Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme 2025/2026 – Department of Employment and Labour (X130 Posts)

Post: 31/18
Stipend: R7,860.40 per month
Duration: 12 months
Closing Date: 12 September 2025
Application Method: Online via ESSA system

The Department of Employment and Labour invites unemployed South African graduates to apply for the Trainee Employment Counsellors Programme 2025/2026. The programme provides 12 months of work exposure in employment counselling, helping graduates build professional skills and experience.

Available Posts (X130)

• Gauteng Provincial Office: Ref No: GP/2025/08/91206022 (X16)
• KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office: Ref No: ZN/2025/08/91204620 (X16)
• Eastern Cape Provincial Office: Ref No: EC/2025/08/91206037 (X16)
• Western Cape Provincial Office: Ref No: WC/2025/08/90894267 (X16)
• Mpumalanga Provincial Office: Ref No: MP/2025/08/91206044 (X8)
• North West Provincial Office: Ref No: NW/2025/08/91206018 (X15)
• Northern Cape Provincial Office: Ref No: NC/2025/08/91201065 (X12)
• Limpopo Provincial Office: Ref No: LP/2025/08/91206054 (X17)
• Free State Provincial Office: Ref No: FS/2025/08/91205363 (X14)

Requirements

• Minimum: Three-year tertiary qualification in Psychology or Industrial Psychology.
• Advantage:
  • Honours degree in Psychology/Industrial Psychology.
  • Registration with HPCSA as:
    • Registered Counsellor (Independent Practice), OR
    • Psychometrist (Independent Practice).

Key Duties

• Provide administrative support to Employment Counsellors.
• Conduct research on labour market needs and best practices in employment counselling.
• Assist in recruitment and selection services.
• Network with stakeholders to verify quality of services rendered.
• Register and support work-seekers.

Enquiries

• 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 Enquiries: Email: Pes@Labour.gov.za | Call: 086 010 1018

Application Guidelines

• Apply online via the ESSA system.
• Submit:
  • Completed, initialled and signed new Z83 form.
  • Updated comprehensive CV (PDF format, combined as one document).
• Do not attach qualifications at application stage.
• Incorrectly completed or unsigned Z83 forms will lead to disqualification.
• Only shortlisted candidates will submit certified qualifications and SAQA evaluations (if applicable).
• Preference will be given to applicants who have not participated in similar programmes before.

Important Notes

• All applicants must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or other allegations.
• Successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks (criminal record, credit, qualification, and employment verification).
• If not contacted within 8 weeks after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
• The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment.