Discover the PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships programme. Learn how graduates and employers can apply, key requirements, deadlines, and how the 24-month internship supports workplace skills development in South Africa.

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PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships: A New Opportunity for Graduates and Employers

South Africa continues to face a growing need for structured workplace learning opportunities, especially for young graduates who struggle to transition from academic study to employment. To address this gap, the PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships initiative has been launched—a national programme offering 20 000 internship placementsover 24 months across various industries.

This initiative is designed to accelerate employability, support workplace readiness, and give employers access to qualified, motivated talent. If you’re a graduate looking to gain experience or an employer wanting to strengthen your workforce, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

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What Is the PowerX² Programme?

PowerX² is a large-scale Services SETA internship initiative supporting the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP 2030). The programme connects graduates from NQF Level 4–7 with approved employers for two years of practical workplace exposure.

The goal is simple:

• Build a more capable workforce
• Create meaningful pathways for youth employment
• Strengthen skills development across all sectors

Unlike many internship programmes, PowerX² accepts all fields of study and aims to match graduates with workplaces based on sector needs and demand.

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Who Can Participate?

The programme is open to two groups: graduates and employers.

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1. Graduates

To qualify, graduates must:

• Hold an NQF Level 4–7 qualification from a TVET college or public university
• Be unemployed
• Commit to a 24-month internship
• Submit the official Graduate EOI (Expression of Interest)
• Agree to be placed based on employer demand and availability

Good news:
Whether or not you were previously funded by the Services SETA does not affect your eligibility.

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2. Employers

Employers from all sectors are encouraged to participate, including:

• Private companies
• Public entities
• Government departments
• Municipalities
• Registered non-profit organisations
• Universities and TVET colleges (as host sites)

Employer Requirements

To host interns, employers must:

• Have valid COIDA registration
• Meet Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) standards
• Commit to hosting interns for the full 24-month duration
• Provide workplace site details for assessment
• Submit the Employer EOI
• Participate in ongoing reporting and monitoring by the PMU

Workplace approval will be handled by the Services SETA before any interns are assigned.

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Documents Required After Submitting the EOI

Applicants will receive a secure upload link after submitting the online form.

For Employers

• CIPC registration
• SARS Tax Compliance PIN
• CSD summary
• COIDA / Letter of Good Standing
• OHS evidence
• Workplace site list
• Hosting site addresses
• ID of authorised representative

For Graduates

• Certified ID
• Certified statement of results or qualification
• Updated CV
• Proof of address
• Bank confirmation letter

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Important Dates

• Applications Open: 21 November 2025
• Applications Close: 11 December 2025 at 16:00

All submissions must be made online before the deadline.

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How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1:

Choose the correct Expression of Interest form:

• Graduate EOI
• Employer EOI

Step 2:

Fill in the online form accurately.

Step 3:

Receive your reference number and secure upload link.

Step 4:

Upload all required documents before the closing time.

Step 5:

Wait for further communication from the Programme Management Unit (PMU).

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Why This Programme Matters

The PowerX² initiative benefits both graduates and employers:

🎓 For Graduates

• Gain real workplace experience
• Strengthen your employability
• Build professional networks
• Learn in a structured, supported environment

🏢 For Employers

• Access qualified candidates
• Reduce recruitment and training costs
• Strengthen workplace capacity
• Contribute to national skills development goals

With 20 000 placements available, the programme aims to create large-scale, long-term impact for the South African workforce.

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Useful Links for Applicants & Employers

• Services SETA Website:
  https://www.servicesseta.org.za
• CIPC Registration:
  https://www.cipc.co.za
• SARS Tax Compliance:
  https://www.sars.gov.za
• Central Supplier Database (CSD):
  https://www.csd.gov.za
• Open Learnership (Your Website):
  https://www.openlearnership.co.za

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OpenLearnership.co.za Notice

OpenLearnership.co.za is an independent career information platform that shares verified details about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills programmes across South Africa. We are not affiliated with the Services SETA. For official information, applicants should visit the Services SETA website or contact the programme directly.

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