Services SETA has officially opened applications for its Internship Programme 2026, offering unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience within the services sector. This 12-month structured internship is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and practical work exposure while supporting national skills development initiatives.
The programme is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and is ideal for graduates who want to build real-world experience within a public-sector skills development environment.
About Services SETA
Services SETA is a Sector Education and Training Authority established in terms of South Africa’s Skills Development Act. The organisation is responsible for promoting education, training, and skills development across a wide range of service-related industries.
These industries include business services, finance, hospitality, cleaning, hairdressing, property services, and related sectors that play a vital role in the country’s economy. Services SETA works closely with employers, training providers, and government institutions to strengthen workforce development and improve employability outcomes.
About the Internship Programme
The Services SETA Internship Programme is a 12-month work-based learning opportunity aimed at unemployed graduates who are seeking hands-on professional experience. Interns are placed in structured roles where they receive mentorship, practical exposure, and on-the-job training aligned with their qualifications.
Through this programme, interns are able to apply theoretical knowledge in a real workplace environment while developing essential skills such as communication, administration, coordination, reporting, and professional conduct. The internship also offers valuable insight into public-sector operations and skills development systems.
Internship Fields and Required Qualifications
Services SETA is offering internship opportunities across multiple departments. Applicants must hold a National Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or higher in a relevant field.
Intern: Finance
Required qualification in:
- Commerce
- Finance
Intern: Provincial Operations
Required qualification in:
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Or a related field
Intern: Human Capital Management
Required qualification in:
- Human Resources
- Public Administration
- Or a related field
Intern: Marketing and Communications
Required qualification in:
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Communications
- Journalism
- Graphic Design
- Or a related field
Intern: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Required qualification in:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Security
- Or a related field
Intern: Operations
Required qualification in:
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Office Administration
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Or a related field
Intern: Office of the CEO
Required qualification in:
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Or a related field
Intern: Bursaries (Provincial Offices)
Required qualification in:
- Project Management
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Or a related field
Intern: Strategy and Insights
Required qualification in:
- Internal Audit
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Public Administration
- Public Management
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Or a Social Sciences research qualification
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the Services SETA Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Hold a National Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or higher
- Have a qualification relevant to the internship field applied for
- Be willing to commit to the full 12-month internship programme
Internship Location and Duration
- Internship Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Programme Duration: 12 months
- Application Closing Date: 16 January 2026
How to Apply
Intern: Finance
Apply Online for the Internship: Finance
Intern: Provincial Operations
Apply Online for the Internship: Provincial Operations
Intern: Human Capital Management
Apply Online for the Internship: Human Capital Management
Intern: Marketing and Communications
Apply Online for the Internship: Marketing and Communications
Intern: Information and Communication Technology
Apply Online for the Internship: Information and Communication Technology
Intern: Operations
Apply Online for the Internship: Operations
Intern: Office of the CEO
Apply Online for the Internship: Office of the CEO
Intern: Bursaries (Provincial Offices)
Apply Online for the Internship: Bursaries (Provincial Offices)
Intern: Strategy and Insights
Apply Online for the Internship: Strategy and Insights
Conclusion
The Services SETA Internship Programme 2026 offers unemployed graduates a valuable opportunity to gain structured workplace experience within a key national skills development institution. With exposure across multiple functional areas, professional mentorship, and real public-sector experience, this internship provides a strong foundation for graduates looking to improve their employability and build sustainable careers. For graduates who are eager to learn, contribute, and grow professionally, this programme represents a meaningful step forward in their career journey.
