Robben Island Museum & CATHSSETA Graduate Internship Programme For 2026/2027. The Robben Island Museum & CATHSSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 has been officially announced, offering young graduates a golden opportunity to step into the professional world. This initiative is a joint effort between the Robben Island Museum (RIM) and the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).
South Africa continues to face a pressing challenge graduate unemployment. Thousands of qualified graduates struggle to secure meaningful employment despite holding diplomas or degrees. The RIM–CATHSSETA Graduate Internship Programme seeks to address this gap by equipping young professionals with workplace experience, mentorship, and industry-specific skills.
Through this initiative, Robben Island Museum plays a dual role: preserving national heritage while also empowering youth with practical career opportunities.
Why the Graduate Internship Programme Matters
The Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 is not just another placement scheme. It is a carefully structured training programme that combines academic learning with workplace practice. Graduates often leave university with theoretical knowledge but little real-world exposure. This programme bridges that gap.
- Youth Empowerment: Provides professional exposure to unemployed graduates.
- Skills Development: Builds both technical and soft skills relevant to the job market.
- Heritage Contribution: Encourages participants to engage with South Africa’s cultural and historical legacy.
- Employment Pathway: Serves as a stepping stone into permanent jobs across multiple industries.
Programme Overview
Successful candidates in the Robben Island Museum & CATHSSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026 will sign a 12-month internship contract. They will be placed in departments relevant to their field of study, allowing them to apply their classroom learning in a professional setting.
Interns will gain exposure in two main fields: Information Technology (IT) and Business Management. Each field offers multiple posts, skill development opportunities, and industry-relevant experience.
Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Internship Field | Number of Posts | Qualification Required | Key Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology (Networking, NQF 6) | 2 | Diploma in IT: Networking (NQF 6) | Networking, IT support, system security, digital infrastructure |
| Business Management (NQF 6) | 3 | Advanced Certificate in Business Management (NQF 6) | Project planning, administration, finance, leadership support |
Internship Opportunities in Detail
1. Information Technology (Networking – NQF 6)
For IT graduates, the internship provides a chance to work within the museum’s digital and technical departments.
- Placement Role: Supporting the IT division with networking, troubleshooting, system maintenance, and improving digital infrastructure.
- Skills Gained:
- Practical networking administration
- IT support and customer assistance
- System security awareness
- Exposure to heritage-related digital systems
This is a great fit for graduates aiming to grow in IT infrastructure, system support, or network engineering.
2. Business Management (NQF 6)
For graduates in Business Management, the internship opens doors to administrative and operational roles.
- Placement Role: Interns will assist in business support functions, including project coordination, finance, operations, and reporting.
- Skills Gained:
- Organisational and project management
- Exposure to finance and budgeting
- Leadership and administrative support
- Real-world application of business strategies in the heritage sector
This role is ideal for graduates aspiring to become project managers, administrators, or business analysts.
Benefits of the Internship Programme
The Robben Island Museum & CATHSSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 offers more than just work experience. It is designed to develop well-rounded professionals who can thrive in any environment.
Key Benefits for Interns
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Workplace Readiness | Interns learn how professional environments function, building confidence and adaptability. |
| Professional Growth | Mentorship from experienced staff helps interns refine their career paths. |
| Networking | Opportunity to connect with leaders in the fields of arts, culture, heritage, and tourism. |
| Heritage Contribution | Interns play an active role in preserving South Africa’s history while building their careers. |
| Practical Training | Direct application of academic knowledge into industry-relevant tasks. |
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Hold a relevant qualification from an accredited university or university of technology.
- Have no prior formal employment experience related to the internship field.
- Must not be enrolled in any other internship or learnership programme.
- Be willing to commit to a full-time, 12-month internship contract.
Application Process
Interested candidates should carefully prepare their applications to stand out.
Required Documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- A valid South African ID
How to Apply:
Applications must be emailed to: [email protected]
Note: Only emailed applications will be considered. Hand-delivered or posted applications will not be accepted.
Important Dates
- Closing Date: 08 September 2025
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Programme Year: 2025/2026
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
Avoiding Recruitment Fraud
It is important to note that Robben Island Museum (RIM) and CATHSSETA do not charge applicants for internship placements. Similarly, Edupstairs, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO No: 232-182, PBO: 930066984), warns against fake job postings. Applicants should never pay money or share CVs with unauthorised individuals.
Why Choose the Robben Island Museum Internship?
Unlike many internships that offer little more than clerical work, this programme ensures structured training and real workplace integration. Graduates gain not only technical knowledge but also soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Moreover, working within Robben Island Museum gives interns a unique opportunity to contribute to one of South Africa’s most iconic heritage sites an institution globally recognised for its role in the struggle for freedom.
Conclusion
The Robben Island Museum & CATHSSETA Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 is a rare and valuable opportunity for South African graduates. By combining academic learning with workplace experience, it empowers youth, addresses graduate unemployment, and builds a skilled workforce for the future.
