Project 20K Learnership Application 2025–2027: Kickstart Your Graduate Career

Meta Description: Apply for the Department of Employment and Labour’s Project 20K 2025–2027. Graduates can gain 24-month paid internships, workplace experience, mentorship, and employable skills. Applications close 21 November 2025.

A New Door for South Africa’s Unemployed Graduates

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains a major challenge, leaving many graduates with qualifications but little to no work experience. To tackle this, the Department of Employment and Labour launched Project 20K, a bold initiative that will provide 20,000 unemployed graduates with structured, paid internships between 2025 and 2027.

The programme runs for 24 months, giving graduates meaningful exposure to workplaces across all nine provinces. By combining real-world experience with mentorship, Project 20K aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and employable skills.

With a monthly stipend of R7,860, this initiative is one of the country’s largest coordinated graduate employment drives, helping young South Africans gain a foothold in the workforce.

Why Project 20K Matters

Many South African graduates leave university or TVET colleges with theoretical knowledge but little practical experience. Employers often prefer candidates with hands-on skills, leaving young people at a disadvantage.

Project 20K addresses this by providing:

• Rotational learning across departments
• Mentorship from experienced professionals
• Development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and adaptability
• Exposure to department-specific systems and workflows

This long-term programme builds confidence, workplace maturity, and employability, giving participants the skills employers value in both public and private sectors.

What Is Project 20K?

Project 20K is a national internship programme managed by the Department of Employment and Labour. Internships are offered in:

• Government departments
• Provincial offices
• Potential private sector partners aligned with employment initiatives

The name “20K” refers to the 20,000 internships expected to be filled over the programme period. Unlike short-term contracts, these internships run for two years, providing meaningful, hands-on experience, professional mentoring, and structured learning.

Sample Roles Include:

• HR Interns: Assisting with recruitment and personnel management
• Finance Interns: Supporting budgeting, reporting, and compliance
• IT Interns: Helping maintain and troubleshoot systems
• Admin Interns: Handling document management and communication
• Social Services Interns: Supporting community development programmes

Interns gain practical exposure aligned with their qualifications and future career goals.

Where Are the Internships Offered?

Project 20K opportunities are available across all nine provinces:

• Gauteng
• Western Cape
• Free State
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Limpopo
• Mpumalanga
• Eastern Cape
• North West
• Northern Cape

This ensures graduates from rural, semi-urban, and metropolitan areas can participate without relocating far from home.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria:

• South African citizen
• Unemployed and actively seeking work experience
• Have not previously participated in a government or Department internship
• Hold a Matric certificate and a relevant post-school qualification (diploma or degree)
• Priority given to youth, people with disabilities, and individuals from previously disadvantaged groups

This structure aligns with national employment equity goals, promoting inclusion, empowerment, and transformation in the workforce.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Register on SA Youth

• Visit sayouth.mobi
• Registration is free, and no data is required

Step 2: Create Your Profile

• Complete your SA Youth profile or log in if you already have one

Step 3: Find Opportunities

• Search for opportunities near your Department of Employment and Labour office
• If none appear, search for “Project 20K”

Step 4: Apply

• Follow instructions carefully and submit all required documents

Step 5: Assistance

• For help, contact SA Youth via WhatsApp or call 0800 72 72 72 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–16:30)

Application Deadline: 21 November 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Criteria and Expectations

Participants are selected based on qualifications, departmental needs, and regional availability. Successful interns are expected to:

• Show professionalism and commitment
• Engage actively in on-the-job learning and mentorship
• Complete all assigned duties diligently
• Potentially gain permanent employment, contract extensions, or priority placement in other government programmes

Why Structured Internships Are Essential

Labour market analysts emphasize that structured programmes like Project 20K are crucial to South Africa’s socio-economic stability. Graduates often struggle not due to lack of knowledge but due to insufficient workplace experience.

The 24-month duration allows interns to:

• Understand workplace culture
• Develop professional communication and problem-solving skills
• Build networks that open doors to future employment

Final Thoughts

The Project 20K Learnership 2025–2027 is more than just an internship. It is a national initiative to empower graduates, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen the public sector’s capacity.

By providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and a stipend, the programme equips South Africa’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.

Apply before 21 November 2025 and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Project 20K.