Government Hiring: Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme 2025/2026 – Apply Before 12 September

The Department of Employment and Labour invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for the Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme for the year 2025/2026. Applications close on 12 September 2025.

This 12-month programme is designed to give graduates valuable work exposure in employment counselling, helping them gain experience while contributing to one of the country’s most important public service departments.

If you are unemployed, eager to grow professionally, and interested in helping others through employment services, then this opportunity is tailored for you.

---

About the Programme

The Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme gives participants the chance to gain practical work experience in line with their academic qualifications. Over 12 months, selected graduates will be placed in different provincial offices to provide support in employment counselling.

The purpose of the programme is not only to empower graduates but also to strengthen the department’s ability to deliver services to communities. Successful applicants will get hands-on learning that can prepare them for future roles in both government and private sectors.

---

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to unemployed South African graduates who meet the following requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must be currently unemployed.
• Must hold a relevant qualification related to employment counselling, psychology, social sciences, or related fields.
• Must not have taken part in a similar programme before (preference will be given to new applicants).
• Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation report (only if shortlisted).

---

Application Requirements

When applying, candidates must ensure they submit the correct documentation. Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be considered. Here’s what you need:

1. A new Z83 application form (initialled and signed).
   • The old Z83 form will not be accepted.
   • The form can be obtained from any Public Service Department or downloaded at www.gov.za/documents
   • All sections (A, B, C, and D) must be completed fully.
   • Sections E, F, and G can refer to your CV if space is limited, but the question about reappointment in Part F must be answered.
2. A comprehensive and updated CV.
3. Both the Z83 form and CV must be submitted as one single PDF document.
4. The subject line of your application email must clearly state the job title and the reference number.

Please note: Only the Z83 and CV should be attached at the application stage. Shortlisted candidates will later be required to submit their certified qualifications and supporting documents.

---

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the ESSA link:

https://crs.labour.gov.za/sap/bc/ui5_ui5/sap/zcommreg_new/index.html

Be sure to apply to the province where you reside.

---

Important Dates

• Closing date for applications: 12 September 2025.
• If shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview and may undergo a personnel suitability check (including criminal record, citizenship, qualifications, and credit checks).
• If you do not hear from the Department within 8 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

---

Additional Information

• The Department of Employment and Labour reserves the right not to make any appointment(s).
• All applicants must declare any conflicts of interest, memberships of boards, or directorships they are involved in.
• Applicants must also disclose any pending criminal or disciplinary investigations. If such issues are discovered during or after the selection process, the application will be disqualified, or the appointment may be terminated.
• The successful candidate’s appointment will be subject to a positive outcome from security screenings.

---

Why You Should Apply

This programme is an excellent opportunity for unemployed graduates who want to gain professional experience while helping others access employment opportunities. It provides a chance to:

• Develop skills in counselling, communication, and administration.
• Gain valuable work exposure in government services.
• Strengthen your CV with public sector experience.
• Build a network of professional contacts for future career growth.

For graduates who are serious about starting their careers, this 12-month programme can provide the foundation needed to open doors in the public service sector or beyond.

Don’t wait until the last minute — apply now and take advantage of this chance to gain real-world experience while contributing to South Africa’s employment services.

Closing Date: 12 September 2025