The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), a member of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), has announced an exciting opportunity for unemployed graduates to join its Graduate Internship Programme. Applications are currently open for 10 Call Centre Internship positions based in Sunnyside, Pretoria, Gauteng.
This internship programme has been designed to provide practical workplace experience to graduates who have completed their qualifications and are looking to gain valuable industry exposure. The programme runs for 24 months, allowing successful candidates to develop workplace skills while contributing to the daily operations of one of South Africa’s key public service institutions.
Graduates who are passionate about customer service, communication, and client engagement are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Position Details
- Position Title: Call Centre Internship x10
- Reference Number: CIP260624-1
- Job Type: Internship
- Business Unit: Corporate Services
- Division: Client Engagement and Channel
- Department: E-Communication and Client Engagement
- Number of Positions: 10
- Job Grade: P12
- Location: Sunnyside, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
- Closing Date: 7 July 2026
About the Graduate Internship Programme
The Graduate Internship Programme forms part of government’s commitment to youth skills development by creating opportunities for unemployed graduates to gain meaningful workplace experience.
Internships are intended to bridge the gap between academic studies and permanent employment by allowing graduates to apply the knowledge acquired during their studies in a professional working environment. Participants receive structured exposure to public service operations while developing technical, administrative, and interpersonal skills that improve future employment prospects.
Graduates selected for this programme will work within the Client Engagement and E-Communication environment, where practical experience in customer interaction, communication processes, and service delivery will be gained.
The internship provides an excellent platform for graduates who wish to establish careers in customer service, communication, public administration, and client relations.
What is an Internship?
As contemplated by Cabinet in December 2002, an internship is a public service graduate work experience programme targeting unemployed graduates.
The purpose of the programme is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in their field of study. This experience helps participants develop professional competencies, understand organisational processes, and improve their readiness for future employment opportunities.
Internships also expose graduates to workplace culture, communication standards, teamwork, and service excellence while allowing them to strengthen their technical knowledge through practical application.
Internship Duration
The internship programme will run for 24 months.
During this period, interns will receive practical workplace training and mentorship while participating in various activities within the Client Engagement and Channel Division.
Successful applicants will be expected to sign a Graduate Internship Programme Agreement before commencing the programme.
Monthly Stipend
Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend of: R12 000 per month
The stipend is intended to assist interns while participating in the full-time workplace learning programme.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must possess one of the following qualifications:
- Diploma in Call Centre Management
- Degree in Call Centre Management
- Diploma in Communication
- Degree in Communication
Completed qualifications are required when submitting an application.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are invited from unemployed South African graduates who meet the programme requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Have completed a diploma or degree in Call Centre Management or Communication.
- Have not previously participated in a government internship programme.
- Have no previous work experience related to their qualification.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as applications will undergo a competitive assessment process.
Duties and Responsibilities
Interns appointed to the Client Engagement and E-Communication Department will gain valuable exposure to customer service and public sector communication functions.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with client communication activities.
- Responding to customer enquiries professionally.
- Providing accurate information to members of the public.
- Recording customer interactions.
- Supporting call centre operations.
- Escalating customer queries where necessary.
- Maintaining high standards of customer service.
- Assisting with administrative duties.
- Updating records and databases.
- Learning public service communication processes.
- Participating in workplace training and development programmes.
- Working collaboratively with supervisors and team members.
- Following organisational policies and procedures.
- Performing additional duties assigned during the internship programme.
The internship offers practical exposure to real workplace environments while building confidence and professional competence.
Skills and Competencies
Candidates who perform well in this internship are likely to possess the following qualities:
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Strong written communication abilities.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Customer service orientation.
- Professional telephone etiquette.
- Active listening skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Good organisational skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Willingness to learn.
- Teamwork abilities.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Time management skills.
- Professional conduct.
These competencies will assist interns in delivering quality service while gaining valuable workplace experience.
Benefits of the Internship
Participation in the Graduate Internship Programme provides graduates with several career development benefits, including:
- Practical workplace experience.
- Exposure to public sector operations.
- Professional mentoring.
- Improved communication skills.
- Enhanced customer service experience.
- Better understanding of client engagement practices.
- Opportunity to develop administrative skills.
- Workplace readiness for future employment.
- Increased employability after completion of the programme.
- Experience working within a nationally recognised public institution.
The combination of practical training and workplace exposure allows graduates to build a stronger professional profile for future career opportunities.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents when submitting an application:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Completed qualification certificate or academic proof of completion.
Failure to upload all the required documents will automatically disqualify the application.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and legible before final submission.
Important Information
Only applications submitted before the closing date will be considered.
Applications that are incomplete or missing supporting documentation will not proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Graduates should ensure that all personal information provided during the application process is accurate and up to date.
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment or interviews before final appointments are made.
Why Apply for This Internship?
The Call Centre Internship at CIPC presents an excellent opportunity for graduates seeking practical work experience in customer service and communication. The programme offers structured learning, valuable workplace exposure, and the chance to develop skills that are highly sought after across both the public and private sectors.
Graduates interested in building careers in client engagement, communications, customer relations, call centre operations, or public administration will benefit from the hands-on experience provided throughout the 24-month programme.
With ten internship positions available, eligible graduates are encouraged to prepare their application documents early and submit their applications before the 7 July 2026 closing date to avoid missing this opportunity.