The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) has opened registrations for its 2026 PowerX² Internship Programme, offering 20,000 structured, paid internships lasting 24 months nationwide. This initiative aims to help unemployed South African graduates gain the practical workplace experience needed to strengthen their careers.
About the PowerX² Internship Programme
Funded by Services SETA and managed by African Global Skills Academy (AGSA), the programme connects qualified unemployed graduates with approved employers across both public and private sectors throughout South Africa’s nine provinces. These internships provide real-world workplace exposure, mentorship, and development of both technical and interpersonal skills relevant to graduates’ fields of study.
Who Can Apply?
This programme targets unemployed South African citizens who have completed post-school or matric-level qualifications. Both university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates are eligible to apply, provided their qualifications meet the programme’s criteria. Applicants should be ready to commit to a 24-month structured internship and meet specific host employer requirements.
Key Requirements
- South African citizenship
- Unemployed status at the time of application
- Completion of a recognized qualification (matric certificate or higher)
- Capacity to provide certified copies of: South African ID, matric certificate, highest qualification certificate—all certified within the last six months
- Availability for a 24-month internship period
- Provision of a detailed, accurate, and professionally prepared CV
- Willingness to relocate if required by host employers
Applicants should note that previous PowerX² rounds focused on qualifications between NQF Level 4 and 7, including diplomas and degrees, but eligibility depends on current programme criteria and matching availability.
Fields and Career Areas
Approved internships cover diverse fields such as Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Financial Management, IT and Computer Science, Marketing, Business Management, Supply Chain and Logistics, Engineering, Project Management, Customer Service, Tourism, Legal Administration, Education, and Environmental Management. Placement depends on employer needs and qualified candidate availability.
Internship Details
The internships last for 24 months and include a monthly stipend, although the exact stipend amount is not specified. Placements begin from October 2026 onwards, with timelines varying by employer.
How the Matching Process Works
- Graduates register their profiles online, submitting personal, educational, and employment details.
- Employers register internship vacancies and workplace details.
- Employers are vetted and approved based on workplace standards and capacity to offer meaningful internships.
- Matching is done by comparing graduate qualifications and preferences with employer needs and available positions.
- Successful matches begin their internships with ongoing supervision and mentorship.
Application Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID (both sides of smart ID on one page if applicable)
- Certified matriculation certificate (statement of results not accepted)
- Certified highest qualification certificate (statements of results not accepted)
- Updated and professionally formatted Curriculum Vitae (CV)
All documents must be scanned as clear PDF files, each under 8 MB, avoiding photographs or images in other formats.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must register online through the official PowerX² graduate application portal. The registration process involves completing personal and qualification details, uploading required documents, and specifying work location preferences.
Start your application by visiting the programme information page to understand the opportunity and requirements.
Then proceed to the official graduate registration portal to submit your application.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Registering does not guarantee internship placement since candidates must meet matching criteria and availability. Applicants should prepare their documents carefully to avoid delays or disqualification. Tailoring your CV to highlight relevant skills and academic projects can improve your chances during employer selection.
For additional details regarding placement, document requirements, and programme support, applicants can consult the placement guidelines, the document requirements, and the programme FAQs.
Closing Date
As of the latest update, there is no specified closing date, and registrations remain open. Graduates are encouraged to apply promptly to improve their chances of placement.
