The National Museum in Bloemfontein is inviting applications from interested and suitably qualified unemployed youth for its Work-Based Experience (WBE) Programme. This opportunity is aimed at providing practical workplace experience to young people who are currently unemployed and out of school. Successful candidates will be appointed as General Assistants on an 18-month fixed-term contract and will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the programme.

The programme forms part of the National Museum’s commitment to youth development and skills enhancement by creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable workplace exposure in a professional environment. Candidates selected for the programme will receive hands-on training while performing a variety of duties within the museum environment.

About the National Museum

The National Museum, based in Bloemfontein, is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture. The institution is dedicated to preserving, researching, and showcasing South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage. Through various educational programmes, exhibitions, and research initiatives, the museum plays an important role in promoting knowledge, history, science, and culture.

The Work-Based Experience Programme is designed to support unemployed youth by providing practical work experience that can improve future employment prospects. The programme allows participants to develop workplace skills, gain exposure to museum operations, and build professional experience that can strengthen their careers.

Position Details

• Position: General Assistant
• Programme Type: Work-Based Experience (WBE)
• Contract Duration: 18 Months Fixed-Term Contract
• Location: Bloemfontein/Mangaung, Free State
• Salary: Monthly stipend will be paid

Purpose of the Programme

The purpose of the Work-Based Experience Programme is to provide unemployed and out-of-school youth between the ages of 18 and 35 with meaningful work experience in an entry-level position. The programme aims to assist young people in developing practical skills and workplace competencies while gaining exposure to professional working environments.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to participate in daily museum operations and contribute to various activities while receiving training and mentorship throughout the contract period.

Applicants who meet the requirements but are not selected may be retained on the National Museum employment database for a period of 36 months for consideration in future opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in the General Assistant position must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 10 or N3 qualification.
• Must be unemployed.
• Must be an out-of-school youth.
• Must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Must reside within Bloemfontein, Mangaung, or surrounding areas.
• Must be available for the full 18-month contract period.
• Must be willing to work in a museum environment.
• Must be willing to participate in training and development activities.

Advantageous Qualification

The following qualification will be considered an added advantage:

• Consumer Studies as a school subject.

Employment Equity

Applications from persons with disabilities are encouraged. Suitable candidates with disabilities who can perform the required duties and key performance areas are welcome to apply.

The National Museum supports Employment Equity principles and aims to attract and retain talented individuals from designated groups in order to achieve transformation objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidates will be employed for training purposes and practical work experience in an entry-level General Assistant role. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Visitor and Event Support

• Assisting with refreshments for visitors and guests.
• Supporting catering arrangements during museum events and functions.
• Preparing and arranging food, crockery, and cutlery in a hygienic manner.
• Assisting during educational programmes, exhibitions, and public events.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Cleaning museum facilities and designated work areas.
• Maintaining cleanliness in offices, kitchens, storage areas, and bathrooms.
• Performing sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and dusting duties.
• Ensuring all assigned areas meet cleanliness and hygiene standards.

Museum Collection Support

• Assisting with the cleaning of museum heritage objects.
• Helping with stock counts and inventory-related activities.
• Supporting the maintenance of museum storage facilities according to curatorial standards.
• Cleaning museum furniture and objects using approved cleaning materials, solvents, soap solutions, cleansers, and polishes.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Providing general administrative assistance when required.
• Assisting with museum projects and exhibitions.
• Supporting educational workshops and learning activities.
• Participating in operational activities associated with museum programmes.
• Assisting with after-hours events when required.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidates should demonstrate the following qualities:

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Attention to detail.
• Good organisational skills.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Ability to work in a professional environment.
• Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stages of the recruitment process.

Shortlisted applicants will be subjected to a comprehensive selection process, which may include interviews, reference checks, verification of qualifications, and other assessments deemed necessary by the National Museum.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee appointment. The National Museum reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.

Applicants who do not receive feedback within 21 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Covering letter.
• Completed National Museum employment application form.
• Certified copy of South African Identity Document.
• Certified copies of qualifications and certificates.
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact details of three referees.

Incomplete applications or applications that fail to include the required supporting documents may not be considered.

How to Apply

Candidates who meet all the stated requirements should submit their applications via email to:

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 17 June 2026

The application should include all required supporting documents and clearly indicate the position being applied for.

Employment application forms can be obtained from the National Museum.

This opportunity presents an excellent pathway for unemployed youth seeking practical workplace experience within a respected cultural and heritage institution. Young people residing in Bloemfontein, Mangaung, and surrounding areas who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and take advantage of the opportunity to gain valuable skills, work experience, and professional exposure through the National Museum Work-Based Experience Programme.