The national government has launched an 18-Month Cadet Training Programme to tackle the problem of graduate unemployment. We have the details so you can apply now.
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The National School of Government (NSG) has officially launched an 18-month Cadet Training Programme, aimed at addressing the growing issue of graduate unemployment in South Africa. This initiative is specifically targeted at graduates with post-school qualifications and interns currently working in government departments or statutory bodies.
Combating Graduate Unemployment Through Skills Development
South Africa faces a persistent challenge with rising graduate unemployment, even among those holding tertiary qualifications. As one of the largest employers in the country, the public service has responded by creating structured development opportunities through initiatives like the Public Service Graduate Internship Programme and the newly expanded Cadet Programme.
This 18-month training programme is designed to provide unemployed graduates with practical workplace skills, while also fostering a deep understanding of how the public sector functions. The curriculum focuses on core areas such as public administration, professional communication, ethics, and job-readiness.
What the Cadet Programme Covers
The Cadet Programme consists of four key modules, each playing a vital role in preparing graduates for careers in the public service or beyond:
- The Constitution and the Administration of the Public Sector
- Ethics in the Public Service
- Writing for Government
- Personal Mastery
The Personal Mastery module is especially popular among participants, as it provides real-world employability skills applicable in both public and private sectors. Topics include:
- Self-management and emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Job search strategies
- Social entrepreneurship and job creation
Developing Future-Focused Public Servants
The long-term vision of the Cadet Programme is to develop a new generation of public servants—young professionals who are:
- Innovative – translating policy into impactful action
- Inspirational – motivating themselves and others
- Exemplary – upholding high standards of performance
- Resourceful – finding solutions in challenging situations
- Impact-driven – focused on delivering measurable results
- Collaborative – committed to teamwork and stakeholder engagement
- Accountable – taking responsibility for service outcomes
This programme is more than a training course—it is a youth development and capacity-building initiative that supports South Africa’s broader goals of public sector transformation and inclusive economic growth.
HOW TO APPLY
Officials from government departments or statutory bodies interested in enrolling candidates can contact the National School of Government:
Call Centre: 0861 008 326
Email: contactcentre@thensg.gov.za
Website: www.thensg.gov.za
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