The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is offering a paid internship program for South African graduates who are looking for their first job. If you’re between 18 and 35 years old, don’t have a job yet, and finished a National Diploma or higher, this could be a great way to get real work experience and start building a career.
What the internship is all about
The QCTO internship is meant to give students a chance to see how a professional workplace works. You’ll spend a few months in a real office, learning from people who already work there, and doing practical tasks that are useful in many different jobs. The program is open only in Gauteng Province, but anyone from any other part of South Africa can also apply – it’s just that those living in Gauteng have a bit of an advantage.
You’ll earn a stipend of R5,000 a month. This money can help you cover living costs while you learn new skills and make contacts that will help you find a job later on.
Why this internship matters
Most South African graduates finish university or a college course and then find it hard to land a first job. The QCTO program gives them a chance to:
- Work in a real office setting
- Be mentored by experienced staff
- Do hands‑on tasks that match what employers look for
- Get a clear idea of what a career in public or private work looks like
After you finish, you’ll have a resume that shows you know what it takes to succeed in a professional environment.
Where you can work
Here are the positions that are open for 2026. For each, we list a few key qualifications and the main tasks you’ll do. If any of these match your background, read on.
| Internship | Main duties | What you need to have |
|---|---|---|
| Registry | Keep records, track documents, help with compliance | Knowledge of public or office administration |
| Finance | Help with budgets, report on money, handle invoices | Study in finance or accounting |
| Quality Assurance | Run checks, monitor standards, analyse data | Interest in education, quality or public management |
| Assessment Assurance | Check assessments, confirm they meet rules | Background in education or training |
| Legal Services | Do legal research, look at contracts | Law or paralegal studies |
| Human Resources | Support hiring, HR paperwork, training plans | HR or industrial psychology |
| Secretariat | Create agendas, write minutes, support meetings | Public administration or office management |
| Certification | Process certs, manage databases, answer questions | Education or information management |
| Marketing & Communication | Run campaigns, manage social media | Marketing or communication |
| Supply Chain Management | Help with buying stuff, keep supplier records | Supply chain, logistics or procurement |
| Accreditation | Help evaluate training providers, write reports | Education or quality management |
The program currently needs one intern for each of the roles listed above, so there are 13 spots in total.
Who should apply
If you are a graduate who:
- Is a South African citizen between 18 and 35
- Has a National Diploma or a higher qualification (NQF Level 6 or above)
- Has no previous internship or work experience in this kind of role
- Lives in Gauteng (or is willing to move there)
…you’re a good fit. The program also encourages people from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to apply.
How to apply
- Visit the QCTO website: https://www.qcto.org.za/join-us.html
- Click the button that says “Apply for the QCTO Internship Programme 2026”.
- Fill out the application form and attach your resume.
- Make sure you send everything in before 27 February 2026.
If you don’t hear back from the QCTO by the closing date, it’s likely that your application didn’t get selected. So make sure you apply early and double‑check all your information.
What you’ll get out of it
- R5,000 a month to help cover your expenses
- Inside look at how a regulatory authority runs
- Learning that will help you stand out to future employers
- A mentor who can give you advice on how to grow
- A clear path toward a job in public or private sectors
If you want to start a career in governance, education, finance or any of the other fields listed, this internship is a good stepping stone.
For more details about the QCTO and their work, you can visit our main page: Home.
Good luck, and if this sounds like the right move for you, don’t wait – apply today before the deadline!