Services SETA invites unemployed South African university and TVET College graduates to apply for the PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme 2026.
Internship Application Closing Date: 29 July 2026
Internship Location: Various workplaces across South Africa
Services SETA PowerX² Internships Programme 2026
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority has launched the PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme for unemployed university and TVET College graduates., The large-scale national programme aims to place 20 000 graduates in structured workplace opportunities across South Africa, Successful participants will receive 24 months of practical workplace exposure intended to strengthen their professional skills, improve employability and help them transition from education into the labour market.
Programme Overview
Organisation: Services Sector Education and Training Authority
Abbreviation: Services SETA
Programme: PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme
Number of opportunities: 20 000
Programme duration: 24 months
Qualification level: NQF Level 4 to NQF Level 7
Target group: University and TVET College graduates
Employment status: Applicants must be unemployed
Location: Nationwide
Closing date: 29 July 2026
Application method: Online Expression of Interest
What Is the PowerX² Programme?
The PowerX² Programme is a national graduate workplace initiative developed to connect unemployed graduates with employers across South Africa, Unlike smaller internship programmes that offer only a limited number of positions, PowerX² aims to create 20 000 structured internship placements, The programme is designed to support graduate development while helping participating employers build a pipeline of skilled young professionals, Graduates may be matched with workplaces according to:
- Their completed qualification.
- Employer skills requirements.
- Available internship opportunities.
- Workplace location.
- Programme demand.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to qualifying graduates from:
- Public universities.
- TVET Colleges.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have completed an NQF Level 4 to NQF Level 7 qualification.
- Be unemployed when applying.
- Be available for the full 24-month internship period.
- Be willing to be matched with a suitable employer.
- Complete the Graduate Expression of Interest form.
- Provide the required supporting documents when requested.
Applicants who previously received Services SETA funding may still submit an Expression of Interest.
Qualification Levels Accepted
The programme is open to applicants with completed qualifications between NQF Levels 4 and 7, This may include relevant:
- National Certificates.
- National Vocational Certificates.
- National Diplomas.
- Advanced Certificates.
- Diplomas.
- Bachelor’s degrees.
- Other recognised qualifications within the stated NQF range.
Applicants must have completed their qualification before applying.
Programme Duration
Successful applicants will be placed in internships lasting:
24 months
The two-year programme is intended to provide graduates with meaningful workplace experience rather than short-term observation, During the programme, participants may gain exposure to:
- Daily workplace operations.
- Professional communication.
- Industry-specific systems and processes.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Reporting and administration.
- Problem-solving.
- Professional conduct.
- Workplace planning.
- Performance management.
- Employer expectations.
Benefits of the Programme
Successful participants may benefit from:
- Two years of workplace experience.
- Practical application of academic knowledge.
- Improved employment prospects.
- Professional references.
- Development of workplace skills.
- Exposure to experienced professionals.
- Opportunities to build professional networks.
- A stronger CV.
- Improved confidence and workplace readiness.
Participation does not automatically guarantee permanent employment after the programme.
Documents Graduates Should Prepare
Applicants do not upload supporting documents during the initial Expression of Interest stage, Graduates should, however, prepare the following documents for the later upload process:
- Certified copy of a South African identity document.
- Certified copy of the completed qualification.
- Statement of results where applicable.
- Updated CV.
- Proof of residence.
- Bank confirmation letter.
Applicants should ensure that their documents are clear, valid and ready before receiving the secure upload link.
How the Application Process Works
The application process is completed online.
Step 1: Complete the Expression of Interest
Applicants must open the official online form and select the graduate application category.
Step 2: Select the Correct Category
Choose: Graduate Expression of Interest
Applicants must ensure that they do not select an employer or another applicant category.
Step 3: Submit Your Information
Complete all required fields accurately. Information may include:
- Personal details.
- Contact information.
- Qualification information.
- Province or preferred location.
- Employment status.
- Field of study.
Step 4: Receive Application Confirmation
After submitting the Expression of Interest, applicants may receive:
- A reference number.
- A secure document-upload link.
- A reminder of the closing date.
- A list of the supporting documents required.
Applicants should keep their reference number safe.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Use the secure link provided to upload all requested documents before the closing date, Failure to submit the required documents may prevent the application from progressing.
Step 6: Await Further Communication
The Programme Management Unit may contact applicants regarding:
- Document verification.
- Employer matching.
- Placement availability.
- Interviews or screening.
- Additional information.
- Internship commencement arrangements.
Submitting an Expression of Interest does not automatically guarantee placement.
How to Apply for Services SETA PowerX² Internships 2026
Applications must be submitted through the online Graduate Expression of Interest form.
Click here to apply for Services SETA PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme 2026
After opening the form:
- Select the Graduate Expression of Interest category.
- Complete all compulsory fields.
- Check that your contact details are correct.
- Submit the form.
- Save the reference number received.
- Use the secure upload link to submit the requested documents.
Important Application Advice
Applicants should:
- Use an active email address and cellphone number.
- Enter their names exactly as they appear on their identity document.
- Provide accurate qualification information.
- Keep copies of all supporting documents.
- Check their email regularly after applying.
- Upload documents before the deadline.
- Avoid submitting duplicate applications unless instructed.
- Keep their application reference number.
Applicants should also check spam or junk folders for communication from the programme.
Application Closing Date
Applications close on 29 July 2026. Graduates are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest early to allow enough time to receive the secure upload link and submit all required documents.
Important Information
The PowerX² Expression of Interest allows Services SETA to identify graduates who may be suitable for available internship placements, Completing the form does not guarantee:
- Automatic selection.
- Immediate placement.
- Placement in a preferred province.
- Placement with a particular employer.
- Permanent employment after the internship.
Final placement will depend on eligibility, employer requirements and the availability of suitable opportunities.
About Services SETA
Services SETA supports skills development and workplace training within South Africa’s services sector. Through programmes such as PowerX², the organisation helps connect unemployed graduates with employers offering structured workplace experience and skills-development opportunities.
