Read This First
“Leadership Training” is most likely the FNB FirstJob Learnership. FNB doesn’t advertise a programme with that name. The one people usually mean is the paid 12-month FirstJob Learnership, which is often mistyped as “Leaderships”. This guide covers that programme.
The 2026 intake has closed. The FirstJob Learner listing (requisition ID R49561, Johannesburg) closed on 22 May 2026. One site gave a later date of 5 June 2026, but both dates have passed. An earlier route through SA Youth closed on 22 March 2026. So the opportunity is not open right now, but the programme recurs, and this guide helps you be fully ready for the next listing.
Direct Links to Apply
Applications go through the official FirstRand careers system:
- Official job portal: firstrand.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com (search “FirstJob Learner”)
- FNB careers page: fnb.co.za/about-fnb/careers
Applications outside the official portal (WhatsApp, social media, email) are typically scams. Bookmark both links and apply only through them.
Table of Contents
- What the programme is
- Quick facts
- Learnership vs internship vs graduate programme
- What you’ll do day to day
- Benefits
- Eligibility in detail
- When the next intake may open
- Documents to prepare
- Step-by-step application guide
- How to write a strong CV
- How to answer motivation questions
- Assessments and interviews
- What the 12 months look like
- What happens after the programme
- Managing your stipend
- Scam warning
- Other FNB opportunities
- FAQs
- Final checklist
1. What Is the FNB FirstJob Learnership?
The FirstJob Learnership is a 12-month fixed-term programme run by FNB, a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. It’s designed for young South Africans who are unemployed and have little or no work experience.
The learner role is a development role in which you complete a formal, registered qualification while gaining work experience.
It tackles a problem many young job seekers know well: employers ask for experience, but nobody gives you the first chance to get it. The programme targets young people entering the workplace for the first time.
It combines two things:
- Structured learning toward a registered qualification
- Real workplace responsibilities inside a bank
The programme also promotes the FirstRand Group’s culture of learning, development and working together to achieve common goals.
2. Quick Facts
| Detail | What sources report |
|---|---|
| Programme name | FirstJob Learner |
| Employer | FirstRand Bank Limited (FNB) |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Stipend | About R5,933 per month (advertised) |
| Qualification level | NQF Level 4 (per one source) |
| Location | Johannesburg (one source says national) |
| 2026 reference ID | R49561 |
| 2025 reference ID | R42675 (closed 14 November 2025) |
| Application method | Online only |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Third-party sites supplied the stipend and NQF level, and one of them advises you to confirm the current rate with FNB. Check the official advert for exact figures.
3. Learnership vs Internship vs Graduate Programme
People often mix these up, so here is the difference:
- Learnership: You work and study toward a registered qualification at the same time. You usually sign a learnership agreement. This is what the FirstJob programme is.
- Internship: Work experience, usually for graduates, without necessarily earning a new qualification.
- Graduate programme: For people who already hold a degree or diploma. It often rotates you through business areas to build leadership and specialist skills.
If you have a matric certificate but no degree, the learnership is the right track.
4. What You’ll Do Day to Day
Learners are exposed to administration, research, analysis, customer service, process work and personal development.
Based on the listing, your responsibilities may include:
- Delivering tasks that support set business objectives
- Doing research and analysis for your team
- Handling administration and process work
- Supporting projects that add value to the business area
- Identifying and escalating risks that could lead to higher costs
- Showing cost consciousness and understanding your own contribution to costs
- Growing your understanding of financial processes and following operating standards
- Meeting every requirement of your qualification
- Completing additional work-related training
The programme places strong emphasis on professional communication and customer experience. Expect to be judged on how you communicate, how reliable you are, and how well you work in a team.
5. Benefits of the Programme
- A registered qualification earned while you work
- Genuine banking experience at a major South African bank
- A monthly stipend while you learn
- Training and on-the-job guidance from experienced colleagues
- A much stronger CV, since you can answer the “experience” question
- Professional habits: time management, teamwork, workplace communication
- A foothold in the financial sector, where internal vacancies and networking can open doors
6. Eligibility in Detail
Always confirm against the current official advert, because listings differ slightly. These are the criteria commonly reported:
Education
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Basic computer literacy
- Good command of English
Citizenship and age
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Age limit reported as 18–34 by one source and 18–35 by another, so check the current advert
Employment status
- Unemployed
- One source states less than 12 months of prior work experience
Programme history
- Applicants who have previously participated in the FirstJob Programme at any FirstRand franchise, or who have worked for FirstRand, are excluded.
Other
- One source lists “no criminal record” as a requirement
Disclosure matters
You must disclose your complete work history so the recruiter can assess it against the first-job conditions. Don’t hide short jobs, piece work or temporary contracts. If your history doesn’t match what you declared, you risk being disqualified.
Equity and disability
FirstRand states that appointments are made in line with the group’s Employment Equity plan. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
You might not qualify if
- You’ve already done the FirstJob programme before
- You’ve worked at FirstRand before
- You’re outside the age range
- You don’t hold a matric certificate
- You’re not a South African citizen
- Your previous work experience exceeds the advertised limit
7. When Will the Next Intake Open?
FNB hasn’t published a date. The pattern so far shows that listings can appear at different times of year:
- 2025: a listing closed on 14 November 2025
- 2026: an SA Youth route closed in March, and the main portal listing closed in May
One site describes the programme as a recurring annual intake and advises watching the official FirstRand careers portal for the next opening. Some windows are also short. One earlier listing was posted on 4 September 2025 with a deadline of 12 September 2025.
What this means for you: don’t wait until the advert appears to get organised. Check the portal weekly, and have everything ready to submit within a day or two.
8. Documents to Prepare Before You Apply
Scan these clearly and save them as PDFs:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Matric certificate or statement of results
- Updated CV
- Details of any previous work (employer names, dates, roles)
- Any certificates (computer skills, short courses, volunteering)
- A reliable email address and cellphone number
Tips:
- Name files clearly, for example
Firstname_Surname_ID.pdf - Keep each file small enough to upload easily
- Store everything in one folder on your phone and in your email drafts so you can apply quickly, even on mobile data
9. Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Open the official portal. Go to firstrand.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com and search for “FirstJob Learner”.
Step 2: Create a profile. Register with a professional email address and a strong password you’ll remember.
Step 3: Read the advert fully. Check the closing date, location, requirements and reference ID.
Step 4: Confirm you qualify. Go through each requirement honestly.
Step 5: Fill in the form carefully. Enter personal details, education and work history exactly as they appear on your documents.
Step 6: Upload your documents. Make sure each file opens correctly.
Step 7: Review everything. Check spelling, ID number, phone number and dates.
Step 8: Submit before the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, since positions may be filled as suitable candidates are identified.
Step 9: Save proof. Keep the confirmation email and the reference ID.
Step 10: Monitor your inbox and spam folder. Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted.
10. How to Write a Strong CV
You don’t need a long work history. You need a clear, honest, well-organised CV.
Suggested structure
- Personal details: name, phone number, email, town or city
- Short profile (2–3 lines): who you are and what you’re aiming for
- Education: matric year, school and subjects with results
- Skills: computer skills (Word, Excel, email), languages, communication, teamwork
- Experience: part-time jobs, volunteering, school leadership, community or church activities
- References: two people who can speak about your character, with their permission
Sample profile statement
“Motivated matric graduate with strong communication skills and basic computer literacy, seeking a learnership in banking to build practical experience and work toward a registered qualification.”
CV mistakes to avoid
- Spelling errors
- A casual email address
- Long paragraphs with no structure
- Claiming skills you can’t demonstrate
- Leaving unexplained gaps
Your CV should clearly highlight your education, skills and motivation for joining the programme.
11. How to Answer Motivation Questions
Online forms or interviews may ask why you want the programme. A simple structure works well:
- Situation: Where you are now (matric, unemployed, looking for experience)
- Interest: Why banking and finance appeal to you
- Contribution: What you bring (reliability, willingness to learn, good communication)
- Goal: What you want from the 12 months
Example answer
“I completed matric and want to build a career in banking. The FirstJob Learnership would give me real workplace experience and a qualification at the same time. I’m reliable, I communicate well with people, and I’m eager to learn. I want to use the programme to develop professional skills and contribute to my team.”
Write it in your own words. Recruiters can tell when answers are copied.
12. Assessments and Interviews
FNB hasn’t published a full list of selection stages in the sources I found, so treat the following as general preparation, not confirmed steps. For learnerships, you may be asked to do some or all of these:
- Online screening or assessments: basic English and numeracy, or situational questions
- An interview: by phone, video or in person
How to prepare
- Practise basic maths: percentages, fractions, simple calculations
- Read short passages and summarise them to build comprehension
- Practise typing and basic Excel if you can access a computer or library
- Research FNB: what it does, its products, and its place in the FirstRand Group
Common interview questions to practise
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you want to work in banking?
- Why should we choose you?
- Describe a time you worked in a team.
- Describe a time you solved a problem.
- How do you handle pressure or deadlines?
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
On the day
- Dress neatly and professionally
- Arrive early, or log in early for online interviews
- Carry copies of your ID, matric certificate and CV
- Speak clearly, listen carefully, and be honest
- Ask one or two thoughtful questions at the end
13. What the 12 Months Look Like
Details depend on your placement, but a typical learnership journey might look like this:
Early on: You sign your learnership agreement, get inducted, and learn systems, policies and workplace standards.
Middle months: You carry out daily tasks while working through your qualification requirements. This is where you build competence and confidence.
Final months: You finish your qualification requirements, take on more responsibility, and start planning your next step.
How to succeed during the programme
- Be on time, every day
- Ask questions and take notes
- Treat every task as important, even simple admin
- Take feedback well and act on it
- Keep your qualification work up to date
- Build good relationships with colleagues and managers
- Keep a record of what you achieve for your future CV
Placement afterwards typically depends on performance ratings, business need and available vacancies. Your performance during the 12 months matters.
14. What Happens After the Programme?
A permanent job is not guaranteed. But you’ll leave with:
- A registered qualification
- Twelve months of banking experience
- References from managers and colleagues
- Professional skills employers value
Your options afterwards
- Apply for permanent positions at FNB or FirstRand if vacancies exist
- Apply for entry-level banking, call centre, admin or support roles elsewhere
- Study further part-time while working
- Use your experience to apply for bursaries or further programmes
Start planning around month nine, not after the programme ends.
15. Managing Your Stipend
Advertised pay is R5,933 per month during the 12-month fixed-term programme. This is a stipend, so budget carefully:
- List fixed costs first: transport, data, food, family contributions
- Set aside a small amount each month for professional clothing and emergencies
- Avoid taking on debt in your first months
- Open and use a bank account that suits low monthly fees
Even saving a small amount monthly builds a cushion for after the programme.
16. Scam Warning
Fake learnership adverts target hopeful applicants. Protect yourself:
- FNB never charges application, deposit or “registration” fees for learnerships. Anyone asking for money to “secure your spot” is running a scam.
- Apply only through the official portal
- Never pay for “guaranteed” placement
- Never share your PIN, OTP or banking passwords
- Be careful with WhatsApp groups and social media messages offering “inside access”
- Treat emails from free addresses claiming to represent FNB with suspicion
- If something feels wrong, stop and check the official FNB website
17. Other FNB Opportunities
If you don’t qualify for the learnership, or want to look further ahead, FNB lists other routes. These include the FNB Graduate Programme, the Engineering and Technology Graduate Programme, and the Quant and Analytics Graduate Programme. They’re aimed at students and graduates in relevant fields.
You can also look at learnerships at other banks and companies, and at SETA-funded programmes in your area.
18. Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Leadership Training” the same as the FirstJob Learnership?
FNB doesn’t advertise a programme by that name. People searching for it usually mean the FirstJob Learnership.
Is the 2026 programme still open?
No. Listings closed in March and May 2026, with one site giving 5 June. Watch the portal for the next intake.
Can I apply with only matric?
Yes. Matric is the standard minimum.
Do I need experience?
No. The programme is for first-time workers. Check the current advert for the maximum prior experience allowed.
Is it a permanent job?
No. It’s a 12-month fixed-term programme.
How much is the stipend?
Advertised at about R5,933 per month. Confirm in the official advert.
Where is it based?
The 2026 listing was in Johannesburg.
Can I apply more than once?
Past participation in the programme is a listed disqualifier, so you should generally expect one chance.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Never pay anyone.
Will I hear back if I’m unsuccessful?
Typically only shortlisted candidates are contacted, so a long silence often means you weren’t shortlisted.
Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
19. Final Checklist Before You Apply
- I confirmed the programme is the FirstJob Learnership
- I checked the current closing date
- I meet the age, citizenship, matric and experience requirements
- I have never taken part in FirstJob or worked for FirstRand
- My ID and matric certificate are scanned
- My CV is updated and proofread
- My email address is professional and active
- I’ve written down my full work history accurately
- I’m applying only through the official portal
- I will not pay anyone
- I saved my confirmation email
Conclusion
The FNB FirstJob Learnership gives young South Africans a real route into banking: a qualification, a stipend, and the work experience employers ask for. The 2026 intake has closed, but the programme has run repeatedly, so the smartest move is to prepare now. Create your profile on firstrand.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com, organise your documents, polish your CV, and check the portal regularly.
Details such as dates, stipend, age limits and requirements can change between intakes, so always confirm them in the official advert before you apply.
I can also put this article into a Word document or PDF, or write a ready-to-use CV template and interview answers for you.
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