Introduction
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has officially opened applications for its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026/2027, offering paid 12-month opportunities to unemployed South African graduates across multiple provinces and disciplines. This nationwide intake targets graduates seeking meaningful public-sector workplace experience while earning a monthly stipend.
The programme supports PSIRA’s mandate to regulate and professionalise the private security industry in South Africa, while also addressing youth unemployment through structured skills development. Opportunities are available in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
For graduates looking to gain government exposure, practical work experience, and improved employability in 2026, the PSIRA YES Programme stands out as one of the most significant must-apply opportunities in January.
Programme Overview
The PSIRA YES Programme 2026/2027 is a structured 12-month work experience programme aimed at unemployed graduates with NQF Level 6, 7, or 8 qualifications. Successful candidates will be placed in functional areas aligned with their qualifications and gain hands-on exposure in a national public entity.
The Table Below Summarises the Key Details of the Opportunities
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | YES Programme 2026/2027 |
| Company Organisation | Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) |
| Location | Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Contract Type | Fixed-term (12 months) |
| Number of Positions | Multiple across various disciplines |
| Industry | Public Sector, Security Regulation |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African Graduates |
| Closing Date | 16 January 2026 |
Why This Learnership or Vacancy Matters
The PSIRA YES Programme plays a critical role in bridging the gap between academic qualification and real-world employment. Graduates gain valuable workplace exposure in compliance, governance, administration, finance, IT, law enforcement, and security regulation.
Beyond the monthly stipend, the programme strengthens employability by offering public-sector experience, professional development, and exposure to national regulatory processes. For many participants, this programme becomes a stepping stone into permanent employment, further internships, or advanced professional opportunities.
Available YES Programme Fields and Locations
PSIRA is recruiting across a wide range of disciplines, allowing graduates from various study backgrounds to apply.
Registration YES Programme
Locations:
Eastern Cape (Gqeberha, Mthatha), Western Cape (Bellville), Limpopo (Polokwane), Mpumalanga (Nelspruit), Free State (Bloemfontein), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)
Qualifications:
National Diploma or Degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Public Management, Public Administration, Office Management & Technology, or equivalent
Security and Information YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Security Management or equivalent
Research and Development YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree or Honours in Social Sciences or equivalent
Records Management YES Programme
Location: Gauteng
Qualification: BCom Information Management, BA or BINF Information Science, Archival Science, or Degree in Records Management
Finance YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Cost Accounting, or Management Accounting
Business Information Technology YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: IT, Information Systems, Computer Science, or equivalent
Supply Chain Management YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or equivalent
Communications YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: Media Studies or related field
Law Enforcement Administration YES Programme
Location: Gauteng
Qualification: Business Administration, Public Management, Office Management & Technology
Legal Administration YES Programme
Location: Gauteng
Qualification: LLB Degree or equivalent
Occupational Health and Safety YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: Safety Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science
Call Centre YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: Office Administration, Customer Service Qualification, or equivalent
Human Resource Management YES Programme
Location: Gauteng (Centurion)
Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management
Training YES Programme
Location: Gauteng
Qualification: Business Management, Education, Training, or Administration
Special Operations YES Programme
Location: Gauteng
Qualification: Policing, Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigations
Responsibilities
Participants will be placed in roles aligned to their qualifications and will be expected to:
- Provide administrative and operational support within assigned units
- Assist with compliance, governance, research, and reporting functions
- Support daily operations aligned to PSIRA’s regulatory mandate
- Participate in skills development and workplace learning activities
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Hold an NQF Level 6, 7, or 8 qualification relevant to the programme
- Be willing to commit to a full 12-month programme
Benefits of the Programme
- Monthly stipend:
- NQF 6: R5 000 per month
- NQF 7: R6 000 per month
- NQF 8: R7 000 per month
- Public-sector workplace experience
- Exposure to regulation, governance, and compliance
- Improved employability after completion
- Strong addition to a graduate CV
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online via the official PSIRA e-Recruitment portal.
Apply here:
https://erecruitment.psira.co.za/recruitment/#/browse-jobs
Important Application Notes
- Apply for the correct programme and location
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Late applications will not be accepted
Closing Date
16 January 2026