January doesn’t just signal a new year — it quietly closes the door on some of the strongest learnership and internship opportunities for 2026. These programmes are linked to annual budgets, training cycles, and workplace capacity planning. Once they close, many won’t reopen until mid-year.
If you’re unemployed, recently qualified, or trying to enter the system, these are not opportunities to scroll past.
Below are 7 confirmed learnerships and internships closing before the end of January 2026, including direct application links.
1. EWSETA Water and Wastewater Treatment Learnership
This learnership leads to a recognised qualification in water and wastewater treatment — a sector that remains critical across municipalities and utilities.
- Qualification: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Operations
- NQF Level: 2
- Duration: 9–12 months
- Monthly stipend provided
- Target group: Unemployed youth (18–34)
- Closing: 28 January 2026
How to apply:
Apply by email or drop-off as instructed
📧 Email applications: admin@eminencebs.co.za
2. Toyota South Africa Maintenance Learnership
Toyota’s learner maintenance programme offers hands-on exposure to world-class manufacturing systems while working toward an NQF Level 3 qualification.
- Sector: Manufacturing and engineering
- Qualification: NQF Level 3
- Target group: Unemployed candidates with technical subjects
- Workplace-based training included
- Closing: 30 January 2026
How to apply:
Apply via Toyota South Africa’s official careers portal:
👉 https://www.toyota.co.za/careers
3. YES 4 Youth Employment Services Learnerships
YES placements run through participating businesses and implementation partners. Many January intakes close before month-end, depending on the employer model used.
- Programme type: Learnerships and paid work experience
- Duration: Usually 12 months
- Target group: Unemployed youth
- Several January intakes closing now
How to apply:
Register and apply via the official YES platform:
👉 https://www.yes4youth.co.za
4. Department of Health Laundry Worker Opportunities
These entry-level public service roles provide exposure within provincial health support services and are often a first step into government employment.
- Sector: Public health support
- Minimum requirement: Grade 10–12
- No experience required
- Location: Masakhane Provincial Laundry
- Closing: 30 January 2026
How to apply:
Apply strictly online via the Gauteng e-Recruitment portal:
👉 http://jobs.gauteng.gov.za
5. Public Health Support and Facility-Based Internships
Several health-related internship and support programmes linked to provincial facilities are finalising January placements. These roles focus on operational and support services.
- Sector: Health and public services
- Target group: Entry-level applicants and unemployed youth
- January 2026 intakes closing soon
How to apply:
Applications are submitted through the Gauteng e-Recruitment system:
👉 http://jobs.gauteng.gov.za
6. SETA-Aligned Skills Development Learnerships
Various SETA-funded learnerships in administration, technical support, and community services are closing their first intake cycle for 2026.
- Programme type: Occupational and skills-based learnerships
- Duration: Usually 12 months
- Monthly stipends provided
- January intake closing
How to apply:
Apply via approved training providers or official SETA-linked calls published on:
👉 https://www.sajobfinder.gov.za
7. Entry-Level Internships Linked to Annual Budget Cycles
Many organisations finalise January placements tied to new financial-year budgets. Missing this window often means waiting until July or later.
- Sector: Public and private
- Target group: Graduates and unemployed youth
- Closing end of January 2026
How to apply:
Monitor and apply through official government and employer portals:
👉 http://jobs.gauteng.gov.za
👉 https://www.sajobfinder.gov.za
Discover New Internships and Learnership Programs Below
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- Government Vacancies
- Internships SA
- Learnerships
- Uncategorized
- Yes Programme
Why January Closures Matter
January opportunities are linked to:
- Annual training and HR budgets
- Learnership accreditation cycles
- Workplace capacity planning
Once these close, they don’t quietly reopen.
Conclusion
Learnerships and internships closing before the end of January 2026 are not leftovers — they are first-cycle opportunities that shape the rest of the year. Acting early, applying correctly, and using official channels can be the difference between entering the system now or waiting another year.
If you qualify, apply while the doors are still open.
