Meta Description:
Apply now for the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026. Over 8,000 paid internships available nationwide. Stipend: R7,860.50 per month. Applications close 21 November 2025.
Introduction
The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) is calling on unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026. With over 8,000 placements available, this programme provides an outstanding 24-month opportunity to gain professional experience within a national government department.
This structured skills development initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and workplace experience—particularly for young graduates looking to build careers in compliance, labour relations, social work, inspections, finance, and more. If you’ve been waiting for a career breakthrough, this could be it.
Quick Overview / Programme Info
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Title | DEL Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026 |
| Employer | Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Stipend | ± R7,860.50 per month |
| Eligibility | Unemployed South African graduates |
| Locations | Head Office (Pretoria) + 9 Provinces |
| Application Deadline | 21 November 2025 |
| Walk-in Applications Close | 16:00 |
| Online Applications Close | 00:00 (midnight) |
| Application Platform | sayouth.mobi |
| Programme Type | National Government Internship |
Purpose of the Programme
The DEL Graduate Internship Programme is structured to build public sector capacity by equipping young graduates with hands-on experience in various operational, technical, and support functions. Interns will be placed in strategic units, with exposure to labour inspection, auditing, legal compliance, human resources, employee wellness, and labour policy and research.
This programme aligns with DEL’s broader mission to advance youth employment, workplace transformation, and labour sector innovation.
Key Internship Streams & Outputs
| Stream | Number of Posts | Qualification Areas | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) | ± 3,385 | Environmental Health, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene | R7,860.50 |
| Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) | ± 3,197 | Labour Law, BCom Law, LLB | R7,860.50 |
| Employment Equity Act (EEA) | ± 260 | Labour/Commercial Law | R7,860.50 |
| Employer Audit Services (EAS) | ± 1,076 | Accounting, Auditing, Internal Audit, Finance | R7,860.50 |
| Head Office – Pretoria (Various Units) | Limited | HR, Public Management, Industrial Psychology, Social Work | R7,860.50 |
Minimum Requirements / Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
✅ Be South African citizens
✅ Be unemployed graduates with NQF Level 6 (National Diploma) or NQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree)
✅ Have never been part of any internship programme before
✅ Be willing to relocate at own cost if placed in another province
✅ Have qualifications related to the stream applied for
✅ Have foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA
Core Competencies & Skills Required
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Report writing and communication skills
- Ability to work in a team and independently
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Willingness to learn and accept responsibility
- Client service orientation
Equity, Diversity & Transformation Commitment
As per the Employment Equity Act, the Department is committed to creating inclusive workplaces. Preference will be given to:
Previously disadvantaged youth
Persons with disabilities
Candidates from designated groups
However, all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit sayouth.mobi on your device |
| Step 2 | Log in or register a free SA Youth profile |
| Step 3 | In the search bar, type “Project 20K” |
| Step 4 | Select the DEL internship for your province or Head Office |
| Step 5 | Complete the online application and upload your NEW Z83 and CV |
| Step 6 | Use the correct provincial reference number for each post |
| Step 7 | Submit before 21 November 2025 |
📌 Important: Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit certified documents and attend assessments.
Documents Required
- Fully completed and signed NEW Z83 form
- Detailed CV
- Certified ID copy (not older than 3 months)
- Certified qualification(s) and academic transcript(s)
- SAQA certificate (for foreign qualifications)
- Matric certificate
Applications using the incorrect or old Z83 will be disqualified.
Possible Career Paths After Completion
Graduates who excel in this internship may gain access to:
- Permanent posts in the public sector
- Compliance & law enforcement roles
- Public administration and HR careers
- Occupational health and safety inspector roles
- Policy development & research positions
- Private-sector consulting opportunities
How to Apply
With over 8,000 internship opportunities available, the DEL Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026 is one of the most extensive youth employment initiatives in the public sector.
If you’re ready to transform your academic skills into real-world impact — apply now before 21 November 2025.
Visit sayouth.mobi
Search Project 20K
Submit your application and take the next step in your career!
Useful Links
- SA Youth Application Portal
- Download NEW Z83 Form
- DEL Official Website
- Internships for Graduates 2025/2026