Stellenbosch Municipality Fire Fighter Learnership Programme 2026

Stellenbosch Municipality Fire Fighter Learnership Programme 2026 (X12 Posts)

Stellenbosch Municipality is inviting applications for its Learner Fire Fighter Programme 2026. This exciting opportunity is available within the Community and Protection Services – Fire & Rescue Services Department and is aimed at individuals who already hold a Fire Fighter Level 1 (FF1) qualification and want to gain valuable practical experience in municipal emergency services.

The programme offers successful candidates the opportunity to work alongside experienced firefighters while receiving hands-on training in fire suppression, rescue operations, emergency response, and community fire safety. If you are passionate about protecting communities and pursuing a career in Fire & Rescue Services, this could be the ideal opportunity to develop your skills.

Programme Overview

About the Programme

The Learner Fire Fighter Programme provides practical workplace experience within Stellenbosch Municipality’s Fire & Rescue Services Department.

Rather than focusing only on classroom learning, successful applicants will spend 12 months working in an operational fire station under the supervision of experienced firefighters. During the programme, learners will gain valuable exposure to emergency response procedures while developing the practical skills required for a career in firefighting.

Participants will gain experience in:

• Fire suppression techniques
• Rescue operations
• Emergency medical assistance
• Fire prevention campaigns
• Fire station operations
• Firefighting equipment maintenance
• Emergency vehicle and apparatus handling
• Incident response procedures
• Occupational health and safety practices

The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ practical knowledge while improving their future employability within Fire & Rescue Services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Successful learners will assist with various operational activities, including:

• Responding to fire emergencies.
• Participating in emergency rescue operations.
• Rendering basic medical care where required.
• Operating firefighting equipment.
• Maintaining firefighting vehicles and equipment.
• Cleaning and maintaining fire stations.
• Assisting with fire prevention education programmes.
• Supporting community awareness campaigns.
• Participating in emergency response training exercises.
• Performing operational duties under supervision.

All duties will be carried out in accordance with the Fire Brigade Services Act (Act 99 of 1987).

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Proof of completion of a Fire Fighter Level 1 (FF1) course.
• Be medically fit.
• Be physically fit.
• Be mentally fit.
• Have no criminal record.
• Be a resident of the Stellenbosch Municipal Area.
• Remain a resident within the municipality for the duration of the programme.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit proof of residence, an affidavit confirming residency, and proof of criminal record status.

Additional Skills

The municipality is looking for candidates who possess:

• Good communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Emotional resilience.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good overall health.
• Ability to communicate in at least two of the following official Western Cape languages:
  • English
  • Afrikaans
  • isiXhosa

Physical Requirements

Firefighting is physically demanding, and applicants must be capable of performing emergency response duties.

Candidates should not have phobias relating to:

• Confined spaces
• Heights
• Deep water
• Water
• Blood
• Darkness
• Isolation
• Corpses

Shortlisted applicants will undergo physical fitness assessments during the recruitment process.

Added Advantage

Although not compulsory, applicants who possess the following will have an added advantage:

• Valid Code B driver’s licence.

A driver’s licence may improve future career opportunities within Fire & Rescue Services, particularly where emergency vehicle operation becomes part of the role.

Salary

Successful learners will receive a salary ranging between:

R174,899.90 – R227,049.79 per annum

In addition to earning an income, participants will gain valuable municipal workplace experience that can strengthen future career prospects in emergency services.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Completed Stellenbosch Municipality application form.
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate.
• Certified copy of Fire Fighter Level 1 (FF1) qualification.
• Certified copies of any additional qualifications.
• Certified copy of South African ID.
• Proof of residence.
• Contactable references.
• Any additional supporting documents requested in the advertisement.

Applications with missing documents may not be considered.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via email only.

Email Address: Comprotect.Jobs@stellenbosch.gov.za

When applying, clearly quote the following reference number:

Reference: FF1-12

Please note that hand-delivered and posted applications will not be accepted.

Applicants can download the official Stellenbosch Municipality application form from the municipality’s official website.

Important Notes

Applicants should take note of the following:

• Preference will be given to residents of the Stellenbosch Municipal Area.
• Qualifications will be verified.
• Criminal record screening will be conducted.
• Driver competency assessments may be required where applicable.
• Canvassing councillors or members of the selection committee will result in immediate disqualification.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• If you do not receive feedback within ten weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Closing Date

13 July 2026

Skhumbuzo Shandu

Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
Through his work, he aims to make opportunities easier to understand and accessible to everyone, especially young people entering the workforce.