Program Overview
- The Department of Employment and Labour invites recent South African graduates to apply for the Employment Counsellors Trainee Program.
- Duration: 12 months of practical work exposure in employment counselling.
- Target Applicants: Unemployed graduates only.
Application Process
- Submission Method: Applications must be submitted online through the ESSA portal: https://crs.labour.gov.za/sap/bc/ui5_ui5/sap/zcommreg_new/index.html.
- Province of Residence: Apply to the province where you reside.
- Reference Number: Clearly indicate the relevant reference number in your application.
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025.
Required Documentation
- Z83 Application Form:
- Use only the new Z83 form (available at any Public Service Department or online at www.gov.za/documents).
- The form must be fully completed, initialled, and signed.
- All sections (A, B, C, D) must be filled out completely.
- For sections E, F, and G, if space is limited, refer to your CV where appropriate. However, you must answer the question regarding re-appointment conditions in section F.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV):
- Submit an updated and comprehensive CV.
- Submission Format:
- Combine the Z83 form and CV into a single PDF document.
- Indicate the job title and reference number clearly in the email subject line.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be South African citizens and currently unemployed.
- Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously participated in similar programs.
- Non-South African citizens or those with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA evaluation report if shortlisted.
Important Notes
- Only the Z83 form and CV are required at application stage; no other documents should be attached.
- Applications submitted with the incorrect or old Z83 form will not be considered.
- Failure to fully complete, initial, or sign the application form will result in disqualification.
- Multiple applications for different posts require separate forms for each.
Selection Process and Communication
- Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If you do not receive feedback within eight weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Shortlisted candidates must present original qualifications and supporting documents at the interview stage.
Additional Requirements for Successful Candidates
- Employment is subject to personnel suitability checks (criminal record, citizenship, credit, qualification, and employment verification).
- Applicants must disclose any pending criminal or disciplinary actions.
- Any false declaration or omission may result in disqualification or termination of employment.
- Disclosure of conflicts of interest, board memberships, and directorships is required.
- The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment for the advertised posts.
Contact and Further Information
- For more details or to access the required forms, visit: www.gov.za/documents
- Application Portal: ESSA Link
POST 31/18: Trainee Employment Counsellor (130 Positions Available)
Stipend
- Amount: R7,860.40 per month
Available Posts by Province
- Gauteng: 16 positions (Ref: GP/2025/08/91206022)
- KwaZulu-Natal: 16 positions (Ref: ZN/2025/08/91204620)
- Eastern Cape: 16 positions (Ref: EC/2025/08/91206037)
- Western Cape: 16 positions (Ref: WC/2025/08/90894267)
- Mpumalanga: 8 positions (Ref: MP/2025/08/91206044)
- North West: 15 positions (Ref: NW/2025/08/91206018)
- Northern Cape: 12 positions (Ref: NC/2025/08/91201065)
- Limpopo: 17 positions (Ref: LP/2025/08/91206054)
- Free State: 14 positions (Ref: FS/2025/08/91205363)
Minimum Requirements
- Educational Qualification:
- Minimum of three years of tertiary study in Psychology or Industrial Psychology.
- Honours degree in Psychology or Industrial Psychology is an advantage.
- Professional Registration:
- 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 the Employment Counsellor.
- Conduct research on labour market needs and employment counselling best practices.
- Supervise Career Counsellors and Employment Services Practitioners.
- Participate in recruitment and selection processes.
- Network with relevant stakeholders to ensure quality of services.
- Register work-seekers and maintain related documentation.
Contact Information
For position-specific enquiries, please contact the relevant provincial representative:
- Gauteng: Mr. V Mazibuko | Tel: (011) 8530 453
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mr. S Cele | Tel: (031) 3662 162
- Eastern Cape: Ms. A Mpapha | Tel: (043) 7013 093
- Western Cape: Ms. M Williams | Tel: (021) 441 8006
- Mpumalanga: Ms. M Peerbhaai | Tel: (013) 655 8865
- North West: Mr. S Motlhake | Tel: (018) 3878 232
- Northern Cape: Ms. H van Deventer | Tel: (053) 8381 546
- Limpopo: Ms. V Marole | Tel: (015) 2901 655
- Free State: Ms. R Moses | Tel: (051) 5056 249
Technical or Application Enquiries:
Email: pes@labour.gov.za
Alteram Call Centre: 086 010 1018
Applicants meeting the above requirements are encouraged to submit their applications as per the given instructions.
Summary
This program provides a valuable opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain relevant, practical experience in employment counselling. Applicants are advised to carefully follow all instructions and submit complete, accurate documentation to ensure consideration.
