This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026. This program is designed for unemployed South African youth who have completed Grade 12 and are looking for their first job experience. By following these steps, you can successfully submit your application and be considered for this 12-month learnership, which offers a monthly stipend of R5,933. Before you begin, ensure you meet the minimum requirements and have your personal and educational details ready.
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
Before starting your application, carefully review all the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify. This step is crucial to avoid wasting time on an application that won’t be considered.
Here are the key requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
- Age: Between 18 and 34 years old.
- Education: Completed Grade 12 / Matric.
- Employment Status: Unemployed for at least six months and not currently studying.
- Work Experience: Less than 12 months of total work experience (specifically for a ‘first job’ program).
- Previous Participation: Not have previously participated in the FirstJob Programme or worked for FirstRand.
- Additional: Good command of English, no criminal record, and not blacklisted.
Outcome: You will have a clear understanding of whether you meet the basic qualifications for the learnership.
Mistakes to Avoid: Applying without confirming you meet all requirements, especially regarding previous employment or program participation.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents and Information
Collect all the information and documents you will need for the online application. Having these ready will make the application process smoother and faster.
Here is what you need to gather:
- Personal Details: Full name, ID number, contact number, and residential address.
- Educational Information: Details of your Grade 12 / Matric qualification, including subjects and results if possible.
- Work Experience Details: If you have any prior work experience, even short-term, have the dates and company names ready.
- SA Youth Account: Ensure you have an active account on the SA Youth platform. If not, you’ll need to create one.
Outcome: You will have all the required information organized and ready for input into the online application form.
Mistakes to Avoid: Entering incorrect personal details, especially your cellphone number or address, which are critical for communication.
Step 3: Access the Application Platform
Navigate to the SA Youth platform where the FNB First Job Learnership Programme application is hosted. This is the official channel for submitting your application.
- Go to the SA Youth platform.
- Click on the provided application link: Click here to apply for the FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026
- If you already have an account, log in using your credentials.
- If you are a new user, follow the prompts to create a new account.
Outcome: You will be logged into the SA Youth platform and ready to start filling out the application form.
Mistakes to Avoid: Trying to apply through unofficial channels or using outdated links. Ensure you are on the correct and official SA Youth platform.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the online application form accurately and completely. Pay close attention to each section to ensure all information is correct.
- Personal Information: Enter your name, ID number, contact details, and residential address as accurately as possible.
- Educational Background: Input your Grade 12 / Matric details. Ensure this section reflects your highest qualification.
- Employment History: Disclose any previous work experience truthfully. If you have no experience, state that clearly.
- Other Sections: Complete any other required fields, such as skills, motivation, or specific program-related questions.
Outcome: A fully completed application form with all required fields populated correctly.
Mistakes to Avoid: Leaving fields blank, providing vague answers, or misrepresenting your qualifications or experience. Double-check all entries before proceeding.
Step 5: Record and Upload Your Voice Note
The FNB First Job Learnership Programme requires a voice note as part of the application screening. Follow the instructions carefully to record and upload this.
- Find a Quiet Space: Ensure you are in an environment with minimal background noise.
- Speak Clearly: Articulate your words clearly and at a moderate pace.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to any specific prompts or questions provided on the application platform for the voice note.
- Record: Use your device’s recording function or the platform’s built-in tool.
- Upload: Upload the recorded voice note to the designated section of the application form.
Outcome: A clear, well-recorded voice note is successfully uploaded as part of your application.
Mistakes to Avoid: Recording in a noisy environment, speaking too fast or too softly, or failing to upload the voice note altogether. This is a critical part of the screening process.
Step 6: Review and Submit Your Application
Before final submission, take time to review your entire application thoroughly. This is your last chance to catch any errors.
- Check Personal Details: Verify your name, ID, contact number, and address.
- Confirm Education: Ensure your Grade 12 / Matric details are correct.
- Review Experience: Double-check how you’ve disclosed any previous work experience.
- Voice Note: Confirm that the voice note has been uploaded successfully.
- All Fields: Make sure no required fields have been missed.
Once you are completely satisfied that everything is accurate, click the submit button.
Outcome: Your application for the FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026 is successfully submitted.
Mistakes to Avoid: Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application due to rushing. Always review carefully before hitting ‘submit’.
Step 7: Await Communication and Next Steps
After submitting your application, the next step is to wait for FNB or the SA Youth platform to communicate with you regarding the status of your application. This may take some time.
- Confirmation: You may receive an email or SMS confirming your application submission.
- Shortlisting: If shortlisted, you will be contacted for further assessment stages, which might include interviews or additional tests.
- Communication Channel: Ensure your contact details (phone number and email) are correct, as this is how they will reach you.
- Patience: Be patient, as the selection process can take several weeks or months.
Outcome: You are aware of the post-submission process and know how FNB will communicate any further steps.
Mistakes to Avoid: Constantly checking for updates or assuming you haven’t been selected if you don’t hear back immediately. Follow the timeline provided, if any.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FNB First Job Learnership Programme?
It’s a 12-month program for unemployed South African youth who have completed Grade 12, offering their first job experience and a monthly stipend.
What are the main requirements to apply?
You need to be a South African citizen, aged 18-34, have completed Grade 12, be unemployed, and have less than 12 months of work experience.
Where do I apply for the learnership?
Applications are submitted through the official SA Youth platform. You’ll need to create an account or log in if you already have one.
Is a voice note required for the application?
Yes, a voice note is a required part of the application screening process. You’ll need to record and upload it following the platform’s instructions.
