The Department of Employment and Labour is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for the Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme 2025/2026.
Closing Date: 12 September 2025 (16:00 for walk-in submissions and midnight for online applications)
Location: Provincial offices across South Africa (Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Limpopo, Free State)
About the Programme
This is a 12-month structured programme designed to provide graduates with practical exposure in the field of employment counselling. The aim is to strengthen graduates’ skills and knowledge so they can effectively support work-seekers, employers, and other labour market stakeholders.
By joining this programme, participants will gain valuable experience in employment services, counselling techniques, and stakeholder engagement, preparing them for meaningful roles in the labour market.
Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R7 860.40 for the duration of the programme.
Available Posts and Reference Numbers
The programme offers 130 positions nationwide, distributed as follows:
- Gauteng (x16 Posts) – Ref No: GP/2025/08/91206022
- KwaZulu-Natal (x16 Posts) – Ref No: ZN/2025/08/91204620
- Eastern Cape (x16 Posts) – Ref No: EC/2025/08/91206037
- Western Cape (x16 Posts) – Ref No: WC/2025/08/90894267
- Mpumalanga (x8 Posts) – Ref No: MP/2025/08/91206044
- North West (x15 Posts) – Ref No: NW/2025/08/91206018
- Northern Cape (x12 Posts) – Ref No: NC/2025/08/91201065
- Limpopo (x17 Posts) – Ref No: LP/2025/08/91206054
- Free State (x14 Posts) – Ref No: FS/2025/08/91205363
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must have:
- A minimum of three (3) years tertiary qualification in Psychology or Industrial Psychology
- An Honours degree in Psychology or Industrial Psychology (advantageous)
- Preference will be given to candidates registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as either:
- Registered Counsellor (Independent Practice), or
- Psychometrist (Independent Practice)
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful trainees will:
- Provide administrative support to Employment Counsellors
- Conduct research on labour market trends and best practices in counselling
- Assist in implementing recruitment and selection services
- Build networks with stakeholders to ensure service quality
- Register and support work-seekers in accessing employment opportunities
Provincial Enquiries
Applicants can contact the relevant provincial office for queries:
- Gauteng: Mr V. Mazibuko – (011) 853 0453
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mr S. Cele – (031) 366 2162
- Eastern Cape: Ms A. Mpapha – (043) 701 3093
- Western Cape: Ms M. Williams – (021) 441 8006
- Mpumalanga: Ms M. Peerbhaai – (013) 655 8865
- North West: Mr S. Motlhake – (018) 387 8232
- Northern Cape: Ms H. van Deventer – (053) 838 1546
- Limpopo: Ms V. Marole – (015) 290 1655
- Free State: Ms R. Moses – (051) 505 6249
ESSA System Enquiries: Email: Pes@Labour.gov.za | Call Centre: 086 010 1018
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system.
Application requirements:
- Completed Z83 application form (new format)
- Comprehensive CV, merged with the Z83 into a single PDF document
- Quote the correct job title and reference number for the post you are applying for
📌 Important:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit supporting documents
- Applicants must not have previously participated in a similar programme
Closing Date
Applications close on 12 September 2025 (16:00 for walk-in submissions and midnight for online submissions).
