First National Bank (FNB), part of FirstRand Bank Limited, is inviting suitably qualified young South Africans to apply for its First Job 12-month Learnership Programme. The opportunity is aimed at young people with little or no formal work experience who want to get their first chance to work in a professional environment. Successful candidates will receive a R5,933 monthly stipend, and opportunities are available across all nine provinces of South Africa. The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026.
For many young people, getting a first job can be difficult because employers often ask for previous work experience. This FNB programme is designed to help address that problem by giving eligible young South Africans a chance to gain practical workplace experience while completing a learnership.
If you have Matric, have been unemployed for at least six months and have little or no work experience, this could be an opportunity worth looking into.
The FNB First Job Programme is a 12-month fixed-term learnership within the banking industry. Participants will get workplace exposure while completing a selected learnership.
The programme is available in different FNB business areas, meaning successful applicants may get exposure to different types of work depending on where they are placed.
The short application period means interested applicants should make sure they understand the requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.
One of the useful things about this programme is that it is available across all nine provinces in South Africa.
This means eligible applicants from different parts of the country can look for an opportunity that matches their location.
The exact workplace and business area will depend on the available positions and the placement of successful candidates.
The First Job Programme can offer workplace opportunities in several different parts of the FNB business.
These areas include:
Each department works differently, so the duties of a participant can depend on the area where they are placed.
For example, someone placed in customer service may spend much of their time helping customers and answering questions, while someone in administration may spend more time working with information, documents and office tasks.
Applicants should therefore be ready to learn and adapt to the needs of the business.
This opportunity is aimed at young South Africans who are trying to get their first proper workplace experience.
To qualify, applicants must meet the requirements set by the programme.
You must:
Applicants with further studies, such as certificates or diplomas at NQF Levels 5 and 6, are also accepted according to the listed requirements.
Getting accepted into a learnership is not only about having the right qualification. Your attitude and willingness to learn can also be important.
FNB is looking for young people who are ready to take responsibility and make the most of the opportunity.
Successful candidates should be:
A positive attitude can help you adjust to the workplace and deal with challenges that may come with your first work experience.
Candidates who are interested in sales and customer service are especially encouraged to apply because some of the available opportunities may involve working directly with customers.
The exact duties will depend on your placement, but the programme can help you develop skills that are useful in many workplaces.
You may gain experience in areas such as:
You may learn how to communicate with customers, understand their needs and provide professional service.
You may gain experience with office tasks, records, information and other forms of administrative support.
Some positions may give you an opportunity to learn about sales, customer needs and working towards business targets.
Working at a large company means you will likely work with other employees. Learning how to cooperate with colleagues is an important workplace skill.
The programme can help you become more confident when communicating with customers, managers and other employees.
For someone entering the workplace for the first time, learning how to behave professionally, follow instructions and take responsibility can be very valuable.
Getting your first job can be one of the biggest challenges for a young person. Many vacancies ask applicants to have experience, but you cannot gain experience if nobody gives you that first opportunity.
The FNB First Job Programme is aimed at young people who are in this exact situation.
Instead of simply looking for someone with years of experience, the programme gives eligible candidates an opportunity to enter the workplace, learn new skills and gain practical exposure.
The 12-month period can also give participants enough time to understand how a professional workplace operates.
By the time the programme ends, you may have new skills and workplace experience that can strengthen your CV when applying for other opportunities.
Successful participants will receive a monthly stipend of R5,933 during the programme.
This is important to understand because the opportunity is a learnership with a stipend rather than a standard permanent employment position.
The 12-month programme is intended to provide workplace experience and learning while helping participants become better prepared for future employment opportunities.
Applicants should pay close attention to the application and screening process.
The vacancy information states that candidates must record a voice note as part of the screening process.
This means applicants should be prepared to complete this requirement if requested during the application process.
Make sure that the information you provide is correct and that you meet all the requirements before applying.
Before you apply, take a few minutes to check whether you qualify.
Ask yourself:
If you meet the requirements, you can continue with the application.
The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026.
The programme was posted on 9 September 2026, giving interested applicants only a short period to apply.
Do not wait until the last minute. Take time to check the requirements, prepare your information and complete the application correctly.
Interested applicants can apply online through the SA Youth platform.
Use the application link below to view the FNB opportunity and follow the instructions provided:
The FNB First Job 12-month Learnership Programme could give young South Africans the workplace experience they need to take their next step.
With a R5,933 monthly stipend, opportunities across all nine provinces, and exposure to areas such as banking, customer service, sales, finance, marketing and administration, eligible applicants should consider applying before 16 September 2026.
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