PowerX² Internship Programme 2026: 20 000 Paid Graduate Opportunities Across South Africa
The PowerX² Internship Programme 2026 offers 20 000 graduates a fully funded 24-month workplace experience through Services SETA. Learn eligibility, dates, and how to apply.
Introduction
Breaking into the job market after graduation remains one of the biggest challenges facing young South Africans. Many graduates hold qualifications but lack the workplace exposure required to secure long-term employment. The PowerX² Internship Programme 2026 was created to close this gap at scale.
Through this national initiative, Services SETA aims to place 20 000 unemployed university and TVET graduates into structured, meaningful workplace exposure opportunities across South Africa. The programme focuses on real skills development, hands-on experience, and building sustainable talent pipelines for employers.
What Is the PowerX² Internship Programme?
The PowerX² Internship Programme is a 24-month national internship initiative led by the Services SETA. It is designed to support the transition from education to employment by pairing qualified graduates with employers in need of skilled entry-level talent.
The programme benefits both graduates and employers by:
- Providing structured workplace exposure
- Developing industry-relevant skills
- Supporting long-term employability
- Strengthening employer talent pipelines
Graduates from all fields of qualification are encouraged to participate. Placement and matching are guided by employer requirements and organisational needs.
Who Can Participate?
Graduates
The programme is open to unemployed graduates who have completed qualifications from:
- Universities
- Universities of Technology
- TVET Colleges
Graduates from all study disciplines may submit expressions of interest.
Employers
Employers across South Africa are invited to participate by offering structured workplace exposure opportunities. Through the programme, employers contribute to skills development while identifying and nurturing future talent.
Programme Duration and Structure
The PowerX² Internship Programme runs for a full 24 months, allowing graduates sufficient time to gain practical experience, professional confidence, and industry exposure.
Interns are placed in real work environments where they:
- Perform job-related duties
- Develop workplace skills
- Gain exposure aligned with their qualifications
- Build professional networks
This extended duration significantly improves employability outcomes after completion.
Key Dates for PowerX² Internship Programme 2026
- Opening date: 21 November 2025
- Closing date: 30 January 2026 at 16:00
Applications submitted after the closing time will not be considered.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest
Applicants must select the appropriate application category:
- Employers
- Graduates
Once an expression of interest is submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation email containing a secure link. This link is used to upload all required supporting documents.
It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete to avoid delays in processing.
Why the PowerX² Programme Matters
South Africa’s youth unemployment challenge requires solutions that operate at scale. By placing 20 000 graduates into structured internships, the PowerX² programme:
- Reduces graduate unemployment
- Improves work readiness
- Supports skills transfer
- Strengthens industry capacity
- Creates pathways to permanent employment
For graduates, it offers a chance to turn qualifications into experience. For employers, it offers access to motivated, trainable talent.
Conclusion
The PowerX² Internship Programme 2026 represents one of the largest graduate workplace exposure initiatives in South Africa. With 20 000 placements, a 24-month structure, and national reach, it provides a powerful bridge between education and employment.
Graduates seeking real experience and employers looking to build future-ready workforces are strongly encouraged to participate and submit their expressions of interest before the closing date.
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