Government Launches Comprehensive 18-Month Cadet Training Programme to Empower Unemployed Graduates

The South African government has unveiled an ambitious initiative to tackle graduate unemployment through a comprehensive 18-Month Cadet Training Programme, led by the National School of Government (NSG). This programme is designed to equip unemployed graduates with critical skills and hands-on experience in the public service sector, providing them with a structured pathway to employment and long-term professional success.

A Strategic Response to Graduate Unemployment

Graduate unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. Despite holding formal qualifications, many young South Africans struggle to secure meaningful employment due to a lack of practical experience and job readiness. In response, the government has expanded its efforts to create sustainable employment pathways for graduates through initiatives such as the Public Service Graduate Internship Programme and, now, the Cadet Training Programme.

The Cadet Programme aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace demands by offering an immersive 18-month training opportunity. Participants will receive practical skills training, exposure to real-world government operations, and a deepened understanding of the principles and ethics underpinning public service.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme specifically targets:

• Graduates who hold post-school qualifications from accredited institutions
• Interns currently working in government departments or statutory bodies
• Young professionals interested in a career within the public service

Programme Structure and Curriculum

The Cadet Training Programme features a well-rounded curriculum that has been carefully designed to meet the dynamic needs of public sector operations. It includes both theoretical and experiential learning modules aimed at building professional competence, confidence, and leadership potential.

Key Modules Include:

1. The Constitution and the Administration of the Public Sector
   Participants learn about the legislative and constitutional frameworks that guide the operations of government departments and institutions.
2. Ethics in the Public Service
   This module emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making in delivering public value.
3. Writing for Government
   A practical module focused on effective professional communication, report writing, and drafting official correspondence.
4. Personal Mastery
   This highly acclaimed module equips participants with transferable skills needed in any career path, including:
   • Emotional intelligence and self-management
   • Critical thinking and decision-making
   • Career planning and job search strategies
   • Social entrepreneurship and community impact initiatives

Building a New Generation of Public Sector Leaders

Beyond technical training, the programme aims to instill core values and leadership attributes in its participants. The NSG envisions developing a cohort of forward-thinking, results-driven public servants who embody the following qualities:

• Innovative in applying knowledge to solve real-world challenges
• Inspirational in leading by example and uplifting peers
• Exemplary in performance and ethical standards
• Resourceful in navigating complex environments
• Impact-driven in seeking measurable outcomes in service delivery
• Collaborative in engaging with diverse stakeholders
• Accountable in taking ownership of responsibilities

This initiative is part of a broader effort to transform the public service into a vibrant and inclusive workplace that reflects the aspirations of a democratic South Africa. By investing in human capital development, the NSG aims to contribute to economic growth, youth empowerment, and improved service delivery.

Application and Contact Details

Government departments or statutory bodies interested in nominating eligible graduates or interns for participation in the Cadet Training Programme are encouraged to contact the National School of Government for more information.

Contact the NSG:

• Call Centre: 0861 008 326
• Email: contactcentre@thensg.gov.za
• Website: www.thensg.gov.za

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative programme that invests in your future and the future of the country. Apply now and take the next step toward a fulfilling career in the public service.

Offered by:
National School of Government
Category: Internships & Graduate Programmes 2025