The Services SETA invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for the PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme 2025–2027, one of the biggest internship rollouts in the country’s history.
Internship Application Closing Date: 11 December 2025 at 16:00
Internship Duration: 24 Months (Two Years)
Application Type: Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
Launched on 21 November 2025, the PowerX² initiative aims to connect 20 000 graduates to real workplace opportunities across the public sector, private sector, NGOs, municipalities and government departments.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Who Can Apply? | Unemployed graduates with NQF Level 4–7 qualifications |
| Host Employers | Private & public sectors, NGOs, municipalities, SOEs |
| Opening Date | 21 November 2025 |
| Closing Date | 11 December 2025 at 16:00 |
| Contact Email | powerx@serviceseta.org.za |
What is the PowerX² 20 000 Internships Programme?
This national placement programme aims to solve one of South Africa’s biggest challenges:
graduates who are qualified, but lack work experience.
The initiative supports:
- NSDP 2030 (National Skills Development Plan)
- National Skills Development Strategy
- Services SETA mandate to expand access to workplace learning
All fields of study are eligible — from IT, HR, Business Management, Marketing and Finance, to Law, Engineering, Admin, and more.
Graduates will be matched with employers based on workplace needs and availability.
Who Can Apply? (Graduate Requirements)
To qualify, you must:
- Hold an NQF Level 4–7 qualification from a public university or public TVET college
- Be unemployed at the time of applying
- Be available for a 24-month internship
- Be willing to be placed anywhere in South Africa
- Submit the Graduate Expression of Interest (EOI) online
✔ You may apply whether or not you were funded by the Services SETA previously.
Documents Needed (After EOI Submission)
After completing the online EOI, you will receive a secure upload link for the following:
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copy of qualification or statement of results
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Bank confirmation letter
Host Employers – Who Can Apply?
Organisations eligible to host interns include:
- Private companies
- Public entities
- Government departments
- Municipalities
- Non-profit organisations
- TVET colleges & universities (as host sites)
Employer Requirements
Must:
- Be registered with COIDA
- Have OHS-compliant workplaces
- Commit to hosting interns for 24 months
- Submit employer EOI & workplace details
- Pass the Workplace Approval Process
- Participate in monitoring & reporting
Employer Documents Required (After EOI)
- CIPC documents
- SARS Tax Compliance PIN
- CSD summary
- COIDA / Letter of Good Standing
- OHS compliance evidence
- Physical address of all workplace sites
- List of workplace sites
- ID of authorised company representative
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
👉 www.servicesseta.org.za/powerx2
Step 2: Choose Your Category
- Graduate
- Employer
Step 3: Complete the Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
Enter required personal/organisational information.
Step 4: Receive Confirmation Email
This will include:
- Your reference number
- Secure upload link
- Required documents list
- Deadline reminder
Step 5: Upload Documents Before 11 December 2025 at 16:00
Step 6: Await Further Communication
The Programme Management Unit (PMU) will contact selected applicants.
Why You Should Apply (Benefits for Graduates)
- Get 24 months of real workplace experience
- Increase your employability
- Build a strong professional network
- Gain confidence & essential workplace skills
- Boost your CV with SETA-backed experience
- Gain exposure across industries
- Opportunity to secure permanent employment
This could be the career-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
How to Apply for the Services SETA PowerX² Internships 2025–2027
👉 Visit the official application page here:
www.servicesseta.org.za/powerx2