The FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026 is offering young South Africans an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while completing a selected learnership.
The programme is aimed at people who are entering the workplace with limited previous experience.
Successful applicants will receive R5,933 per month during the 12-month fixed-term programme.
The opportunity is available across several locations in the Western Cape, including Cape Town, George, Paarl and surrounding areas.
Applicants must be 18 to 34 years old, have Grade 12/Matric, be South African citizens and have been unemployed for at least six months.
Applications are submitted online through SA Youth, and the advertised closing date is 20 October 2026.
FNB First Job Learnership 2026 Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | FirstRand Bank Limited / FNB |
| Programme | FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026 |
| Industry | Banking and Financial Services |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Monthly Pay | R5,933 |
| Employment Type | Fixed-term |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / Matric |
| Age | 18–34 years |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Employment Status | Unemployed for at least 6 months |
| Previous Experience | Less than 12 months of total work experience, subject to first-job conditions |
| Current Studies | Applicants must not currently be studying |
| Location | Various Western Cape locations |
| Application Platform | SA Youth |
| Closing Date | 20 October 2026 |
The advertised remuneration is classified as fixed base pay, rather than being described simply as a stipend.
What Is the FNB First Job Learnership Programme?
The FNB First Job Programme is designed to help young people gain their first meaningful workplace experience.
Many entry-level job seekers face the same problem: employers ask for experience, but they cannot gain experience without being given an opportunity.
The FNB programme is intended to help address this challenge by combining:
- Practical workplace experience
- Structured learning
- Professional workplace exposure
- Development of employability skills
Successful learners may gain exposure to areas such as customer service, administration, business operations and professional communication.
The programme is offered by FirstRand Bank Limited, through its FNB business.
However, completing the programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment.
How Much Does the FNB First Job Learnership Pay?
Successful applicants will receive:
R5,933 per month
The advertised amount is classified as fixed base pay.
The programme is fixed-term and runs for 12 months.
Applicants should therefore not describe the opportunity as a permanent FNB job. It is a 12-month first-job development opportunity.
FNB First Job Learnership Locations
The current advertisement identifies various locations in the Western Cape.
Advertised locations include:
- George
- Heidelberg
- Grabouw
- Paarl
- Claremont
- Vangate
- Willowbridge
- N1 City Shopping Mall
- Cape Gate
- Promenade Mall
- Sea Point
- Cape Town City
These locations are part of the advertised opportunity. Applicants should check the actual options displayed on SA Youth when completing their application.
Candidates should also consider whether they can reasonably travel to their selected workplace if they are successful.
FNB First Job Learnership Requirements 2026
Before applying, make sure you meet the advertised eligibility conditions.
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
18 to 34 years old.
2. South African Citizenship
The programme is aimed at:
South African citizens.
3. Matric / Grade 12
Applicants must have completed:
Grade 12 / Matric.
The advertisement also makes provision for applicants with certain additional certificates or diplomas associated with NQF Levels 5 and 6.
A university degree is not listed as a compulsory requirement.
4. Unemployed for at Least Six Months
Applicants must have been:
Unemployed for at least six months.
This is an important requirement. Someone who has only recently become unemployed may not meet the advertised conditions.
5. Limited Previous Work Experience
The programme is designed for people entering the workplace.
The advertised conditions refer to applicants having less than 12 months of total work experience, subject to the programme’s first-job requirements.
Applicants should provide accurate information about any previous employment, casual work or part-time work.
Do not hide previous employment information.
6. You Must Not Currently Be Studying
Applicants must not be:
Currently studying.
Make sure your SA Youth profile accurately reflects your current study and employment status.
7. No Previous FirstRand Employment
The advertisement excludes applicants who have previously:
- Worked for FirstRand.
- Participated in the FirstJob Programme at a FirstRand franchise.
This condition is particularly important for people who have previously participated in FirstRand programmes.
8. Other Requirements
Applicants are also expected to meet the advertised conditions relating to:
- English communication
- Criminal record
- Blacklisting
- Motivation
- Communication
- Customer-service potential
The programme is aimed at young people who can demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop professionally.
What Skills Does FNB Look For?
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate qualities such as:
- Willingness to learn
- Good communication
- Confidence when dealing with people
- Customer-service skills
- Initiative
- Self-motivation
- Resilience
- Professional behaviour
- Enthusiasm
- Interest in sales
- Ability to work towards targets
You do not need to invent work experience to demonstrate these qualities.
School projects, community activities, volunteering and genuine responsibilities can provide examples of your skills.
Always describe your real experience honestly.
Business Areas Available Through the Programme
The FNB First Job advertisement identifies several areas of the business where opportunities may be available.
These include:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Collections
- FNB Cards
- Private and Wealth Investments
- Sales
- Customer Service
- Administration and Support
- Catering
The availability of a particular department or position depends on the recruitment and operational requirements.
Applicants should therefore not assume that they will be able to choose any department they want.
Important: Complete the FNB Voice Note
One of the most important parts of the application is the voice-note screening requirement.
FNB specifically highlights the importance of recording a voice note as part of the screening process.
Applicants should therefore make sure they complete this step according to the instructions displayed on the SA Youth application.
Tips for Recording Your Voice Note
Before recording:
- Find a quiet place.
- Make sure there is minimal background noise.
- Speak clearly.
- Keep your voice natural and confident.
- Introduce yourself professionally.
- Explain why you want the opportunity.
- Mention genuine strengths.
- Follow the exact instructions shown on the application platform.
Do not try to sound overly rehearsed.
The purpose is to communicate clearly and professionally.
How to Prepare Your CV
Having little or no employment history does not mean you should submit an empty CV.
Your CV can include:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Town or area
- Matric qualification
- Additional qualifications
- Computer skills
- Communication skills
- Customer-service skills
- School projects
- Volunteer experience
- Community involvement
- Genuine part-time or casual work
- Additional certificates
Do not create fake employment history or qualifications.
Your CV should present your actual education, skills and experience clearly.
How to Apply for the FNB First Job Learnership 2026
Applications are submitted online through SA Youth.
Visit the FNB First Job Learnership 2026 application page on SAYouth.mobi.
Step 1: Access SA Youth
Visit the official SA Youth platform and search for the FNB First Job Learnership opportunity.
Step 2: Register or Log In
If you already have an SA Youth profile, log in using your existing account.
If you do not have an account, complete the registration process.
Step 3: Update Your Profile
Check that your information is correct, including:
- Personal details
- Cellphone number
- Location
- Education
- Employment status
- Previous work experience
Step 4: Find the FNB First Job Opportunity
Look for the listing for:
FirstRand Bank Limited – FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026
Check the programme details and available location before proceeding.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Answer the application questions carefully.
Pay particular attention to questions about:
- Previous employment
- Unemployment period
- FirstRand employment
- FirstJob participation
- Current studies
Always provide truthful information.
Step 6: Complete the Voice Note
Record and submit the required voice note according to the instructions on the platform.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Review the application before submitting it.
Make sure your details and supporting information are accurate.
After applying, monitor your SA Youth profile and contact details for recruitment communication.
FNB First Job Learnership Closing Date
The advertised closing date is:
20 October 2026
The current advertisement does not specify an exact closing time.
Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the last possible moment.
Submit your application early to reduce the risk of technical or registration problems.
Is Permanent Employment Guaranteed?
No.
The FNB First Job Learnership is advertised as a 12-month fixed-term opportunity.
Completing the programme does not automatically mean that you will receive a permanent position at FNB.
However, gaining professional workplace experience can strengthen your CV and may help you compete for future employment opportunities.
Is There an Application Fee?
No application fee should be paid to anyone claiming to secure an FNB position.
Applications through SA Youth are free.
Be particularly careful of people who ask for money in exchange for:
- A guaranteed interview
- A guaranteed learnership
- A job offer
- Faster recruitment
- Assistance with selection
Never pay someone who claims they can guarantee employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Matric only?
Yes. The advertised minimum educational requirement is Grade 12/Matric, provided you meet all the other eligibility conditions.
How much does the FNB First Job Learnership pay?
The advertised pay is R5,933 per month.
How long is the FNB First Job Programme?
The programme lasts 12 months.
Can I apply without work experience?
Yes. The programme is specifically aimed at young people with little or no previous work experience, subject to the first-job conditions.
Can graduates apply?
Applicants with eligible additional certificates or diplomas may qualify, provided they meet the other requirements and are not currently studying.
Can I apply if I have only been unemployed for three months?
No. The advertised requirement is at least six months of unemployment.
Can I apply if I previously worked for FNB?
The advertisement excludes candidates who have previously worked for FirstRand or participated in its FirstJob Programme.
Is the voice note required?
The advertisement specifically highlights the voice note as part of the screening process. Applicants should complete it according to the instructions on SA Youth.
Is the FNB First Job Learnership permanent?
No. It is a 12-month fixed-term programme and does not guarantee permanent employment.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through SA Youth.
When does the application close?
Applications close on 20 October 2026.
FNB First Job Learnership 2026 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | FirstRand Bank Limited / FNB |
| Programme | FNB First Job Learnership 2026 |
| Industry | Banking and Financial Services |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Pay | R5,933 per month |
| Employment Type | Fixed-term |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / Matric |
| Age | 18–34 |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Unemployment | At least 6 months |
| Previous Experience | Less than 12 months, subject to first-job conditions |
| Current Studies | Not allowed |
| Previous FirstRand Employment | Not eligible |
| Voice Note | Required as part of screening |
| Location | Various Western Cape locations |
| Application Platform | SA Youth |
| Closing Date | 20 October 2026 |
Final Tips Before Applying
Before submitting your FNB First Job application, check the following:
- Your SA Youth profile is complete.
- Your cellphone number is correct.
- Your education information is accurate.
- You have been unemployed for at least six months.
- You meet the age requirement.
- You are not currently studying.
- You have not previously worked for FirstRand.
- You have not previously participated in the FirstJob Programme.
- Your CV is accurate.
- Your voice note is clear.
- You have selected a location you can realistically access.
- You submit before the closing date.
Most importantly, do not provide false information simply to meet the first-job requirements.
Conclusion
The FNB First Job Learnership Programme 2026 gives unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while completing a selected learnership.
The programme offers R5,933 per month for 12 months and is aimed at applicants aged 18 to 34 who have completed Matric, have been unemployed for at least six months and have limited previous work experience.
The opportunity is available across several Western Cape locations, with advertised areas including Cape Town, George, Paarl, Grabouw and surrounding locations.
Applicants must also meet the programme’s conditions regarding previous FirstRand employment, current studies and first-job experience.
If you qualify, update your SA Youth profile, prepare an accurate CV, complete the required voice note and submit your application before 20 October 2026.
Remember that the programme is fixed-term and does not guarantee permanent employment, but it can provide valuable workplace experience for young people trying to establish their careers.
