There are still several learnerships, trainee programmes and workplace‑learning opportunities that close before the end of May 2026 – a great chance to start earning while you learn. If you need help finding a place to begin, the Thapelo Madibeng Bursary site lists many of these openings.
NARYSEC Firefighter & Traffic Officer Trainee Programme 2026
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is running the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) trainee programme for fire‑fighters and traffic officers.
Programme details
- Application closing date: 25 May 2026
- Location: Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality, KwaZulu‑Natal
Who can apply
Unemployed South African youth who are South African citizens, have a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent, and are fit for the physical duties of firefighting or traffic control.
What you gain
You will receive structured on‑the‑job training, a stipend during the programme and a nationally recognised certificate that can lead to a permanent role.
How to apply
- Visit the official application page: Apply for NARYSEC Firefighter & Traffic Officer Trainee Programme 2026.
- Complete the online registration form.
- Upload your ID, proof of residence, and academic certificates.
- Submit before the closing date.
AFRIMAT Mechanical Fitting Learnerships 2026
AFRIMAT is offering a Mechanical Fitting learnership for unemployed youth who want to work in the engineering sector.
Learnership details
- Application closing date: 25 May 2026
- Location: Henley‑on‑Klip, Gauteng
Who can apply
South African citizens, aged 18–35, who are unemployed, have a Grade 12 qualification and a basic knowledge of mechanical drawing or workshop practice.
What you gain
The programme combines classroom instruction with hands‑on work, provides a stipend and ends with a recognised mechanical fitting qualification.
How to apply
- Go to the AFRIMAT portal: Apply for AFRIMAT Mechanical Fitting Learnerships 2026.
- Fill in all personal details.
- Attach your CV, ID and Grade 12 certificate.
- Submit before the 25 May deadline.
CCBSA Visual Merchandiser Learnerships 2026
Coca‑Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is looking for creative young people to join its Visual Merchandiser learnership.
Learnership details
- Application closing date: 25 May 2026
- Locations:
- Ermelo, Mpumalanga
- Emondlo, Vryheid, KwaZulu‑Natal
Who can apply
Unemployed South African youth, 18–30 years old, with a Grade 12 certificate and a passion for retail visual design.
What you gain
You will learn visual merchandising, store layout and brand presentation while earning a monthly allowance and receiving a certificate.
How to apply
- Visit the CCBSA application page: Apply for CCBSA Visual Merchandiser Learnerships 2026.
- Complete the online form.
- Upload your ID, proof of residence and most recent photograph.
- Submit by 25 May.
ABSA Junior Learnerships 2026
ABSA Group is offering a Junior Learnership programme for young South Africans who want to start a career in finance.
Learnership details
- Application closing date: 27 May 2026
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Who can apply
South African citizens, aged 18–30, who are unemployed, have a Grade 12 certificate and an interest in banking or finance.
What you gain
The 12‑month programme provides banking training, mentorship, a monthly stipend and a certificate that is valued by employers.
How to apply
- Go to ABSA’s official portal: Apply for ABSA Junior Learnerships 2026.
- Register with your personal details.
- Attach copies of your ID and Grade 12 certificate.
- Submit before 27 May.
Thulamela Municipality ISDG Graduates Programme 2026
Thulamela Local Municipality is inviting qualified graduates to apply for its Infrastructure Skills Development Grant (ISDG) Graduates Programme.
Programme details
- Application closing date: 27 May 2026
- Location: Thohoyandou, Limpopo
Who can apply
South African graduates, unemployed, holding a relevant degree or diploma (engineering, construction management, urban planning etc.), and willing to work in municipal infrastructure.
What you gain
The 12‑month programme offers practical experience on municipal projects, a stipend, and a nationally recognised ISDG qualification.
How to apply
- Access the municipality’s portal: Apply for Thulamela Municipality ISDG Graduates Programme 2026.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload your CV, academic transcripts and proof of unemployment.
- Submit by the 27 May deadline.
Knysna Municipality Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL) Opportunities – 20 Places
Knysna Municipality is offering 20 work‑integrated learning spots for graduates and students who are looking to gain municipal experience.
Opportunity details
- Application closing date: 28 May 2026
- Location: Knysna, Western Cape
Who can apply
Unemployed South African graduates or final‑year students from any discipline who are South African citizens and can commit to a 6‑month placement.
What you gain
You will work on real municipal projects, receive a modest allowance, and obtain a certificate of participation.
How to apply
- Visit the Knysna Municipal site: Apply for 20 x Knysna Municipality Learnership Opportunities 2026.
- Fill in the online application.
- Attach required documents (ID, proof of enrolment or graduation, CV).
- Submit before 28 May.
SASSA TVET Learnerships 2026
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is offering Work‑Integrated Learning placements for TVET College learners.
Programme details
- Application closing date: 29 May 2026
- Location: Kimberley, Northern Cape
Who can apply
Current TVET College learners, unemployed, who are South African citizens, and enrolled in a relevant qualification.
What you gain
The placement provides practical experience, a stipend, and a certificate that can be added to your TVET qualification.
How to apply
- Go to the SASSA portal: Apply for SASSA TVET Learnerships 2026.
- Enter your details and select your TVET programme.
- Upload your learner’s ID, enrolment letter and academic records.
- Submit by 29 May.
Santam Learnerships 2026
Santam is seeking unemployed South African youth to join its 2026 learnership programme in the insurance sector.
Learnership details
- Application closing date: 31 May 2026
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Who can apply
South African citizens, aged 18–35, who are unemployed, have a Grade 12 certificate and an interest in insurance or risk management.
What you gain
You will receive structured training, a monthly allowance, and a nationally recognised insurance qualification that can lead to permanent employment.
How to apply
- Visit Santam’s official learnership page: Apply for Santam Learnerships 2026.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload your ID, Grade 12 certificate and a brief motivation letter.
- Submit before 31 May.
These eight programmes close this month. Start your applications today, double‑check that all documents are correct, and keep a copy of every submission. Good luck on your journey to work‑based learning!
