Quality Council for Trades and Occupations invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for the Internship Programme 2026.
Internship Application Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Internship Location: Gauteng Province, South Africa
Stipend: R5 000 per month
Target Group: Unemployed graduates (18–35 years)
The QCTO Internship Programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional employment by providing practical workplace exposure in key professional and regulatory fields.
About the QCTO Internship Programme
South African graduates often struggle to secure their first formal job after completing their qualifications. The QCTO Internship Programme offers structured workplace exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experience within a regulatory and public sector environment.
This opportunity is particularly beneficial for graduates interested in:
- Public sector careers
- Regulatory and compliance roles
- Skills development and quality assurance
- Governance and administration
Available Internship Fields (2026)
The following internship positions are available:
- Registry (x1)
- Finance (x1)
- Quality Assurance (x3)
- Assessment Assurance (x2)
- Legal Services (x1)
- Human Resources (x1)
- Secretariat (x1)
- Certification (x1)
- Marketing and Communication (x1)
- Supply Chain Management (x1)
- Accreditation (x1)
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for unemployed graduates who want to build careers in administration, governance, education quality assurance, finance, and regulatory environments.
Minimum Requirements:
- South African citizens aged between 18 and 35
- National Diploma (minimum NQF Level 6)
- No prior working experience required
- Must not have participated in any internship programme previously
- Preference given to applicants residing in Gauteng Province
- People living with disabilities, Whites, Coloureds, and Indians are encouraged to apply
Internship Fields, Qualifications & Duties
Registry (x1)
Qualifications: Public Administration, Records Management, Information Management, Office Administration
Duties: Manage documentation, maintain records, track documents, assist with compliance.
Finance (x1)
Qualifications: Finance, Accounting, Financial Management
Duties: Budget support, financial reporting, invoice processing, audit assistance.
Quality Assurance (x3)
Qualifications: Education, Quality Management, Public Management, Monitoring & Evaluation
Duties: Conduct audits, monitor standards, analyse data, support compliance reporting.
Assessment Assurance (x2)
Qualifications: Education, Assessment Practices, Training & Development
Duties: Moderate assessments, verify compliance, document outcomes.
Legal Services (x1)
Qualifications: Law, Paralegal Studies
Duties: Legal research, contract review, governance support.
Human Resources (x1)
Qualifications: HR Management, Industrial Psychology
Duties: Recruitment support, HR administration, training coordination.
Secretariat (x1)
Qualifications: Public Administration, Office Management, Governance
Duties: Prepare agendas, take minutes, support governance processes.
Certification (x1)
Qualifications: Education, Administration, Information Management
Duties: Process certification applications, manage databases, handle enquiries.
Marketing and Communication (x1)
Qualifications: Marketing, Communication, Public Relations
Duties: Manage campaigns, social media, stakeholder communication.
Supply Chain Management (x1)
Qualifications: Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement
Duties: Procurement support, supplier documentation, compliance tracking.
Accreditation (x1)
Qualifications: Education, Quality Management, Public Administration
Duties: Support accreditation processes, evaluate training providers, compile reports.
Why Apply?
The QCTO Internship Programme offers:
- R5 000 monthly stipend
- Workplace exposure in a regulatory authority
- Structured learning and mentorship
- Entry-level professional experience
- Enhanced employability in public and private sectors
This is an excellent opportunity for graduates seeking meaningful career development in 2026.
How to Apply
Ensure your application is submitted before 27 February 2026.
Applicants who do not receive feedback after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.