The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) invites suitably qualified and unemployed South African graduates to apply for its 24-month Graduate Internship Programme. The internship provides graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in various departments at the ELRC Head Office in Centurion. Successful candidates will receive structured workplace training and a monthly stipend in accordance with the ETDP SETA funding guidelines and ELRC Policy.
The ELRC is a statutory council established in terms of Section 37 of the Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995, as amended. The council provides services to the Department of Basic Education, trade unions, and educators, with a focus on promoting labour peace, resolving labour disputes, and supporting collective bargaining within the public education sector.
Graduates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
Internship Opportunities
Internal Audit
- Department: Internal Audit
- Number of Interns: 2
- Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Internal Auditing, Accounting, or Risk Management.
Dispute Management Services
- Department: Dispute Management Services
- Number of Interns: 2
- Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Labour Relations, Labour Law, or Human Resources Management.
Finance
- Department: Finance
- Number of Interns: 2
- Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Financial Management, or Cost and Management Accounting.
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
- Department: Supply Chain Management (SCM)
- Number of Interns: 2
- Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Procurement Management.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Department: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Number of Interns: 1
- Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Cyber Security.
Collective Bargaining Services (CBS)
- Department: Collective Bargaining Services (CBS)
- Number of Interns: 1
- Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Administration or Human Resources Management.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements before submitting an application:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be an unemployed graduate between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
- Hold a relevant National Diploma or Degree from a recognised institution.
- Not have previously participated in a graduate internship programme funded by a SETA or any government department.
- Possess good communication, interpersonal, and computer literacy skills.
- Be willing to work at the ELRC Head Office in Centurion, Gauteng.
Applications that do not meet the stated minimum requirements may not be considered during the selection process.
Required Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Professional conduct and integrity.
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a professional working environment.
These competencies are important because the internship programme provides practical workplace exposure in a professional public sector environment where teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning are essential.
Internship Duration
The internship programme will run for a period of 24 months.
During this period, successful interns will receive structured workplace exposure related to their field of study. The programme is intended to assist graduates in developing practical experience that enhances future employment opportunities within both the public and private sectors.
Monthly Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the ETDP SETA funding guidelines and the ELRC Policy.
The advertisement does not specify the exact monthly stipend amount.
Documents Required
Applicants should submit the following documents:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Academic record (where applicable).
Providing complete documentation can help avoid delays during the screening process.
How to Apply
Applications should clearly indicate the department being applied for.
Applications can be submitted through one of the following methods:
Send the application to: [email protected]
The maximum email size must not exceed 5MB.
Postal Address
HR Department (Marked “Confidential”)
Private Bag X126
Centurion
0046
Hand Delivery
ELRC Building
261 West Avenue
Centurion
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all required documents are attached before submitting an application.
Selection Process
Only applications received before the closing date will be considered.
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment or interviews. If no communication is received within 30 days after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
The ELRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Employment Equity
The ELRC is committed to Employment Equity in its recruitment processes.
Applications from women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.
Appointments will be made in accordance with the Employment Equity objectives of the organisation.
About the ELRC
The Education Labour Relations Council plays an important role in maintaining stable labour relations within South Africa’s public education sector. Its responsibilities include promoting labour peace, resolving disputes between employers and employees, facilitating collective bargaining, and supporting effective labour relations across the education system.
Interns joining the organisation gain exposure to professional public sector operations while developing technical knowledge and workplace skills relevant to their qualifications.
Important Dates
Closing Date: 07 August 2026
Closing Time: 16:00
Late applications may not be considered.
Summary
The ELRC Graduate Internship Programme 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed South African graduates seeking practical work experience in Internal Audit, Dispute Management Services, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Information and Communication Technology, and Collective Bargaining Services. The programme offers 24 months of workplace exposure, professional development, and a monthly stipend in accordance with ETDP SETA funding guidelines. Graduates who meet the eligibility requirements should prepare all required certified documents and submit their applications before 07 August 2026 at 16:00.