The Services SETA has launched one of South Africa’s most impactful youth development programmes through the PowerX² Internship Initiative, offering 20 000 internship positions for unemployed graduates. The programme will run from 2025 to 2027 and aims to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real workplace experience.
This nationwide internship rollout is designed to help young people transition from studying to securing meaningful employment through structured, supervised workplace exposure.
About the PowerX² Programme
PowerX² is a large-scale national internship programme created to provide 24 months of hands-on work experience to unemployed graduates who hold qualifications from public universities and TVET colleges. The programme matches applicants with host employers based on their field of study and the needs of the organisation.
The internship is more than just work experience. It includes mentorship, professional development, and workplace skills training to help graduates become more competitive in the job market. Participants receive guidance, feedback, and on-the-job learning designed to build their confidence and capabilities.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to graduates who meet the following criteria:
- Must hold an NQF Level 4–7 qualification from a public university or TVET college.
- Must be unemployed at the time of applying.
- Must be willing to commit to the full 24-month placement period.
- Must be willing to be placed anywhere in South Africa, depending on employer availability.
- All fields of study are welcome; internships are offered across multiple sectors.
Graduates who have previously received funding or participated in other SETA programmes are still eligible to apply.
What the Internship Offers
Participants will benefit from:
1. Real Workplace Experience
Interns are placed within approved organisations such as private companies, public institutions, NGOs, local government, and other recognised workplaces.
2. Mentorship and Skills Development
Interns receive structured oversight, performance guidance, and training in critical workplace skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving.
3. Increased Employability
Having two years of practical experience greatly improves a graduate’s chances of finding long-term employment. Many participants may even be absorbed into permanent roles after the internship.
4. Diverse Career Fields
Internships are available across sectors such as:
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Finance
- IT and Digital Support
- Retail and Customer Service
- Project Management
- Hospitality
- Logistics
- Education and Training Support
- And many more specialised areas
This makes the programme accessible to graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How to Apply
To join the PowerX² internship programme:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the official online application system.
- Once your EOI is approved, you will receive instructions on uploading required documents. These typically include:
- Certified ID copy
- Certified qualification or statement of results
- CV
- Proof of residence
- Bank confirmation letter
- Ensure all documents are certified and submitted before the deadline.
- Await placement confirmation from Services SETA or the host employer.
Only unemployed graduates will be considered.
Why This Programme Matters
The PowerX² initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment by providing graduates with real, practical workplace skills. It also helps employers access a pool of talented, trained young professionals, strengthening the overall workforce in South Africa.
The programme supports national skills development, economic growth, and long-term employability by ensuring graduates gain the experience required to enter the job market confidently.
Important Dates
- Applications opened: 21 November 2025
- Closing date: 11 December 2025 at 16:00
- Internship Duration: 24 months
Graduates are encouraged to apply early due to the high number of expected applicants.
Final Thoughts
The PowerX² Internship Programme provides a valuable opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain real experience, enhance their CVs, and build the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. With 20 000 positions available nationwide, this is one of the largest internship opportunities in South Africa.
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