The Employment and Labour Graduate Internship is one of South Africa’s most promising youth programmes, designed to help unemployed graduates gain valuable workplace experience. You can explore more career opportunities and South African internships through PrimeSETA, your trusted platform for verified education and training opportunities. This two-year initiative, known as Project 20K, gives graduates the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the country’s development.
About the Employment and Labour Graduate Internship
The Department of Employment and Labour created this internship to bridge the gap between education and employment. It allows graduates to work in real government environments, developing essential workplace skills and gaining confidence in their chosen careers.
This internship covers several professional areas, giving candidates hands-on experience in public service work. It is an opportunity to build both technical and personal skills that employers value.
Main Internship Areas
Graduates can gain experience in multiple fields through this internship, including:
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Health and Safety
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Human Resources and Labour Relations
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Business and Administration
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Finance and Auditing
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Policy and Research
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Employee Wellness
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Organisational Development
Each field focuses on practical learning, mentorship, and skill development — preparing you for a meaningful role in South Africa’s workforce.
Who Can Apply for the Internship
If you are a motivated graduate looking to make an impact, this programme is for you. To qualify, applicants must:
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Be a South African citizen aged 18–35
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Be unemployed and have not participated in another internship before
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Hold a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or a Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7)
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Be prepared for interviews, assessments, and background checks
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Arrange their own transport and accommodation if necessary
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Be willing to commit full-time for 24 months
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following with their application:
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A certified copy of ID
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Matric Certificate
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Academic Record
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SAQA Evaluation (if qualification is from another country)
Fields of Study Covered
The Employment and Labour Graduate Internship includes diverse learning areas that match different qualifications and interests:
1. Health and Safety
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Environmental Health
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Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering
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Chemistry
2. Law and Labour
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Labour Relations
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LLB or BCom Law
3. Finance and Auditing
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Accounting
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Auditing
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Management Accounting
4. Other Key Areas
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Human Resources
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Employee Wellness
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Policy and Research
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Youth, Gender, and Disability Programmes
These fields provide practical exposure to professional work and the inner workings of government departments.
How to Apply for the Employment and Labour Graduate Internship
To apply for Project 20K, follow these simple steps:
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Visit the SAYouth website at sayouth.mobi
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Search for “Project 20K”
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Choose your province and preferred job area
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Complete the online application form carefully
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Upload all required documents, including your CV, ID, Matric Certificate, and academic record
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and assessments. Successful applicants will begin their 24-month internship in 2025.
Application Deadline: 21 November 2025 (midnight)
Why You Should Apply
The Employment and Labour Graduate Internship is more than just a work opportunity — it is a chance to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and develop skills that will open doors to future employment. It helps young graduates contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s growth while shaping their own career journey.
This internship also supports professional mentorship, allowing participants to connect with experienced professionals and learn workplace culture from within.
Start Your Career Journey with PrimeSETA
The Employment and Labour Graduate Internship (Project 20K) offers young South Africans a strong foundation to begin their careers. If you are ready to grow, learn, and make a difference, visit PrimeSETA today to explore more internship opportunities and apply.
Your career starts with one step — take it now with PrimeSETA.