First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 – South Africa

First National Bank (FNB) offers 12-month learnership programmes (often under the FirstJob or Skills Learning banners) designed to give unemployed South African youth practical work experience, a registered qualification, and a pathway into the banking and financial services sector.


📌 What Are FNB Learnerships?

FNB Learnerships are structured workplace development programmes where learners combine on-the-job training with learning towards a formal, nationally recognised qualification. These are typically aligned with financial services, customer service, administration, and business processes.

These opportunities are ideal for:

✔ Recent matriculants (Grade 12)
✔ Unemployed youth looking to enter the workforce
✔ Candidates seeking both practical experience and academic credit
✔ Individuals aiming to grow a career in banking and financial services


🗓️ Learnership Details & Timeline

  • Programme Duration: Typically 12 months full-time

  • Application Platform: FNB/FirstRand careers portal via SAYouth.mobi or Workday 

  • Locations: Across South Africa (often based in major centres like Johannesburg)


🧠 Key Requirements

To qualify for the FNB Learnerships, you generally must:

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a South African citizen

  • Be unemployed at the time of application

  • Have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or higher

  • Be between approx. 18 and 35 years old (varies slightly by listing)

  • Have no or minimal work experience (often less than 12 months)

  • Not be currently studying full-time

  • Be willing to commit to the full learnership

  • Be computer literate with good communication skills

  • Have a good command of English

  • No criminal record or blacklisting

👉 Some programmes also list additional competencies like teamwork, initiative, and customer service drive.


📌 What You’ll Gain

🎓 Formal Qualification

Learners work toward a registered qualification while gaining practical experience in a professional environment.

💼 Work Experience

You’ll gain real-world exposure in areas such as:

  • Customer service

  • Financial operations

  • Administration and office processes

  • Sales support

  • Banking systems and procedures

📈 Career Entry Opportunity

Completing the learnership enhances employability and can lead to future opportunities within FNB, FirstRand Group companies, or other financial institutions.

🤝 Mentorship & Skills Development

Participants benefit from structured workplace mentoring and professional growth opportunities alongside peers and experienced staff.


📍 How to Apply

Step-by-Step

  1. Create an account on SAYouth.mobi or FNB’s careers portal (FirstRand Workday portal).

  2. Search for “FNB Learnership”, “FirstJob Learner” or “FNB Skills Learning Programme 2026”.

  3. Complete the online application with accurate personal details, qualifications, and a CV.

  4. Upload supporting documents such as ID, Matric certificate, and CV.

  5. Submit before the deadline — typically 14 November 2025 for the 2026 intake.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are FNB Learnerships paid?
A: Yes — learners usually receive a monthly stipend to assist with living and transport costs during the programme.

Q: Do I need work experience to apply?
A: No. These learnerships target unemployed learners with little or no prior work experience.

Q: Can I still study while on the learnership?
A: Typically no — you must be unemployed and not enrolled in full-time study during the learnership.

Q: Where are the programmes based?
A: Nationwide across South Africa — emerging learners often join branches or head office teams.

Q: Do I need a tertiary qualification?
A: A Matric certificate is often required, while higher certificates and diplomas (NQF 5 or 6) may strengthen your application.


📌 Why It’s Worth Applying

FNB Learnerships offer a career launchpad into the financial services sector by combining qualifications with experience, mentorship, and exposure to real business processes — all while earning a stipend and developing professional skills. They’re ideal for young South Africans ready to bridge the gap between education and employment.

SHARE WITH FRIENDS TO HELP