Department of Labour Hiring 130 Trainee Employment Counsellors 2025/2026

The Department of Employment and Labour is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for the Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme for the 2025/2026 intake. This exciting opportunity offers graduates the chance to gain practical experience in the field of employment counselling while contributing to South Africa’s labour market development.

Job About

The Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme is a 12-month structured internship designed to provide work exposure, skills training, and mentorship for graduates in Psychology and Industrial Psychology. Participants will support work-seekers, conduct research on labour market trends, and assist in providing professional counselling services.

Why Choose This Programme?

Earn a monthly stipend of R7 860.40 while gaining work experience
Be part of a government programme that supports economic growth and employment creation
Gain exposure to real labour market dynamics and counselling practices
Work within a national department with provincial placements across South Africa
Build a professional foundation in employment counselling and labour market services

Available Jobs

Job Position: Trainee Employment Counsellor
Job Type: 12-Month Internship Programme

Stipend: R7 860.40 per month

Available Posts and Reference Numbers:

Gauteng: 16 Posts – Ref No: GP/2025/08/91206022
KwaZulu-Natal: 16 Posts – Ref No: ZN/2025/08/91204620
Eastern Cape: 16 Posts – Ref No: EC/2025/08/91206037
Western Cape: 16 Posts – Ref No: WC/2025/08/90894267
Mpumalanga: 8 Posts – Ref No: MP/2025/08/91206044
North West: 15 Posts – Ref No: NW/2025/08/91206018
Northern Cape: 12 Posts – Ref No: NC/2025/08/91201065
Limpopo: 17 Posts – Ref No: LP/2025/08/91206054
Free State: 14 Posts – Ref No: FS/2025/08/91205363

Qualification:

Minimum of a three-year tertiary qualification in Psychology or Industrial Psychology
An Honours degree in Psychology or Industrial Psychology will be an added advantage

Experience:

Preference given to candidates registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as:
- Registered Counsellor (Independent Practice), or
- Psychometrist (Independent Practice)

Key Performance Areas

Successful applicants will assist in the following duties:

Render administrative support services to Employment Counsellors
Conduct research on labour market needs and best counselling practices
Provide and implement recruitment and selection services
Network with stakeholders to ensure quality service delivery
Register and provide support to work-seekers

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the ESSA System:

Click here to apply: Click here to apply for the Department of Employment and Labour Trainee Employment Counsellors 2025/2026
Applications must include:
- A completed Z83 application form (new format)
- A comprehensive CV (combined into a single PDF)
Quote the correct job title and reference number in your application
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit supporting documents
Applicants must not have participated in a similar programme before

Closing Date: 12 September 2025 (16:00 for walk-in submissions and midnight for online applications)

Enquiries (per province):

Gauteng: Mr V Mazibuko – (011) 8530 453
KwaZulu-Natal: Mr S Cele – (031) 3662 162
Eastern Cape: Ms A Mpapha – (043) 7013 093
Western Cape: Ms M Williams – (021) 441 8006
Mpumalanga: Ms M Peerbhaai – (013) 655 8865
North West: Mr S Motlhake – (018) 3878 232
Northern Cape: Ms H van Deventer – (053) 8381 546
Limpopo: Ms V Marole – (015) 2901 655
Free State: Ms R Moses – (051) 5056 249
ESSA Enquiries: Email – Pes@Labour.gov.za | Call Centre – 086 010 1018