PowerX² – Services SETA 20 000 Internship Programme: Full Guide
Experience Multiplied. Impact Magnified.
The PowerX² Internship Programme is a national initiative led by the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA). Its mission is to place 20 000 university and TVET college graduates into structured 24-month internship opportunities across approved workplaces throughout South Africa.
This programme directly addresses the long-standing gap between academic qualifications and practical workplace experience, while strengthening graduate employability and supporting organisational skills development.
PowerX² aligns with NSDP 2030, the National Skills Development Strategy, and the Services SETA mandate to expand access to meaningful workplace learning.
1. Programme Purpose
The PowerX² programme creates a coordinated and scalable pathway that allows graduates to gain real workplace exposure while assisting employers in building future-ready talent.
All qualification fields are considered, with placements based on:
- Employer needs
- Workplace capacity
- Sector relevance
2. Participation Categories
A. Employers
Employers across South Africa are invited to participate by hosting interns. Eligible organisations include:
- Private companies
- Public entities and government departments
- Municipalities
- Non-profit organisations
- Universities and TVET colleges (as host sites)
Employer Requirements
To qualify, employers must:
- Be registered with COIDA
- Demonstrate compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards
- Commit to hosting interns for a full 24-month period
- Provide detailed workplace site information
- Complete the Employer Expression of Interest (EOI) form
- Participate in monitoring and reporting coordinated by the Programme Management Unit (PMU)
Intern matching will be conducted according to employer requirements and sector demand.
B. Graduates
Graduates may apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Completed an NQF Level 4–7 qualification
- Studied at a public university or TVET college
- Unemployed at the time of application
- Available to participate in a 24-month internship
- Willing to be placed based on available opportunities
- Submit a Graduate Expression of Interest form
Important: Previous funding or non-funding by Services SETA does not affect eligibility.
3. Required Documentation
Documents are not uploaded during the initial application. After submitting the Expression of Interest form, applicants receive a secure upload link.
Employer Documents
- CIPC registration document
- SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN
- CSD summary report
- COIDA registration or Letter of Good Standing
- OHS compliance evidence
- List of workplace sites
- Physical address for each hosting site
- ID of the authorised representative
All employer sites will undergo a formal Workplace Approval Process before interns are placed.
Graduate Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified qualification certificate or statement of results
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Bank confirmation letter
4. Key Application Dates
- Opening Date: 21 November 2025
- Closing Date: 30 January 2026 at 16:00
All Expressions of Interest must be submitted online before the closing deadline.
5. Application Submission Process
- Select the appropriate Expression of Interest category (Employer or Graduate)
- Complete the online EOI form
- Receive automatic confirmation containing:
- A reference number
- A secure document upload link
- A list of required documents
- A reminder of the submission deadline
- Upload all required documents before the closing date
- Wait for further communication from the Programme Management Unit (PMU)
6. Contact Information
Email: powerx@serviceseta.org.za
Website: www.servicesseta.org.za/powerx2
Services SETA Head Office:
15 Sherborne Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
PO Box 3322, Houghton, 2041
Tel: 011 276 9600 / 011 276 9623
Email: customercare@serviceseta.org.za
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