Firefighter Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers 3 Fire Fighter Learner positions in Paterson, Addo and Nqweba, with a R5,000 monthly stipend and 12-month practical training.
The Firefighter Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers unemployed young people an opportunity to gain practical firefighting experience while receiving a monthly stipend. The programme is offered by Sundays River Valley Municipality and provides three Fire Fighter Learner positions in the municipal areas of Paterson, Addo and Nqweba.
The 12-month learnership is designed for applicants who are interested in firefighting, emergency response, disaster management, community safety and public protection. Successful learners will receive a R5,000 monthly stipend during the programme.
According to Notice 15/2026, the notice was issued on 6 August 2026, with applications closing on 29 August 2026 at 12:00.
Because the closing date has now passed, applicants should treat the information below as a guide to the advertised 2026/2027 opportunity and as useful preparation for similar future municipal firefighting learnerships.
Firefighter Learnership Programme Details
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Firefighter Learnership Programme 2026/2027 |
| Reference | Notice 15/2026 |
| Position | Fire Fighter Learner |
| Number of Positions | 3 |
| Stipend | R5,000 per month |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Areas | Paterson, Addo and Nqweba |
| Municipality | Sundays River Valley Municipality |
| Notice Date | 6 August 2026 |
| Closing Date | 29 August 2026 at 12:00 |
| Submission Office | Office of the Skills Development Facilitator |
| Submission Address | 23 Middle Street, Nqweba, 6120 |
Who Can Apply for the Firefighter Learnership?
The programme is intended for unemployed youth who meet the requirements set by Sundays River Valley Municipality.
One of the most important conditions is that applicants must reside within the municipality’s municipal area. The advertised areas include Paterson, Addo and Nqweba.
This residency requirement is important. Applicants shouldn’t assume that simply meeting the education and physical requirements is enough. Municipal opportunities can have specific geographic requirements, and candidates should always read the original notice carefully before applying.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to people who want to build experience in:
- Firefighting
- Emergency services
- Disaster management
- Community safety
- Public protection
- Emergency response
- Municipal services
Firefighting isn’t a typical office-based career. Learners may have to work outdoors, respond to emergencies, operate equipment and function in challenging environments. The role can also involve working at heights or in restricted areas.
For that reason, applicants should be ready for both classroom-based learning and practical activities.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
The advertised minimum requirements include:
- Grade 12.
- Between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Ability to work in restricted areas and at heights.
- Physical fitness.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a group.
- Ability to cope with traumatic situations.
- No criminal record.
- A valid Code B (08) driver’s licence.
- Knowledge or experience in disaster management will be an added advantage.
Applicants should check each requirement carefully.
A driver’s licence, for example, isn’t described as optional in the advertised requirements. Therefore, candidates should not overlook the Code B (08) licence condition when assessing their eligibility.
What Skills Are Important for Future Firefighters?
Firefighting requires more than physical strength. A successful firefighter also needs discipline, teamwork, communication skills and the ability to remain calm when circumstances become stressful.
Teamwork is especially important because emergency response is rarely performed by one person working alone. Firefighters often depend on one another to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate qualities such as:
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Good communication
- Discipline
- Responsibility
- Emotional resilience
- Willingness to learn
- Respect for safety procedures
- Ability to follow instructions
- Commitment to serving the community
These qualities can help learners make the most of their practical training.
Firefighter Physical Fitness Evaluation
Physical fitness is an important part of the advertised selection process. Candidates for the Sundays River Valley Municipality programme are expected to participate in a physical fitness evaluation.
This assessment is relevant because firefighting can require physical effort in demanding environments. Firefighters may need to carry equipment, climb ladders, move quickly and assist people during emergencies.
The advertised evaluation includes several activities:
- 200-metre run
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- Dead load carry
- Ladder climb
- Claustrophobia and acrophobia test
Candidates should understand that these activities aren’t simply academic tests. They are intended to assess whether an applicant can handle some of the physical and environmental demands associated with firefighting.
200 Metres Run
The physical assessment includes a 200-metre run within the prescribed time.
Running assessments can help evaluate cardiovascular fitness, speed and the ability to perform physical activity under pressure.
Applicants preparing for similar future opportunities should focus on safe, gradual fitness preparation rather than attempting strenuous activity without adequate preparation.
Push-Ups and Sit-Ups
The assessment also includes push-ups and sit-ups.
Push-ups can assess upper-body strength and endurance, while sit-ups can help evaluate core strength and muscular endurance.
Candidates shouldn’t focus only on one aspect of fitness. Firefighting is physically varied, so overall conditioning and the ability to perform different tasks are important.
Dead Load Carry
A dead load carry is another component of the assessment.
This activity evaluates a candidate’s ability to move a heavy load. That skill has practical relevance because firefighters may need to transport equipment or assist people during emergency situations.
The assessment highlights why strength, coordination and safe movement are important parts of firefighter preparation.
Ladder Climb
Candidates are also expected to complete a ladder climb.
Working around ladders and elevated areas can be part of firefighting operations. Applicants should therefore be comfortable with the idea of working at heights and must follow safety instructions during any practical assessment.
The ladder activity also tests coordination, confidence and the ability to perform a task in an elevated environment.
Claustrophobia and Acrophobia Test
The physical evaluation includes a claustrophobia/acrophobia test.
This assessment is relevant because firefighters can sometimes operate in confined spaces or elevated locations. Candidates should therefore be prepared for environments that may feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
The test forms part of the wider assessment of suitability for practical firefighting duties.
Applicants who are considering similar programmes in the future should carefully read the physical assessment requirements before applying.
What Does the 12-Month Learnership Offer?
The selected candidates will participate in a 12-month practical on-the-job assignment.
This is one of the biggest attractions of a learnership. Instead of only studying concepts, learners get an opportunity to develop practical workplace exposure.
For unemployed youth, gaining experience can be an important step towards building a career. A firefighting learnership can expose participants to areas connected with emergency services, municipal operations, disaster response and community safety.
The programme also provides a R5,000 monthly stipend, according to the municipal notice.
Over 12 months, the advertised monthly stipend amounts to R60,000 in total, assuming a learner receives the full R5,000 for every month of the programme. The stipend should not be confused with a permanent employee salary.
Practical Experience in Emergency Services
Firefighters play an important role in protecting communities. Their responsibilities can include responding to emergencies, supporting rescue operations, helping protect property and assisting during incidents that threaten public safety.
A learner entering this programme can therefore gain exposure to a highly practical working environment.
The experience may also help learners understand the importance of:
- Emergency preparedness
- Safety procedures
- Team coordination
- Incident response
- Equipment handling
- Community protection
- Disaster management
- Professional conduct
The learnership isn’t a guarantee of permanent employment. However, practical experience can be valuable when pursuing future opportunities in emergency services and related fields.
Knowledge of Disaster Management as an Added Advantage
The notice states that knowledge and experience in disaster management will be an added advantage.
This means disaster management experience isn’t listed as a compulsory minimum requirement. Applicants who don’t have previous disaster management experience should therefore still consider the opportunity if they meet all compulsory requirements.
Candidates with relevant exposure may have experience that connects well with the programme, such as community safety activities, emergency preparedness or disaster response.
Nevertheless, applicants shouldn’t exaggerate their experience. Firefighter Learnership Programme Information included in a CV or application should be accurate and supported where necessary.
Employment Equity and Selection Process
Sundays River Valley Municipality has included employment equity considerations in the recruitment process.
The notice refers to the Employment Equity Act, 97 of 1998, and states that priority will be given to first-time learners and out-of-training learners who require practical experience.
The municipality also indicates that appointments will focus on fair representation of community groups within the municipal area.
Applicants should therefore understand that meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t automatically mean they will be selected.
Depending on the recruitment process, candidates may need to undergo additional screening, assessment or physical testing before final selection.
The notice further states that applicants who haven’t received a response 30 days after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants were required to submit a complete application package.
The advertised documents include:
- Completed SRVM application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of Identity Document
- Certified copies of relevant certificates
- Motivation letter
Candidates should make sure that every document is clear and readable.
SRVM Application Form
The official application form should be completed carefully. Applicants should avoid leaving required sections blank and should check spelling, contact information and other personal details before submission.
Download the official SRVM Application Form
Curriculum Vitae
A CV should provide a clear overview of the applicant’s education, skills, experience and relevant activities.
For a firefighter learnership, candidates can highlight relevant experience in areas such as:
- Community service
- Disaster management
- First aid
- Safety activities
- Volunteer work
- Team-based activities
- Relevant training
Applicants should keep their CV truthful and easy to read.
Certified Documents
The notice requires certified copies of the relevant documents.
Applicants should ensure that documents are certified correctly before submission and that copies are legible. Firefighter Learnership Programme Missing documentation can create problems during the administrative screening process.
How to Apply for the Firefighter Learnership
Applications for the advertised programme had to be completed using the Sundays River Valley Municipality application form.
The completed form and supporting documents were to be submitted to:
Office of the Skills Development Facilitator
23 Middle Street
Nqweba
6120
Applicants were advised to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
Application Checklist
Before submitting a similar application, candidates should check that they have:
- Completed the municipal application form.
- Prepared an updated CV.
- Included a certified ID copy.
- Included certified qualification certificates.
- Written a motivation letter.
- Confirmed that they meet the age requirement.
- Confirmed that they have the required Code B (08) driver’s licence.
- Confirmed that they reside within the relevant municipal area.
- Checked the closing date and submission instructions.
Taking a few minutes to check the application can help prevent avoidable mistakes.
Important Information for Applicants
The programme was specifically targeted at applicants residing within the Sundays River Valley Municipality area.
The locations mentioned in the notice are Paterson, Addo and Nqweba.
There were only three positions, so competition was likely to be significant. Candidates should therefore make sure their applications clearly demonstrate that they meet the advertised requirements.
The physical fitness component is another important point. Firefighter Learnership Programme Applicants shouldn’t treat the learnership as a purely classroom-based programme.
Firefighting is a demanding occupation, and candidates should understand the physical and practical nature of the training.
The Code B (08) driver’s licence requirement should also receive particular attention.
Firefighter Learnership Programme Closing Date
The closing date for the advertised Firefighter Learnership Programme 2026/2027 was:
29 August 2026 at 12:00
The notice was issued on 6 August 2026.
As today’s date is 29 August 2026, this advertised application deadline has passed. Applicants who were interested in this specific intake should therefore not assume that late applications will still be accepted.
However, the requirements are useful for anyone preparing for future firefighter learnerships, municipal vacancies or emergency-services training opportunities.
Future applicants should monitor official municipal vacancy notices and verify deadlines directly with the relevant municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Firefighter Learnership
1. How many firefighter positions were available?
There were three Fire Fighter Learner positions advertised under Notice 15/2026.
2. What is the stipend for the Firefighter Learnership?
Successful learners were advertised to receive a R5,000 monthly stipend during the 12-month programme.
3. How long is the Firefighter Learnership?
The programme has a duration of 12 months and includes practical on-the-job training.
4. What qualification is required?
Applicants must have Grade 12.
5. What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
6. Is a driver’s licence required?
Yes. The advertised requirements specify a Code B (08) driver’s licence.
7. Is previous disaster management experience compulsory?
No. Disaster management knowledge or experience is listed as an added advantage, rather than a compulsory minimum requirement.
8. Is there a physical fitness test?
Yes. The advertised assessment includes a 200-metre run, push-ups, sit-ups, dead load carry, ladder climb and a claustrophobia/acrophobia test.
9. Where were applications submitted?
Applications were directed to the Office of the Skills Development Facilitator, 23 Middle Street, Nqweba, 6120.
10. What happens if an applicant doesn’t receive a response?
According to the notice, applicants who don’t receive a response 30 days after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Conclusion: Prepare Early for Future Firefighter Opportunities
The Firefighter Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offered three unemployed youth an opportunity to gain practical experience in firefighting while receiving a R5,000 monthly stipend for 12 months.
The programme was aimed at applicants from the Sundays River Valley Municipality area, particularly Paterson, Addo and Nqweba. Firefighter Learnership Programme Candidates needed Grade 12, a Code B (08) driver’s licence, physical fitness and the ability to work effectively in demanding environments.
The selection process also included a physical fitness evaluation covering running, push-ups, sit-ups, load carrying, ladder climbing and assessments involving confined spaces and heights.
Although the 29 August 2026 closing date, the advert provides useful guidance for unemployed youth preparing for similar firefighting, emergency-services and municipal learnership opportunities.
If you’re interested in this career path, keep your CV updated, maintain your relevant documentation, monitor official municipal vacancies and make sure you understand the physical and practical demands of firefighting. Firefighter Learnership Programme When another opportunity opens, being prepared can put you in a much stronger position.
Final reminder: Always verify future vacancies, application forms, requirements and closing dates through the relevant municipality or official recruitment notice before submitting an application.