Looking for ways to gain work experience, earn income, and build your career in 2026? South African youth have several incredible opportunities this year. From short skills courses to government internships, here’s everything you need to know to kickstart your career.
1️⃣ KZN Education: 2026 Examination Assistants
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is hiring Administrative Examination Assistants for temporary marking sessions.
- Who: Tertiary students
- Employment Type: Temporary contract
- Marking Sessions:
- June 2026 Senior Certificate (SCE): 26 June – 12 July (Umlazi & Pinetown only)
- Oct/Nov 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC): 25 Nov – 15 Dec (all 12 KZN districts)
- Application Method: Submit Z83 form with CV, ID, Matric certificate, and proof of tertiary registration to your district office
- Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Why Apply: Paid short-term work, CV building, administrative experience in a government environment.
FAQ:
- Can unemployed graduates apply? Only current tertiary students qualify
- Is accommodation provided? You must arrange your own
- Training provided? Orientation at marking centres
2️⃣ Mthashana TVET College: Funded In-Service Training 2026
The Mthashana TVET College, with Services SETA and Department of Higher Education and Training, is offering 18-month funded in-service training for N6 graduates.
- Who: N6 Certificate graduates needing workplace training to complete National Diploma
- Duration: 18 months
- Stipend: R5 000/month
- Placements: 50 posts across Business Management, Public Management, HR, Tourism, Management Assistant
- Application Method: Email single PDF (CV, ID, N6 certificate, Matric, academic record) to applications@mthashana.edu.za
- Closing Date: 06 March 2026 at 13:00
Why Apply: Funded programme, real workplace exposure, required to complete National Diploma.
FAQ:
- Are documents required certified? Only if shortlisted
- Can graduates from other colleges apply? Only Mthashana TVET students
- Permanent employment? Internship only
3️⃣ Majuba TVET College & AgriSETA: Mixed Farming Skills Programme (2 Weeks)+
The Majuba TVET College in partnership with Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority offers a 2-week accredited course in mixed farming systems for unemployed youth in Amajuba District Municipality.
- Qualification: National Certificate – Mixed Farming Systems (NQF 2, 11 credits)
- Duration: 2 weeks intensive training
- Stipend: None
- Who: Unemployed youth aged 18–35 with Grade 11 or higher
- Focus: Crop production, soil preparation, plant care, sustainable farming, workplace safety
- Application Method: On-site at Majuba Technology Centre Campus
- Closing Date: 04 March 2026 at 13h30
Why Apply: Accredited certificate, practical farming skills, pathway to longer agricultural qualifications or funded learnerships.
FAQ:
- Stipend provided? No
- Can students apply? Only unemployed youth
- Duration? 2 weeks
QUICK LINKS:
4️⃣ FASSET Graduate Internship 2026/27 – Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury
The Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury, with Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority, is offering a 12-month graduate internship in finance, auditing, and IT for unemployed graduates.
- Who: Unemployed graduates aged 18–35 living in Mpumalanga
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: R6 500/month
- Fields: Internal Audit, Financial Management/Accounting, Information Technology
- Application Method: Online via Provincial E-Recruitment Portal https://erecruitment.mpg.gov.za
- Closing Date: 13 March 2026 at 23:59
Why Apply: Real government work experience, stipend, networking, CV-building, improved career prospects in finance, IT, and auditing.
FAQ:
- Can graduates outside Mpumalanga apply? No
- Permanent employment? No, 12-month internship only
- Can I apply for multiple fields? Only apply for your qualified field
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or unemployed youth, 2026 offers several ways to gain skills, income, and real work experience in South Africa:
- Short-term government work (KZN Exam Assistants)
- Funded in-service training (Mthashana TVET)
- Accredited short skills courses (Majuba TVET Mixed Farming)
- Paid graduate internships (FASSET)
Tip: Apply early, check requirements, submit all documents, and choose the opportunity that best matches your career goals.
Recent Posts
- 2-Week Accredited Training for Unemployed Youth 2026
- FASSET Graduate Internships 2026 (R6 500 Monthly Stipend) , 12-month Mpumalanga Treasury programme
- Applications Are Open – But Not for Long: Majuba TVET College & AgriSETA Mixed Farming Skills Programme 2026
- Get Paid to Train: Youth Stipend Programs Open Now: Mthashana TVET College Funded In-Service Training 2026 (R5 000 Stipend)
- Paid student opportunity2026: KZN Education Opens 2026 Applications for Examination Assistants
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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