Finished matric? Five ways to build experience after matric before your first job

Getting experience after matric is the catch that frustrates thousands of school leavers every year.

Employers want experience, but nobody seems willing to give a first chance.

The good news is that there is more than one way to break that cycle, and some of them pay.

The matric exam season ends on 26 November, and results are expected on 12 January 2027.

Soon after, many matriculants will join a job market where young people struggle the most.

The steps below can help a CV stand out long before the first interview.

Why experience after matric matters

According to Statistics South Africa, the youth unemployment rate rose to 47.4% in the second quarter of 2026.

That means almost one in two young job seekers aged 15 to 34 cannot find work.

Among those aged 15 to 24, the unemployment rate stood at 60.9% in the first quarter of 2026, the highest of any age group. For job seekers whose highest qualification is matric, it was 35.7%.

Register on SAYouth.mobi to find experience after matric

SAYouth.mobi is the government-backed platform behind the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

It lists jobs, learnerships, internships and volunteer opportunities, and it is free and data-free on major networks.

Millions of young people have already registered.

Those without a smartphone can call the toll-free support line on 0800 72 72 72.

Many of the programmes below recruit through this platform, so a complete profile is worth the effort.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) launched Phase V of the National Youth Service in June.

It offers 100,000 paid community service opportunities across all nine provinces.

Participants serve their communities for six months while earning a monthly stipend and building skills.

Phase V applications closed in September, but registering on SAYouth.mobi means being ready when the next intake opens.

Get 12 months of paid work experience after school

The Youth Employment Service (YES) places unemployed young people in 12-month paid work experience roles with private companies.

In 2026, Clicks, TFG, Kia South Africa and Eskom all advertised YES placements.

Most host employers require matric, and applicants can only take part in YES once.

Applicants should also check whether they need to be unemployed for a set period first.

Volunteer or job shadow for experience after matric

Not every opportunity needs an application portal.

Local NGOs, clinics, churches, sports clubs and community kitchens often welcome volunteers.

Job shadowing is another option.

Spending a day or a week with someone in a career of interest offers a real look at the work. A polite email or visit to a local business can open that door.

Take free short courses and start a small project

Free online courses in digital skills, customer service or basic finance add certificates to a CV.

Some are available through SAYouth.mobi itself.

A small project can count as work experience after school too.

Tutoring younger learners, coaching a junior sports team or running a small baking business all show responsibility and initiative.

How to put experience after matric on a CV

Treat volunteer work and projects like jobs.

List the organisation, dates and what was achieved, not only what was done. “Tutored five Grade 8 learners in maths for six months” says far more than “tutoring”.

Add a reference from a supervisor, coach or community leader wherever possible.

One warning: legitimate youth programmes never ask for payment to apply or secure a placement.