Discover everything you need to know about the PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships Programme. Learn how graduates and employers can apply, required documents, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and submission steps for the 2025/2026 intake.

PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships: Full Programme Guide for 2025/2026

Experience Multiplied. Impact Magnified.

The PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships is one of South Africa’s largest graduate placement initiatives, designed to connect 20 000 university and TVET college graduates to 24-month structured workplace internshipsacross the country. This nationwide programme offers a powerful opportunity for young people to gain real industry exposure while enabling employers to strengthen skills pipelines and workplace capacity.

Developed under the Services SETA and aligned with the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP 2030), PowerX² aims to bridge the gap between education and employment—one of South Africa’s persistent economic challenges.

Whether you are a graduate seeking experience or an organisation looking to host interns, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know.

1. Programme Purpose

The PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internships programme is designed to:

• Provide 24-month structured workplace experience for graduates.
• Strengthen employer capability, especially in priority and growth sectors.
• Create a national, coordinated pathway that improves youth employability.
• Support the development goals outlined in NSDP 2030.
• Enable broad participation across all qualification fields based on employer demand.

The programme is open to graduates with NQF Level 4–7 qualifications from public universities and TVET colleges. Placement is based on workplace capacity, sector requirements, and employer needs.

2. Participation Categories

A. Employers

Employers from all sectors in South Africa are invited to participate, including:

• Private companies
• Public entities and government departments
• Municipalities
• Non-profit organisations (NPOs/NGOs)
• TVET colleges and universities (as host sites)

Employer Requirements

Participating employers must:

• Be COIDA-registered
• Demonstrate OHS compliance
• Commit to hosting interns for 24 months
• Provide detailed workplace site information
• Complete the Employer Expression of Interest (EOI) form
• Participate in continuous monitoring and reporting driven by the PMU

All qualification fields are eligible, but matching is based on workplace needs.

B. Graduates

Graduates qualify to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Completed an NQF Level 4–7 qualification at a public university or TVET college
• Unemployed at the time of application
• Available for a 24-month internship
• Willing to be matched according to employer demand
• Successfully submit the official Graduate Expression of Interest (EOI) form

Important:
Previous SETA funding status does not affect eligibility.

3. Required Documents

After submitting the EOI, applicants receive an automated email containing a secure upload link. No documents are uploaded during the initial application stage.

A. Documents Required from Employers

1. CIPC Registration Document
2. SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN
3. CSD Summary Report
4. COIDA Registration / Letter of Good Standing
5. OHS Compliance Evidence
6. List of Workplace Sites
7. Physical Addresses of Hosting Sites
8. ID Copy of Authorised Representative

All workplace sites will undergo a formal Workplace Approval Process before interns are placed.

B. Documents Required from Graduates

1. Certified ID Copy
2. Certified Qualification / Statement of Results
3. Updated CV
4. Proof of Residence
5. Bank Confirmation Letter

4. Key Submission Dates

• Opening Date: 21 November 2025
• Closing Date: 11 December 2025 at 16:00

All Expressions of Interest must be submitted online before the deadline.

5. Submission Process

Follow these steps to apply as either an employer or graduate:

1. Select the correct Expression of Interest (EOI) category:
   • Employer EOI
   • Graduate EOI
2. Complete and submit the online form.
3. You will receive an automatic confirmation containing:
   • Reference Number
   • Secure Upload Link
   • List of Required Documents
   • Closing Date Reminder
4. Upload all required supporting documents before 16:00 on the closing date.
5. Wait for follow-up communication from the Programme Management Unit (PMU).

6. Contact Information

For questions, enquiries, or assistance, email:
📩 powerx@serviceseta.org.za

Useful Links

Below are helpful links for applicants and employers:

• Services SETA Official Website:
  https://www.servicesseta.org.za
• CIPC Registration (for employers):
  https://www.cipc.co.za
• SARS Tax Compliance Status:
  https://www.sars.gov.za
• Central Supplier Database (CSD):
  https://www.csd.gov.za
• Learnseta – Skills, Careers & Opportunities Hub:
  https://learnseta.net

Learnseta.net Disclaimer

Learnseta.net is an independent educational and career information platform. We are not affiliated with the Services SETA or any government institution. All information shared on this website is published for public benefit and is sourced from official notices, public releases, and verified communication. For official updates, users are encouraged to visit the Services SETA website or contact the programme directly.

https://learnseta.net/lgseta-internships-2025-2027-full-guide/

natasha Langeni

Natasha Langeni writes for Learnseta, sharing learnership and career opportunities that empower South African youth. She is passionate about skills development and connecting learners with programs that open doors to brighter futures.

you can contact us through our email hr@learnseta.net or our website https://learnseta.net/