MTPA Learnerships 2026/2027: 12-Month Opportunities in Mpumalanga
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is inviting unemployed young South Africans to apply for its 2026/2027 Learnership Programme.
The programme offers a 12-month combination of structured theoretical learning and practical workplace experience. Training will be provided with an accredited training provider and successful learners will work at various nature reserves across Mpumalanga.
On successful completion, learners will receive a qualification accredited by CATHSSETA and recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
MTPA Learnership 2026/2027 – Quick Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency |
| Programme | Learnership Programme |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Province | Mpumalanga |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Education | Grade 12 |
| Employment status | Unemployed |
| Study status | Must not currently be studying |
| Location | Various MTPA Nature Reserves |
| Closing Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Closing Time | 16:00 |
| Application Method | Hand delivery |
| Email Applications | Not accepted |
About the Learnership
The MTPA programme combines:
- Practical workplace experience
- Structured theoretical learning
- Training through an accredited provider
- Work experience in nature-reserve environments
- Assessment and skills development
The programme is intended to provide unemployed youth with practical skills and a recognised qualification within the tourism, conservation and related sectors.
Applicants should be comfortable with outdoor and practical work, as placements are based at nature reserves.
Placement Locations
Successful applicants may be placed at one of the following MTPA nature reserves:
- Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
- Verloren Valei Nature Reserve
- Songimvelo Nature Reserve
- Barberton Nature Reserve
- Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve
- Mthethomusha Nature Reserve
- Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve
- Mdala Nature Reserve
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
- Mkhombo Nature Reserve
- Mabusa Nature Reserve
- SS Skosana Nature Reserve
- Manyeleti Nature Reserve
- Andover Nature Reserve
- Chrissiesmeer Dam Nature Reserve
Placement will be based on the applicant’s area of residence, according to the information provided in the advert.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an unemployed South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Reside in Mpumalanga Province.
- Have Grade 12.
- Not currently be studying at a tertiary institution.
- Not be registered for or have participated in another learnership.
- Be interested in outdoor and practical work.
People with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Application letter indicating the programme being applied for.
- Updated CV.
- Grade 12 certificate.
- Valid proof of residence.
- Copy of ID.
Make sure the documents are complete before submitting your application.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for unemployed young people who are interested in careers involving:
- Tourism
- Nature reserves
- Conservation
- Outdoor work
- Parks management
- Hospitality and tourism-related activities
- Environmental and practical work
Applicants should understand that the programme involves practical work and should therefore be comfortable working outdoors.
How to Apply
Applications must be hand delivered to the nearest MTPA station or nature reserve.
Applications may also be hand delivered to:
MTPA Head Office
N4 National Road
Hall’s Gateway
Mataffin
Mpumalanga
Important: The advert states that emailed applications will NOT be considered.
Applicants should therefore not send their documents by email.
Closing Date
28 August 2026 at 16:00
Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants who do not receive communication within three months after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
Final Thoughts
The MTPA Learnership Programme 2026/2027 provides unemployed Mpumalanga youth aged 18–35 with an opportunity to gain structured learning and practical workplace experience over 12 months.
With placements available at multiple nature reserves, the programme could be a useful entry point for candidates interested in tourism, conservation, parks and outdoor careers.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your application letter, CV, Grade 12 certificate, proof of residence and ID copy and submit your application by hand before 28 August 2026 at 16:00.
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.
