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Applications are open for the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training Academy Learning Programme 2026. Earn a stipend of R7,860.50 per month while gaining hands-on experience in compliance, safety, and workplace health across South Africa. Apply via sayouth.mobi before 21 November 2025.
Introduction: South Africa’s OHS Training Academy Opens 2026 Applications
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training Academy Learning Programme 2026 has officially opened applications for thousands of young South Africans looking to start a career in safety, engineering, and compliance. With 3,850 positions available across all nine provinces, this national training initiative offers graduates the chance to earn while they learn — all while contributing to a safer, healthier workplace environment across industries.
Participants in this programme will receive a monthly stipend of R7,860.50, making it one of the most accessible and practical skills development opportunities in 2026 for youth passionate about workplace safety, compliance, and environmental management.
Programme Overview: What Is the OHS Learning Programme?
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training Academy Learning Programme 2026 is a structured workplace training initiative designed to develop future OHS inspectors and safety professionals. Trainees will work alongside experienced inspectors to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and related regulations.
This is not just a short-term training — it’s a pathway into professional safety management and inspection careers. Participants will gain essential technical and administrative experience, positioning themselves for future employment in both the public and private sectors.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training Academy Learning Programme 2026 |
| Number of Posts | 3,850 |
| Stipend | R7,860.50 per month |
| Closing Date | 21 November 2025 (16:00 for walk-in; midnight for online) |
| Application Link | https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN |
| How to Apply | Search for “Project 20K” on the SA Youth portal |
| Enquiries | SA Youth Contact Centre: 0800 727 272 |
Provincial Breakdown of OHS Posts
The OHS 2026 Learning Programme offers placements across all provinces. Here’s how the positions are distributed:
| Province | Office Location | Ref. No. | Posts Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | East London | OHS/P20K/EC | 681 |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | OHS/P20K/FS | 153 |
| Gauteng | Braamfontein | OHS/P20K/GP | 398 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban | OHS/P20K/KZN | 963 |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | OHS/P20K/LP | 108 |
| Mpumalanga | Witbank | OHS/P20K/MP | 254 |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley | OHS/P20K/NC | 102 |
| North West | Mmabatho | OHS/P20K/NW | 214 |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | OHS/P20K/WC | 526 |
These placements ensure that applicants from all regions have access to training opportunities close to home.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the OHS Training Academy Learning Programme 2026, applicants must hold a three-year tertiary qualification at either NQF Level 6 (National Diploma) or NQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree) in one of the following disciplines:
- Environmental Health or Environmental Science
- Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Construction Engineering
- Mechatronics or Industrial Engineering
- Occupational Health, Hygiene, or Analytical Chemistry
- Explosives Management or Explosives Engineering
- Chemistry or Mining Engineering
Candidates must also demonstrate:
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- A strong interest in occupational health and safety.
- Willingness to learn, travel, and assist in inspections.
- The ability to work well within a professional and regulatory environment.
What Does the Programme Involve?
Selected candidates will undergo intensive on-the-job training under the supervision of qualified OHS Inspectors. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting workplace inspections to ensure compliance with OHS legislation and standards.
- Providing administrative and technical support to inspectors during enforcement activities.
- Investigating workplace incidents and complaints reported under the OHS Act.
- Assisting in compiling and consolidating reports based on inspection outcomes.
- Learning to interpret and apply OHS regulations and safety management systems.
The programme provides a mix of field experience, regulatory learning, and professional development, preparing trainees for future roles as OHS officers, safety auditors, or environmental compliance specialists.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through the official SA Youth Mobi platform. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN.
- Log in or register for a free SA Youth profile.
- In the search bar, type “Project 20K.”
- Select the OHS Training Academy Learning Programme for your province.
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
Important:
- Walk-in submissions close at 16:00 on 21 November 2025.
- Online submissions close at 00:00 midnight on the same date.
- Only applications submitted through the official SA Youth portal will be considered.
Why This Programme Matters
Workplace safety remains one of South Africa’s key development priorities. With thousands of incidents reported annually, the need for well-trained occupational health and safety professionals has never been greater.
The OHS Training Academy Learning Programme directly supports the Department of Employment and Labour’s mandate to promote safe, compliant, and productive workplaces. It also aligns with the country’s broader goals of reducing unemployment and building a skilled, safety-conscious workforce.
By joining this programme, young graduates not only gain practical experience but also contribute to saving lives and improving working conditions across industries.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Who can apply?
Any South African youth with a relevant NQF 6 or 7 tertiary qualification in the specified fields.
2. Do I need prior experience?
No prior work experience is required — this is a learning programme designed to build entry-level skills.
3. Will I receive a salary?
Participants receive a monthly stipend of R7,860.50 to support them during training.
4. Is accommodation provided?
No, participants are responsible for their own accommodation and transport arrangements.
5. Can I apply for multiple provinces?
Applicants should apply for the province where they reside or plan to train, as relocation is not guaranteed.
Expert Opinion: Building the Next Generation of OHS Professionals
South Africa’s ongoing industrial growth means that occupational health and safety expertise is increasingly in demand. Programmes like this are crucial for ensuring that new professionals are not only qualified on paper but also practically trained in the field.
The OHS Training Academy’s approach combines real-world enforcement exposure with structured mentorship, ensuring that graduates emerge with the confidence and competence needed to maintain safe workplaces nationwide.
Closing Date and Final Reminders
- Applications close: 21 November 2025
- Walk-in: 16:00
- Online: 00:00 midnight
- Apply online at: https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN
- Search for: Project 20K
- Enquiries: SA Youth Contact Centre – 0800 727 272
Final Thoughts
The OHS Training Academy Learning Programme 2026 is a golden opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on training, develop regulatory skills, and contribute to safer work environments across South Africa.
With nearly 4,000 positions available, this initiative is one of the largest government-supported training programmes of its kind — offering not only financial support but also a pathway to meaningful, long-term employment.
If you have a qualification in engineering, science, or environmental studies and want to make a real difference, this programme is your chance.
Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Occupational Health and Safety
