Several jobs, learnerships, internships, work-integrated learning opportunities and bursaries listed on Youthscope have October 2026 closing dates, with some deadlines arriving within the first few days of the month.
For applicants looking for work, workplace experience, technical training or funding for studies, the most important step is to check the closing date and eligibility requirements before starting an application.
Among the deadlines currently highlighted by Youthscope are opportunities closing on 2 October, 5 October, 7 October and 9 October 2026. These include a DFFE bursary, Transnet technical opportunities, South African State Theatre internships, government vacancies and the Department of Transport WIL programme.
This roundup brings those opportunities together so applicants can quickly identify the deadlines that matter to them.
October 2026 Opportunities Closing Soon
Quick deadline guide
| Opportunity | Type | Closing date | Who it is aimed at |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETDP SETA Plumbing Short Skills Programme | Skills programme | 2 October 2026 | Eligible unemployed youth in Limpopo |
| Transnet WITL Programme | Technical workplace opportunity | 2 October 2026 | Qualifying trade-tested artisans |
| DFFE Bursary 2027 | Bursary | 2 October 2026 | Grade 12 learners and full-time students |
| Government vacancies | Jobs | 5 October 2026 | Applicants meeting individual vacancy requirements |
| South African State Theatre Internships | Internship | 7 October 2026 | Qualifying graduates |
| Department of Transport WIL | Work Integrated Learning | 9 October 2026 | TVET applicants with relevant N6 qualifications |
The opportunities have different requirements, application processes and target groups. Applicants should therefore check the individual vacancy or programme before applying.
1. DFFE Bursary 2027 — Closes 2 October
Students and Grade 12 learners should pay particular attention to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Full-Time Bursary Programme 2027.
Youthscope reports that the bursary is available to South African Grade 12 learners and full-time higher-education students pursuing studies aligned with the department’s environmental, forestry, fisheries and natural-resource responsibilities.
The advertised maximum bursary amount is R80,000.
The closing date is:
2 October 2026
DFFE states that late applications will not be accepted. Applicants should therefore make sure the prescribed application and supporting documentation are completed correctly before the deadline.
Who should check this bursary?
The programme is intended for eligible South African learners and students who meet the stated academic, citizenship, employment and field-of-study requirements.
The official requirements should be checked carefully because the bursary is not intended for every course or qualification.
2. Transnet WITL Opportunities — Closes 2 October
Transnet has advertised Work Integrated Technical Learner (WITL) opportunities in Carpentry and Plumbing.
The opportunities are offered through Transnet Property and are aimed at applicants who already hold the relevant Trade Test Certificate.
The advertised programme duration is 24 months.
The vacancies include:
- Carpentry opportunities in Durban
- Plumbing opportunities covering Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Durban
The listed age requirement is 18 to 35 years, and the vacancy information states that applicants should have less than one year of experience.
The closing date is:
2 October 2026
A specific stipend or salary is not disclosed in the vacancy information reviewed by Youthscope.
Important point for applicants
This is not a Matric-only opportunity.
The advertised positions require the relevant trade qualification, so applicants should check that they have the required Trade Test Certificate before applying.
3. ETDP SETA Plumbing Skills Programme — Closes 2 October
An advertised Plumbing Short Skills Programme in Limpopo provides 94 training opportunities for eligible applicants.
According to the programme information published on Youthscope, the six-month programme is offered through the Limpopo Office of the Premier and ETDP SETA, with training at Vhembe TVET College’s Makwarela Campus.
The advertised learner stipend is R3,000.
The stated requirements include:
- South African citizenship
- Residence in Limpopo
- Grade 12
- Age 15 to 35
- Unemployed status
- Not currently studying
- No criminal record
Applications close on:
2 October 2026 at 16:30
The programme is described as a Plumbing Hand Programme at NQF Level 3 with 49 credits. Applicants should not interpret completion as an automatic qualification as a plumber or a guarantee of employment.
4. Government Jobs — Closing 5 October
Three government vacancies highlighted by Youthscope have a 5 October 2026 deadline.
They include:
Artisan Plumber — KwaZulu-Natal
The Artisan Plumber position is based at ST Chads Community Health Centre.
The advertised Grade 1 salary is R237,453 per year, with the vacancy carrying additional public-sector conditions and allowances as specified in the advertisement.
The requirements include Grade 12, an N3/NQL 3 qualification, a passed plumbing trade test and relevant experience according to the artisan grade. A valid Code 8/10 driver’s licence is also listed among the requirements.
Driver — Central Johannesburg TVET College
The CJC Driver vacancy has an advertised salary of R201,093 per year at Level 04, plus applicable public-sector benefits.
The position involves driving duties as well as certain administrative and document-delivery responsibilities.
Handyman — Central Johannesburg TVET College
The Handyman vacancy carries an advertised salary of R144,024 per year at Level 03, plus applicable public-sector benefits.
The requirements include Grade 12 or equivalent, a relevant qualification or certificate in areas such as plumbing, electrical work or carpentry, and 0–6 months’ experience in a similar environment.
Closing date for all three: 5 October 2026.
Applicants should use the correct reference number and application route for the specific position.
5. South African State Theatre Internships — Closes 7 October
Graduates looking for workplace experience have another October deadline to watch.
The South African State Theatre Internship Programme 2026 advertises seven internship opportunities in Pretoria.
The opportunities cover areas including:
- Human Resources
- Artistic Administration
- Lighting Technician
- Videography
According to the vacancy information published on Youthscope, the internships run for 12 months and advertise a R5,600 monthly stipend.
The closing date is:
7 October 2026
The published application requirements include a comprehensive CV, certified qualification copies and details of three contactable references. Applications can be submitted by email or hand-delivered according to the vacancy instructions.
Who should check these internships?
Graduates should compare their qualification with the requirements for the specific internship before applying.
The positions are not one-size-fits-all, so applicants should identify the role that corresponds with their qualification or training.
6. Department of Transport WIL Programme — Closes 9 October
TVET students with relevant N6 qualifications can check the Department of Transport Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026/2027.
The programme advertises 15 WIL opportunities across areas including:
- Administration
- Human Resource Management and Development
- Legal Services
- Financial Administration
- Maritime transport support
The advertised programme duration is 18 months, with a R6,131 monthly stipend.
The location listed by Youthscope is Pretoria, Gauteng.
The closing date is:
9 October 2026
The qualification depends on the specific WIL position. For example, the Administration opportunities require relevant N6 qualifications, while the Human Resources category requires an N6 Certificate in Human Resource Management or Personnel Management.
Applicants should use the correct reference number and follow the Department of Transport’s specified application instructions.
Which October Deadline Comes First?
For applicants trying to prioritise their applications, the current Youthscope listings show the following sequence:
2 October 2026
- DFFE Bursary 2027
- Transnet WITL opportunities
- ETDP SETA Plumbing Skills Programme
5 October 2026
- Artisan Plumber
- CJC Driver
- CJC Handyman
7 October 2026
- South African State Theatre internships
9 October 2026
- Department of Transport WIL Programme
These dates are based on the opportunity information currently published on Youthscope and should be checked against the relevant application information before submission.
What Applicants Should Do Before the Deadline
A closing date is only one part of an application.
Before submitting an application, check:
1. Your qualification
Do not apply based only on the job or programme title.
Compare your qualification with the exact requirement for the position.
2. Your eligibility
Some opportunities have requirements relating to:
- Age
- Citizenship
- Residence
- Employment status
- Current study status
- Previous programme participation
- Work experience
These conditions vary between opportunities.
3. Your documents
Only prepare documents required by the particular application.
For example, the Department of Transport WIL information specifies a Z83 form and comprehensive CV, while the State Theatre internship information specifies qualification copies and references.
4. The application route
Use the application method stated for the opportunity.
Some applications are online, while others use email, postal or hand-delivery methods.
5. The reference number
Where a vacancy provides a reference number, make sure you use the correct one.
A correct qualification does not help if the application is submitted for the wrong position or through the wrong process.
October Is Also a Good Time to Check New Opportunities
Applicants should not only focus on closing dates.
Youthscope’s latest listings show that new opportunities continue to be published, including learnerships, internships, jobs and youth programmes. The site’s current categories include learnerships, internships, bursaries and graduate programmes.
This means someone who misses one deadline may still find another opportunity with a different closing date or eligibility requirement.
The important point is to check the requirements rather than applying indiscriminately to every opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which opportunities close on 2 October 2026?
The Youthscope listings currently include the DFFE Bursary 2027, Transnet WITL opportunities and the ETDP SETA/Limpopo Plumbing Short Skills Programme with 2 October deadlines.
Which opportunities close on 5 October?
Three government vacancies highlighted by Youthscope — Artisan Plumber, Driver and Handyman — have a 5 October 2026 closing date.
When do the State Theatre internships close?
The advertised closing date is 7 October 2026.
When does the Department of Transport WIL Programme close?
Applications for the advertised WIL opportunities close on 9 October 2026.
Can anyone apply for these opportunities?
No. Each opportunity has its own eligibility requirements. Applicants should read the individual vacancy or programme information before applying.
Where can I find more opportunities?
Youthscope publishes jobs, learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes and other youth opportunities for South Africans.
Final Reminder
The October 2026 deadlines are already approaching, with several opportunities closing between 2 and 9 October.
If you meet the requirements for one of the opportunities above, check the full vacancy or programme information, prepare the required documents and use the stated application route.
Do not wait until the final hours if the application requires documents, registration or physical delivery.
Youthscope will continue to update its opportunities coverage as new jobs, learnerships, internships and bursaries are published.
Official Source
The individual opportunity pages and source information are identified within the relevant Youthscope articles. Youthscope’s homepage confirms that the publication covers South African jobs, learnerships, internships, bursaries and graduate programmes.
Last Checked Date
1 October 2026
Author/Updated Information
Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 1 October 2026
Updated: 1 October 2026
Information checked: 1 October 2026
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.
For inquiries or support, please contact admin@youthscope.co.za.