unemployed South African youth
  • Qualifications relevant to rigging, boilermaking or fitting (e.g., NC(V) or equivalent)
  • Willingness to work in remote mining sites

What you gain

  • Training in rigging, boilermaking or fitting
  • Stipend while you learn
  • Clear pathway to a skilled trade in the mining industry

How to apply

  1. Open the official Harmony Gold learnership page.
  2. Choose the trade you are interested in.
  3. Complete the online form and upload your CV, ID and trade certificates.
  4. Submit before 30 April 2026.

Tips

  • Include any apprenticeship or workshop experience you have.
  • Make sure trade certificates are certified copies.
  • Write a brief paragraph explaining why mining interests you.

👉 Apply for the Harmony Gold Learnership 2026


5. Rohlig‑Grindrod Learnership 2026

This learnership focuses on logistics and supply‑chain management, sectors that are expanding quickly across the country.

Who can apply

  • Unemployed South African youth
  • Basic education (Matric or equivalent) – higher qualifications are a plus
  • Interest in warehousing, transport or procurement

What you gain

  • Practical experience in logistics operations
  • Mentoring from senior supply‑chain professionals
  • Monthly stipend (amount not disclosed)

How to apply

  1. Click the official Rohlig‑Grindrod link.
  2. Fill out the online application form.
  3. Upload a certified copy of your ID, CV and any logistics‑related certificates.
  4. Submit before 30 April 2026.

Tips

  • Mention any part‑time work or volunteer roles involving stock handling.
  • Check the spelling of place names (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu‑Natal).
  • Keep your CV to two pages maximum.

👉 Apply for the Rohlig‑Grindrod Learnership 2026


6. Ampath Phlebotomy Technician Learnership 2027 (HWSETA‑Funded)

Ampath Laboratories offers a learnership that prepares you to become a certified phlebotomy technician.

Who can apply

  • Unemployed youth with a Matric certificate
  • Interest in healthcare and laboratory work
  • Willingness to travel to Centurion or Durban sites

What you gain

  • Training in blood sample collection and handling
  • HWSETA funding covering stipend and training costs
  • Entry point to a career in medical laboratories

How to apply

  1. Visit the Ampath learnership page.
  2. Download the application form.
  3. Complete the form and attach a certified ID, Matric certificate and CV.
  4. Submit before 30 April 2026.

Tips

  • Highlight any first‑aid or health‑science courses you have taken.
  • Ensure your CV shows any customer‑service experience.
  • Double‑check the spelling of both locations.

👉 Apply for the Ampath Phlebotomy Technician Learnership 2027


7. Eskom Plant Maintenance Learnership 2026 (10 Posts)

Eskom’s plant‑maintenance learnership offers a two‑year training route for candidates with a Grade 12 (S4) engineering background.

Who can apply

  • South African citizens with S4 Engineering qualifications
  • Interest in power‑generation and plant upkeep
  • Willingness to be placed at various Eskom sites nationwide

What you gain

  • Two‑year paid training in plant maintenance
  • Hands‑on experience on real power‑generation equipment
  • Potential long‑term employment with Eskom

How to apply

  1. Open the official Eskom learnership link.
  2. Complete the online application, selecting the Plant Maintenance track.
  3. Upload certified copies of your ID, S4 qualification and CV.
  4. Submit before 01 May 2026.

Tips

  • Emphasise any previous maintenance or mechanical work you have done.
  • Make sure your engineering qualification is clearly shown.
  • Proofread every field before hitting “Submit”.

👉 Apply for the Eskom Plant Maintenance Learnership 2026


Final Thoughts

These programmes close very soon and are highly competitive. Applying to more than one increases your chances.

Before you submit, make sure you have:

  • An updated, error‑free CV
  • All required documents certified and legible
  • A complete application for each learnership

Take the first step today. The experience you gain now can shape a lasting career.

Author: Donald Williams
Photo of author
Donald is the founder and editor of Thapelo Madibeng Bursary, South Africa's trusted resource for bursaries, learnerships, internships, and funding opportunities. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment and educational access, Donald curates timely, verified updates to help students and unemployed youth unlock career pathways in various sectors.

Leave a Reply