Volkswagen Group South Africa is looking for young TVET students in Kariega and Gqeberha to join its 2026 Experiential Trainee Programme – a hands‑on training chance inside the HR Learning Academy.
If you finished an N6 course and need real work experience to finish your National N Diploma, this job could be the perfect fit. The programme runs for 18 months, from 1 March 2026 to 31 August 2027, and will give you a solid start in a career that could last a lifetime.
Who runs this training?
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) is one of the biggest car makers in our country. Their main factory is in Kariega, Eastern Cape, and they are committed to giving young people, especially from the local community, the skills they need for good jobs. The company runs a Learning Academy in Human Resources that focuses on teaching and practicing real workplace tasks. The 2026 Experiential Trainee Programme is a part of that effort, aimed at helping students move from school to the job world.
What is the programme about?
The training is built for TVET college N6 students who still need a bit of on‑the‑job exposure to complete their National N Diploma. You will work in a job that matches your study area, and you’ll learn all the practical aspects of the role while you’re on the clock. The training is not just a summer job – it lasts a full 18 months and gives you a clear path to a long‑term career in corporate or HR settings.
When and where?
- Start date: 1 March 2026
- End date: 31 August 2027
- Location: Kariega, Eastern Cape
- Length: 18 months
You will stay on site in Kariega or in the nearby city of Gqeberha, depending on where you live.
Which subjects are welcome?
You must have an N6 certificate in one of the following fields:
- Business Management N6
- Management Assistant N6
- Financial Management N6
- Human Resource Management N6
- Office Management N6
If you studied one of these, you could be a great fit.
What do you need to bring?
- Proof of your N6 certificate and transcript – these must be certified copies.
- South African ID – also a certified copy.
- Your N6 results should show that you finished within the last three years.
- You must still need practical experience to finish your National N Diploma.
- You need to live in either Kariega or Gqeberha.
If you have a valid Code 08 driver’s licence, that will give you a small advantage, but it’s not mandatory.
Who can apply?
Volkswagen Group South Africa values diversity and wants to help people from previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities. If you belong to one of these groups, the company will give you priority according to its Employment Equity Plan. However, all applicants who meet the basic criteria will be considered.
How to apply
- Go to the Volkswagen Group careers portal at
https://jobs.volkswagen-group.com/Volkswagen/job/Experiential-Trainees/1275764001/ - Click on the button that says “Apply Now for Volkswagen Group South Africa Experiential Trainee Programme 2026.”
- Fill out the online form and upload the required documents.
- Double‑check that everything is complete – missing documents can mean your application won’t be looked at.
Application deadline: 23 January 2026.
After that date, we can’t accept any more entries.
Why choose this programme?
- Real‑world work: You’ll do real tasks, not just watch from the sidelines.
- Long‑term career start: The experience you gain can lead to future jobs in the company or other firms.
- Supportive learning: The HR Learning Academy offers guidance from experienced people.
- Community focus: The programme is part of VWSA’s effort to lift up local talent and give back to the area.
If you’re a TVET student ready for a challenge and a chance to start a professional journey, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. Apply before the 23rd of January and be ready to start on 1 March 2026. Good luck!