For learners
Bring your potential. Build your next chapter.
POPA is for young South Africans ready to learn, work and build a route into the economy. Different programmes may focus on different occupations or sectors, but every programme must connect development with a defined employment, enterprise or market opportunity.
01Who it's for
Who the programme is designed for
- Unemployed South African youth, generally aged 18 to 35
- Young people not currently in education, employment or training
- Applicants from township, peri-urban and rural communities
- Historically disadvantaged young people
- Young women and persons with disabilities
- Job seekers and aspiring retail entrepreneurs
02What to expect
What learners can expect
- Structured knowledge and practical learning
- Workplace-readiness preparation
- Supervised workplace-integrated experience
- Assessment and progress support
- Consideration for employment or enterprise transition
- Ongoing tracking after programme completion
03Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by programme. Every official intake notice will confirm the age range, location, qualification requirements, experience requirements and any other selection criteria.
04How to register
How to register
- CheckCheck whether registrations are open in your province.
- ReadRead the intake-specific eligibility and programme information.
- RegisterSubmit the online expression-of-interest form.
- ScreeningComplete screening and any required assessment or interview.
- VerifyIf shortlisted, upload verification documents through the secure application process.
- ConfirmationWait for written confirmation from an official POPA channel.
Protect yourself from scamsNever pay anyone to secure a place at POPA. Registration does not guarantee selection. POPA will communicate only through the official channels listed on this website.