Applicants are invited to apply for the RMB Learnership Programme (12 Months Contract)
If you are a recent graduate in South Africa struggling to find your first job, the FirstRand FirstJob Learnership Programme offers a powerful opportunity to gain real workplace experience and kick-start your professional career.
This 12-month structured learnership is specifically designed for unemployed graduates who are eager to transition from academic studies into the corporate world. Through practical exposure, mentorship, and continuous development, this programme equips you with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market.
With youth unemployment remaining a major challenge in South Africa, programmes like this provide a crucial pathway for graduates to gain meaningful experience and improve their long-term career prospects.
FirstRand Limited is one of the largest and most respected financial services groups in South Africa. The company operates through several well-known divisions and is recognised for its innovation, strong leadership, and commitment to developing talent.
FirstRand has built a reputation for investing in people and creating opportunities for growth. Through initiatives like the FirstJob Learnership Programme, the organisation aims to empower young South Africans by providing access to real work experience and professional development.
The company’s focus on excellence, customer service, and innovation makes it an ideal environment for graduates who want to build a successful and sustainable career.
The FirstJob Learnership Programme is a comprehensive 12-month development programme aimed at unemployed graduates who are ready to enter the workforce.
Unlike traditional internships, this programme provides structured learning combined with hands-on experience in real business environments. Learners are placed in different business units where they contribute to meaningful projects while gaining exposure to day-to-day operations.
The programme is designed to develop both technical expertise and essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
Participants will receive continuous support through mentorship and coaching, ensuring that they are guided throughout their learning journey. Regular feedback and performance evaluations help learners track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is the practical experience it provides. As a learner, you will gain exposure to real business challenges and learn how to apply your academic knowledge in a professional setting.
You will develop strong analytical skills by working on research and data-related tasks. You will also gain experience in administration, reporting, and process improvement, which are critical functions in any organisation.
The programme also focuses on project coordination and execution, allowing you to understand how business initiatives are planned, managed, and delivered. This experience is highly valuable and can significantly enhance your employability.
In addition to technical skills, you will develop important soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for success in any career.
As a FirstJob learner, you will play an active role in supporting various business functions within the organisation.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include conducting research and analysis, assisting with administrative tasks, supporting reporting processes, and contributing to ongoing projects. You will work closely with experienced professionals who will guide and mentor you throughout the programme.
You will also be involved in process improvement initiatives, where you will help identify areas for efficiency and contribute ideas to enhance business operations.
This role is designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of how a corporate environment operates while allowing you to build practical skills and confidence.
During the programme, you will be expected to deliver high-quality work and demonstrate professionalism in all assigned tasks.
You will need to plan and manage your responsibilities effectively, ensuring that all tasks are completed within deadlines. Time management and attention to detail will be critical to your success.
You will be encouraged to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas to projects. FirstRand values individuals who are proactive and willing to take initiative.
Collaboration is another key aspect of the role. You will engage with peers, mentors, and stakeholders, sharing knowledge and contributing to team objectives.
In addition, you will be responsible for managing your own development by setting goals, seeking feedback, and continuously improving your skills.
To be considered for the FirstRand FirstJob Learnership Programme, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Applicants must hold a completed diploma or degree in one of the following fields: Finance, Data Analytics, Statistics, Law, Information Security, Computer Science, or Human Resources. These fields align with the business areas where learners will be placed.
Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 34 and must be South African citizens. This programme is specifically aimed at supporting local youth development.
Applicants must be unemployed for at least six months at the time of application. This ensures that the opportunity is given to individuals who need work experience to enter the job market.
Candidates should not have any prior permanent employment or previous participation in a learnership programme. Additionally, applicants must not be currently studying and must not have worked within the FirstRand Group before.
To apply for this opportunity, candidates must prepare and submit the required documents.
An updated CV is essential and should clearly outline your qualifications, skills, and any relevant experience. Although prior work experience is not required, highlighting academic projects or achievements can strengthen your application.
A full academic transcript must also be submitted to verify your qualifications and performance. Ensure that all documents are accurate, complete, and up to date.
FirstRand is looking for candidates who demonstrate strong potential and a willingness to learn and grow.
Successful applicants should have analytical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems effectively. A customer-focused mindset is also important, as many roles involve supporting business operations that impact clients.
Good communication skills are essential, as you will need to interact with team members and stakeholders. The ability to work well in a team environment and build positive relationships is highly valued.
Candidates should also be adaptable and open to learning new skills. A proactive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to personal development will set you apart.
This learnership programme offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience within a leading financial institution. It is specifically designed to help graduates bridge the gap between education and employment.
By participating in this programme, you will improve your employability and gain practical skills that are highly sought after in the job market. You will also have the opportunity to build a professional network and learn from experienced professionals.
For many graduates, gaining that first piece of work experience is the hardest step. This programme provides that opportunity and sets the foundation for long-term career success.
After completing the FirstJob Learnership Programme, candidates will be better positioned to pursue entry-level roles in their respective fields.
The experience gained can open doors to careers in finance, data analytics, information technology, human resources, and more. With continued growth and development, individuals can progress into specialised roles or leadership positions.
Many employers value candidates who have completed structured learnership programmes, as it demonstrates practical experience and workplace readiness.
