What you need to know about the Standard Bank Group’s Learnership & Internship Offer (Non-Core / Early‑Careers) and how to apply

Standard Bank doesn’t just offer banking‑service jobs: they run a broad early‑careers programme that includes learnerships, internships, graduate‑internships, and “specialist” tracks (IT, data, compliance, technology, operations, etc.). Standard Bank Careers+2Standard Bank Careers+2

Key features of SBG’s early‑career programmes: Standard Bank Careers+2GILE JoBs | South Africa+2

• Fixed-term contracts — typical durations are 12, 18, or 24 months depending on the stream. Standard Bank Careers+2NASI iSPANI+2
• A monthly stipend / learner allowance rather than a full permanent employment salary (stipend depends on programme). Standard Bank Careers+2mycareers.co.za – Get Latest Jobs hiring+2
• Training and mentorship included — you get structured workplace experience + formal training/learning (through internal or accredited training providers) alongside work. Standard Bank Careers+2Info Hub+2
• Eligibility widely opened: program‑specific, ranging from matric (Grade 12) to degree / diploma holders. Standard Bank Careers+2careers-herald.co.za+2

Because of the breadth of their early‑careers offerings, SBG positions themselves as a gateway into both financial‑services and technology, analytics, compliance, and operations roles. Standard Bank+2Standard Bank Careers+2

🔎 What “Non‑Core” / Specialist Learnerships & Internships SBG Offers

Here are typical non‑core / specialist streams (outside traditional banking‑teller / retail banking) that SBG offers or has recently advertised. NASI iSPANI+3GILE JoBs | South Africa+3Standard Bank+3

So — SBG’s “non‑core” intake spans across technology, data, compliance, analytics, operations, and insurance/asset‑management — giving good options beyond typical frontline or teller‑type banking jobs.

🎯 Who Can Apply — Eligibility & Basic Requirements

General eligibility conditions for most SBG early‑career roles include: Standard Bank Careers+2Standard Bank Careers+2

• South African citizen, age between 18–30 years. Standard Bank Careers+1
• Able to read, write, and communicate in English; computer literate. Standard Bank Careers+1
• For learnerships: at least Grade 12 (matric) or a relevant post‑matric qualification (degree, diploma), depending on the stream. Standard Bank Careers+2Info Hub+2
• Must not be permanently employed already, and not studying at another tertiary institution or registered in another learnership/internship during the programme. Standard Bank Careers+1

Because there are many “specialist” tracks — requirements depend on stream: e.g., for IT/data learnerships you need a relevant STEM/IT/CS qualification; for compliance or insurance tracks perhaps a commerce or related qualification. GILE JoBs | South Africa+2Careers Office+2

📄 What You Get — Benefits & What the Programmes Offer

Participating in an SBG learnership or internship gives:

• Real work experience — hands‑on exposure to banking/financial‑services operations, technology or data projects, compliance, etc. Standard Bank Careers+2Info Hub+2
• A monthly stipend (not a full permanent-salary, but enough to support living/expenses). Standard Bank Careers+2NASI iSPANI+2
• Coaching, structured training, mentorship, and sometimes working with certified or accredited training partners (especially for learnerships). Standard Bank Careers+2Info Hub+2
• A SAQA‑recognised qualification (for learnerships) or certification relevant to the skills being trained (especially in technical / IT / data streams). Standard Bank Careers+1
• A path to potential full-time employment: SBG regularly uses their learnership/internship programmes to build a talent pipeline; many who complete programmes are offered positions. Standard Bank Careers+2GILE JoBs | South Africa+2

Given Standard Bank’s size and footprint, completing a non‑core learnership or internship there can be a strong springboard into roles in banking, fintech, data‑science, compliance, or corporate operations. mycareers.co.za – Get Latest Jobs hiring+2Standard Bank+2

📝 How to Apply — Steps & What You Should Do

If you want to apply for 2026 intake at Standard Bank:

1. Visit the Standard Bank Group “Careers – Early Careers” portal, where they list current learnerships and internships (including non‑core: IT, data, compliance, etc.). Standard Bank Careers+1
2. Check the requirements for the stream you want — e.g. matric, degree, IT qualification, etc. Make sure you meet the eligibility (citizenship, age, not employed elsewhere, not studying elsewhere). Standard Bank Careers+1
3. Prepare application documents: CV/resumé, ID copy, academic transcripts or matric certificate (if applicable), and any proof of relevant qualifications (IT diploma, degree, STEM background, etc.).
4. Apply online via their portal before the closing date listed for that programme. Because there are many streams, check dates carefully (some may open and close at different times).
5. If shortlisted — prepare for coding tests / technical assessments / interviews (especially for IT/data roles), or competency assessments for compliance, operations, banking‑support roles, etc.
6. Complete the learnership/internship, engage fully with training/mentorship — this increases chances of being considered for permanent employment after completion.

⚠️ What to Know / What to Consider (Limitations & Realities)

• Learnerships/internships are fixed-term and stipend‑based — not permanent employment automatically. Permanent placement depends on performance and organisational need. Standard Bank+2mycareers.co.za – Get Latest Jobs hiring+2
• For many streams (especially technical/IT/data), you need the relevant qualification (STEM / IT / Data / CS / etc.) — if you don’t have it, you won’t qualify.
• The competition is high: many graduates apply for SBG’s learnerships/internships due to their good reputation and broad offering.
• For some programmes: you must not be currently studying elsewhere or already employed — so timing of application must match your availability. Standard Bank Careers+1
• Completing the programme does not guarantee a permanent job — but it improves your chances significantly if you perform well and fit a role. Standard Bank+1

🎯 Who This Is Good For — Ideal Candidates

You should strongly consider applying to Standard Bank’s non‑core learnerships / internships if you:

• Are a recent graduate (or recent matric with suitable qualification), and want to start a career in banking, finance‑services tech, data, compliance, or fintech — not just retail banking.
• Have a background (or interest) in IT / Computer Science / Data / STEM — to take advantage of the tech/data‑oriented learnerships.
• Are flexible and open to fixed-term, stipend-based work while learning, with willingness to prove yourself and potentially convert to permanent employment.
• Want structured on‑the-job training and mentorship while getting practical experience — this can be much better than starting in a random junior job.
• Aim to build a career in financial services, banking‑tech, risk/compliance, data analytics, or corporate services in a large, pan‑African financial institution.

✅ My Assessment: Is Standard Bank Group’s Non‑Core Learnership/Internship Programme a Strong Option for 2026

Yes — for many applicants this is one of the best “all‑round” early‑career entry paths in South Africa (and broadly for Africa). It provides: structured training, a stipend + work exposure, broad career paths (tech, data, compliance, operations, finance), and the backing of a major financial‑services group.

If you meet the requirements and are open to learning, it’s worth applying as early as possible, and possibly applying to multiple streams (e.g. data + compliance + operations) to maximize your chances.

https://www.mycareers.co.za/category/learnerships