Trainee Employment Counsellor (x130 Positions)
Trainee Employment Counsellor (x130 Positions) – 2025/2026 Programme
Department of Employment and Labour – South Africa
Stipend: R7 860.40 per month
Job Type: Graduate Programme
Duration: 12 Months
Location: Nationally (Provincial Offices listed below)
Programme Overview
The Department of Employment and Labour invites unemployed graduates to apply for the 2025/2026 Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme. This 12-month initiative offers practical work exposure in employment counselling, aligned with graduates’ academic qualifications.
Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in similar government programmes.
Minimum Requirements
- A relevant 3-year tertiary qualification in Psychology or Industrial Psychology.
- Candidates with an Honours degree in the above fields will have an added advantage.
- Preference will be given to applicants registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Registered Counsellor (Independent Practice) or Psychometrist (Independent Practice).
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to Employment Counsellors.
- Conduct labour market research and review best practices in employment counselling under supervision.
- Assist with recruitment and selection processes.
- Collaborate and network with stakeholders to ensure the quality of services provided.
- Register and support work-seekers within the system.
Placement Centres & Reference Numbers
- Gauteng – Ref No: GP/2025/08/91206022 (16 Posts)
- KwaZulu-Natal – Ref No: ZN/2025/08/91204620 (16 Posts)
- Eastern Cape – Ref No: EC/2025/08/91206037 (16 Posts)
- Western Cape – Ref No: WC/2025/08/90894267 (16 Posts)
- Mpumalanga – Ref No: MP/2025/08/91206044 (8 Posts)
- North West – Ref No: NW/2025/08/91206018 (15 Posts)
- Northern Cape – Ref No: NC/2025/08/91201065 (12 Posts)
- Limpopo – Ref No: LP/2025/08/91206054 (17 Posts)
- Free State – Ref No: FS/2025/08/91205363 (14 Posts)
Application Process
- Submit applications via the ESSA system: https://crs.labour.gov.za/sap/bc/ui5_ui5/sap/zcommreg_new/index.html.
- Applications must include:
- A comprehensive CV
- A completed, initialled, and signed new Z83 form (available at any Public Service Department or online at www.gov.za/documents).
- Each application must reference the correct job title and reference number.
- Only PDF submissions containing the CV and Z83 form (combined in one document) will be accepted.
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025
⚠️ Applications using the old Z83 form or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 8 weeks of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
Additional Notes
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents before interviews.
- Successful applicants will undergo personnel suitability checks (criminal, citizenship, credit, and employment verification).
- Applicants must declare any pending cases, disciplinary actions, or conflicts of interest.
- The Department reserves the right not to fill these posts.
Enquiries
- Gauteng: Mr V. Mazibuko – (011) 8530 453
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mr S. Cele – (031) 3662 162
- Eastern Cape: Ms A. Mpapha – (043) 7013 093
- Western Cape: Ms M. Williams – (021) 441 8006
- Mpumalanga: Ms M. Peerbhaai – (013) 655 8865
- North West: Mr S. Motlhake – (018) 3878 232
- Northern Cape: Ms H. van Deventer – (053) 8381 546
- Limpopo: Ms V. Marole – (015) 2901 655
- Free State: Ms R. Moses – (051) 5056 249
- ESSA System Enquiries: Pes@labour.gov.za | Alteram Call Centre: 086 010 1018