The Education Labour Relations Council is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for its ELRC Internship Programme 2026. A total of 10 internship positions are available across Internal Audit, Dispute Management Services, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Information and Communication Technology and Collective Bargaining Services.
The programme will run for 24 months at the ELRC Head Office in Centurion. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend determined according to ETDP SETA funding guidelines and ELRC policy. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, hold a relevant National Diploma or Degree and must not have previously participated in a graduate internship funded by a SETA or government department.
ELRC Internships 2026 Opportunities Overview
| Organisation: Education Labour Relations Council
| Programme: ELRC Internship Programme 2026
| Number of opportunities: 10
| Contract duration: 24 months
| Placement: ELRC Head Office, Centurion
| Target group: Unemployed South African graduates
| Age requirement: 18 to 35 years
| Minimum qualification: Relevant National Diploma or Degree
| Previous internship participation: Applicants must not have participated in a SETA or government-funded graduate internship
| Stipend: Paid according to ETDP SETA guidelines and ELRC policy
| Application methods: Email, post or hand delivery
| Best Before: 7 August 2026 at 16:00
About the Education Labour Relations Council
The Education Labour Relations Council is a statutory council established under Section 37 of the Labour Relations Act.
It operates within South Africa’s public education sector and provides services to:
- The Department of Basic Education
- Trade unions
- Educators
- Other education-sector stakeholders
The Council’s main objectives are to:
- Promote and maintain labour peace in education
- Prevent and resolve labour disputes
- Promote collective bargaining on matters of mutual interest
The internship programme supports these functions by giving graduates practical workplace exposure in professional, financial, administrative and technical departments.
ELRC Internship Opportunities 2026
Applicants should select the department that matches their completed qualification.
| Department | Required qualification | Posts |
| Internal Audit | National Diploma or Degree in Internal Auditing, Accounting or Risk Management | 2 |
| Dispute Management Services | National Diploma or Degree in Labour Relations, Labour Law or Human Resources Management | 2 |
| Finance | National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Financial Management or Cost and Management Accounting | 2 |
| Supply Chain Management | National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or Procurement Management | 2 |
| Information and Communication Technology | National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or Cyber Security | 1 |
| Collective Bargaining Services | National Diploma or Degree in Administration or Human Resources Management | 1 |
| Total | 10 | |
Financial Overview
The ELRC states that successful interns will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with:
- ETDP SETA funding guidelines
- ELRC policy
The exact monthly amount was not included in the supplied internship information.
Applicants should not rely on stipend amounts shared by unofficial websites or social media pages.
Before accepting an offer candidates should request written confirmation of:
- Monthly stipend amount
- Payment dates
- Tax deductions where applicable
- Contract start date
- Contract end date
- Working hours
- Leave conditions
- Transport responsibilities
- Any available benefits
- Attendance and performance requirements
Because the programme runs for 24 months applicants should also prepare a practical budget for:
- Daily transport
- Meals
- Mobile data
- Professional clothing
- Accommodation where relocation is required
- Emergency expenses
The internship stipend should be treated as temporary programme support rather than a permanent salary.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Hold the relevant National Diploma or Degree
- Have obtained the qualification from a recognised institution
- Not have previously participated in a graduate internship funded by a SETA or government department
- Have good communication skills
- Have good interpersonal skills
- Be computer literate
- Be willing to work at the ELRC Head Office in Centurion
- Submit all required application documents
- Apply before the closing date
Applicants should only apply for a department that directly matches their academic qualification.
Competencies Required
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Good verbal communication
- Good written communication
- Planning and organisational ability
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work in a team
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Computer literacy
- Willingness to learn
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Reliability
Duties and Responsibilities
The supplied internship notice does not provide a detailed duty list for each department. The following areas describe the likely workplace exposure connected to each advertised stream.
Internal Audit Interns
Interns may assist with:
- Preparing audit working papers
- Collecting audit evidence
- Reviewing internal controls
- Supporting risk assessments
- Checking compliance with policies
- Recording audit findings
- Preparing audit schedules
- Monitoring corrective actions
- Supporting internal audit administration
- Assisting with reports
Dispute Management Services Interns
Interns may gain exposure to:
- Labour dispute administration
- Case registration
- Scheduling hearings
- Preparing dispute files
- Communicating with parties
- Maintaining case records
- Assisting with conciliation and arbitration administration
- Monitoring case progress
- Preparing correspondence
- Supporting dispute-resolution officials
Finance Interns
Finance interns may assist with:
- Financial data capturing
- Payment administration
- Reconciliations
- Budget monitoring
- Preparing financial reports
- Processing invoices
- Maintaining financial records
- Supporting accounts payable and receivable
- Filing supporting documents
- Responding to finance queries
Supply Chain Management Interns
Interns may receive exposure to:
- Procurement administration
- Supplier database management
- Request for quotation processes
- Purchase order preparation
- Contract administration
- Logistics support
- Asset and inventory records
- Bid administration
- Filing procurement documents
- Monitoring supplier performance
ICT Intern
The ICT intern may assist with:
- User support
- Hardware and software troubleshooting
- Network support
- Information system administration
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Password and access support
- ICT asset records
- Database support
- Technical documentation
- Resolving service requests
Collective Bargaining Services Intern
The intern may support:
- Meeting coordination
- Agenda preparation
- Minute taking
- Collective bargaining administration
- Stakeholder communication
- Document management
- Records administration
- Scheduling engagements
- Preparing correspondence
- Supporting HR and labour-relations processes
The final duties will be determined by ELRC operational requirements and the intern’s placement.
Skills Graduates May Gain
Financial and Audit Skills
- Internal control review
- Audit documentation
- Financial administration
- Risk awareness
- Reconciliations
- Budget support
- Financial reporting
- Compliance monitoring
Labour Relations Skills
- Dispute administration
- Case management
- Labour-relations processes
- Hearing coordination
- Stakeholder communication
- Confidential records management
- Collective bargaining support
Supply Chain Skills
- Procurement administration
- Supplier management
- Contract records
- Logistics coordination
- Purchase order support
- Inventory administration
- Bid process support
ICT Skills
- Technical support
- Systems administration
- Hardware troubleshooting
- Software support
- Information security awareness
- ICT asset management
- User account support
General Workplace Skills
- Report writing
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Filing
- Data capturing
- Problem-solving
- Professional conduct
- Planning and organisation
- Stakeholder engagement
Career Opportunities After Completion
Internal Audit and Risk Careers
- Internal Audit Assistant
- Junior Internal Auditor
- Risk Administrator
- Compliance Assistant
- Audit Clerk
- Governance Administrator
Labour Relations and HR Careers
- Labour Relations Officer
- Employee Relations Administrator
- Dispute Resolution Administrator
- Human Resources Officer
- Collective Bargaining Administrator
- Case Management Officer
Finance Careers
- Finance Administrator
- Accounts Clerk
- Financial Management Assistant
- Cost and Management Accounting Assistant
- Creditors Clerk
- Debtors Clerk
- Junior Accountant
Supply Chain Careers
- Supply Chain Administrator
- Procurement Assistant
- Logistics Administrator
- Purchasing Clerk
- Contract Administrator
- Inventory Controller
- Sourcing Assistant
ICT Careers
- ICT Support Technician
- Service Desk Analyst
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Information Systems Assistant
- Cybersecurity Support Assistant
- IT Technician
Permanent employment after the internship is not guaranteed.
Documents Required
Applications must include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Academic record where applicable
Applicants should also clearly indicate the department for which they are applying.
The application should be marked:
- Confidential – Attention: HR Department
Application Tips
Apply for the Correct Department
Your qualification should match the internship stream.
Examples:
- Internal Auditing graduates should apply for Internal Audit
- Labour Relations graduates should apply for Dispute Management Services
- Accounting graduates may apply for Finance or Internal Audit depending on their modules
- Logistics graduates should apply for Supply Chain Management
- IT graduates should apply for ICT
- Administration or HR graduates may consider Collective Bargaining Services
Name the Department Clearly
Include the department in:
- The email subject line
- The first paragraph of the email
- The cover page of the application
- The CV career objective where appropriate
A suitable email subject is:
- Application: ELRC Internship 2026 – Finance Department – Full Name
- Keep Email Attachments Below 5MB
- The ELRC states that the maximum email size is 5MB.
Applicants should:
- Combine documents into one PDF where possible
- Reduce scanned image quality without making documents unreadable
- Avoid sending large photographs
- Remove unnecessary blank pages
- Check the final file size before sending
Use Clear File Names
Suitable file names include:
- Full Name ELRC Internship Application.pdf
- Full Name CV.pdf
- Full Name Qualifications.pdf
- Full Name ID.pdf
Tailor Your CV
Highlight modules and skills relevant to the selected department.
For example:
Finance applicants
- Financial Accounting
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Financial Management
- Excel
- Reconciliations
ICT applicants
- Computer networks
- Information systems
- Cybersecurity
- Databases
- Technical support
Labour Relations applicants
- Labour law
- Employee relations
- Dispute resolution
- Human Resources Management
- Communication
Apply Early
- Submit before the final day to avoid email delays or incomplete delivery.
Where to Apply
- Applicants may submit their applications by email, post or hand delivery.
Email Applications: recruitment.hr@elrc.org.za
- The total email size must not exceed 5MB.
Postal Applications
HR Department
Education Labour Relations Council
Private Bag X126
Centurion
0046
Mark the application:
- Confidential
Hand-Delivered Applications
ELRC Building
261 West Avenue
Centurion
Applications should be addressed to the HR Department and clearly indicate the selected internship department.
Enquiries
Contact:
Mr Nkanyiso Mhlungu Telephone: 012 663 7446
The contact number should be used for genuine programme enquiries.
Best Before: 7 August 2026 at 16:00 Late applications may not be considered.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Employment Equity
- The Education Labour Relations Council is committed to Employment Equity.
- Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- The Council reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ELRC internship positions are available?
- There are 10 positions across six departments.
How long is the internship?
- The programme runs for 24 months.
Where will interns work?
- Successful candidates will work at the ELRC Head Office in Centurion.
Is a stipend offered?
- Yes. The monthly stipend will be paid according to ETDP SETA funding guidelines and ELRC policy.
What is the exact stipend amount?
- The exact amount was not stated in the supplied programme information.
What age group may apply?
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Can employed graduates apply?
- No. The programme is intended for unemployed graduates.
Can someone who previously completed a government internship apply?
- No. Applicants must not have previously participated in a graduate internship funded by a SETA or government department.
Which qualifications are accepted?
- Relevant National Diplomas or Degrees in Internal Auditing, Accounting, Risk Management, Labour Relations, Labour Law, Human Resources Management, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cyber Security or Administration.
Can applications be submitted by email?
- Yes. Applications may be emailed to: recruitment.hr@elrc.org.za
What is the maximum email size?
- The complete email must not exceed 5MB.
Can applications be hand delivered?
- Yes. Applications may be delivered to 261 West Avenue, ELRC Building, Centurion.
What documents are required?
- Applicants need a detailed CV, certified qualifications, certified ID and an academic record where applicable.
Must the department be indicated?
- Yes. Applicants must clearly indicate the department for which they are applying.
Does the internship guarantee permanent employment?
- No. Permanent employment is not guaranteed.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 7 August 2026 at 16:00.
Editorial Policy
Career27 publishes independently written career and internship information based on official employer advertisements and supplied recruitment notices. Our content explains eligibility requirements, financial information, programme structure and application procedures without guaranteeing selection, remuneration or permanent employment.
Where an employer has not published the exact stipend amount or detailed duties we state this clearly instead of presenting estimates as confirmed information. Applicants should verify the programme requirements and application details through the official Education Labour Relations Council communication channels before submitting personal documents. Career27 does not charge applicants to access employment information and is not involved in recruitment, shortlisting or appointment decisions.
Looking for More Government vacancies, Internships, Graduate programmes, Entry-level jobs, Bursaries, Skills development opportunities, Apprenticeships and Learnerships? You can also join our WhatsApp Channel for daily opportunity updates.
Disclaimer: Information was accurate according to the internship notice supplied. Applicants should confirm any updates, programme conditions and submission requirements directly with the ELRC before applying.
