FNB FirstJob Learnership Programme 2026
The FNB FirstJob Programme is a flagship youth employment initiative designed to give unemployed graduates their first break in the financial services industry. For the 2026 intake, FNB is looking for motivated individuals to join various divisions within the bank (and the broader FirstRand Group) to gain 12 months of invaluable corporate experience.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Employer | First National Bank (FNB) / FirstRand |
| Programme | FirstJob Internship / Learnership |
| Location | Nationwide (Major hubs: Joburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban) |
| Closing Date | Various (Rolling recruitment throughout early 2026) |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Stipend | Competitive monthly stipend provided |
2. Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the 2026 FirstJob programme, you must meet these criteria:
Education: A completed Degree or National Diploma (NQF Level 6 or higher).
Preferred Fields: Commerce, Science, Engineering, Technology, Law, or Social Sciences.
Status: Must be currently unemployed.
Age: Must be between 18 and 34 years old.
Experience: You must have no previous corporate work experience in your field of study.
Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
Clearance: Must have a clean criminal record and a clear credit history (due to banking regulations).
3. Available Streams
FNB places FirstJobbers across several functional areas:
Retail & Private Banking: Customer service, sales support, and branch operations.
FNB Points of Presence: Working within the physical banking environment and digital zones.
Operations & Admin: Business process support and back-office administration.
Specialized Streams: (For specific degree holders) Data Analytics, IT/Software Development, and Risk Management.
4. How to Apply
FNB utilizes a centralized digital recruitment platform. Physical CV drop-offs at branches are not allowed.
Online Portal: Apply via the
FirstRand Jobs / FNB Careers Page .SAYouth.mobi: FNB heavily utilizes the SAYouth.mobi platform to source candidates. Ensure your profile there is 100% complete.
Required Documents:
A professional CV.
A copy of your ID.
A copy of your Academic Transcripts and Certificate/Letter of Completion.
The "Application Journey": If shortlisted, you will likely face an automated video interview (using a tool like HireVue) and a gamified assessment to test your logic and personality fit.
5. Important Advice for 2026
The "Clear Credit" Rule: Since FNB is a financial institution, they are very strict about credit. Even as a graduate, ensure you don't have unpaid retail accounts or judgments against your name.
The FirstJob Mindset: This isn't just a "job"—it's a 12-month interview. FNB aims to absorb high-performing FirstJobbers into permanent roles at the end of the year.
Digital Fluency: FNB calls itself a "Help" company driven by technology. Highlight your comfort with digital tools and your ability to learn new software quickly.
Stay Active on SAYouth: Keep your location settings updated on the SAYouth portal, as the system often matches candidates to the branches closest to their homes.
6. Why Join FNB?
Workplace Readiness: You will receive formal training in "Soft Skills" (professionalism, communication, time management) alongside your technical training.
Brand Prestige: Having "FNB" on your CV opens doors across the entire South African corporate landscape.
Mentorship: You will be paired with a "Buddy" or Mentor to help you navigate the complex world of banking.
Tip: As someone with an engineering background, you should look specifically for Operations or Commercial streams within FNB. They value the systematic, logical approach that engineering students bring to solving business problems!
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