Young unemployed graduates living within JB Marks Local Municipality in North West can apply for the NW-Inhouse Model Youth Environmental Services and Youth Graduate Projects 2026.
The opportunity is being implemented through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) together with JB Marks Local Municipality and stakeholder partners. It is designed to provide young people with employment exposure and practical workplace experience.
Applicants must have Grade 12 and a three-year environmental-related qualification, or another three-year qualification totalling 360 credits. Preference is given to young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) and those with Environmental Management-related qualifications.
The programme runs for six months, and applications close on 18 September 2026.
Quick Overview of the JB Marks EPWP Graduate Programme
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | NW-Inhouse Model Youth Environmental Services & Youth Graduate Projects |
| Programme Type | EPWP / Youth Graduate Work Experience |
| Implementing Department | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |
| Municipality | JB Marks Local Municipality |
| Province | North West |
| Target Group | Unemployed youth graduates |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 + three-year qualification / 360-credit qualification |
| Preferred Field | Environmental Management and related fields |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Residency | Must reside within JB Marks Local Municipality |
| Application Method | Physical submission |
| Closing Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Stipend | Not stated in the available advertisement |
The available advertisement does not state a stipend amount. Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unverified figures shared on social media.
What Is the JB Marks EPWP Youth Environmental Programme?
The programme provides young graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience through environmental and related activities within the municipality.
It forms part of the broader Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) approach to creating employment and workplace opportunities. DFFE documentation also shows that its environmental programmes have previously operated through municipal and in-house models across North West municipalities, including JB Marks.
For graduates, the opportunity can be particularly useful because it combines academic qualifications with practical workplace exposure.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should carefully check the requirements before preparing their application.
1. Grade 12 Is Required
Applicants must have Matric/Grade 12 together with a qualifying three-year qualification.
Matric alone is not sufficient for this particular graduate opportunity.
2. You Need a Three-Year Qualification
The advertisement provides for either:
- A three-year qualification related to the environment; or
- Another three-year qualification totalling 360 credits.
Environmental Management-related qualifications are particularly relevant because preference is given to candidates with qualifications in this area.
3. Environmental Graduates Are Encouraged to Apply
Preference is given to NEET candidates with Environmental Management-related qualifications.
Depending on the exact qualification, potentially relevant study areas may include:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Nature Conservation
- Geography
- Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
- Natural Resource Management
- Sustainable Development
- Waste Management
- Forestry
- Water and environmental management
This list is provided as career guidance. Applicants should rely on the wording of the recruitment advertisement when determining whether their specific qualification meets the requirement.
Other Requirements
Applicants should also have:
- Basic knowledge of the Expanded Public Works Programme.
- An understanding of EPWP reporting protocols.
- Basic knowledge of the relationship between EPWP and government priorities.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- The ability to complete allocated project tasks.
- A willingness to attend training.
- Availability for the full six-month programme.
- Residence within the JB Marks Local Municipality area.
Local Residency Is Important
The residency requirement should not be overlooked.
The opportunity is intended for candidates who live within the jurisdiction of JB Marks Local Municipality. Living elsewhere in North West does not automatically satisfy this requirement.
Who Will Receive Preference?
The programme operates within the relevant DFFE employment equity and EPWP requirements.
Fresh listings:
The advertised demographic targets include:
| Target Group | Target |
|---|---|
| Youth | 100% |
| Women | 60% |
| People with Disabilities | 2% |
These targets should not be interpreted as an automatic guarantee of selection. Applicants still need to meet the stated requirements and go through the recruitment process.
What Will Successful Candidates Do?
Successful participants will take part in the Youth Environmental Services and Graduate Projects and complete duties allocated through the programme.
The advertised activities include:
- Participating in environmental indicator activities.
- Taking part in environmental activities applicable within the municipality.
- Monitoring attendance registers.
- Supervising participants.
- Completing project-related activities assigned by the relevant partners and stakeholders.
The experience may provide exposure to areas such as:
- Environmental monitoring
- Project administration
- Community activities
- Attendance monitoring
- Reporting
- Environmental services
- Team coordination
- Government programme implementation
Why This Programme Could Help Graduates
Many graduates struggle to secure their first job because employers often ask for previous workplace experience.
A six-month programme can help bridge some of that gap.
Participants should use the opportunity to build evidence of practical skills and responsibilities. Keep records of projects completed, activities performed, reports prepared, systems used and responsibilities handled.
These details can later strengthen your CV when applying for:
- Government internships
- Environmental jobs
- Municipal vacancies
- NGO positions
- Graduate programmes
- Conservation opportunities
- Sustainability roles
- Environmental management positions
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare a complete application before travelling to submit it.
The listed documents include:
- Application letter
- Detailed and updated CV
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Latest certified copy of your ID
- Proof of residence
- Matric certificate, where applicable
Applicants should also keep a copy of the complete application for their own records.
How to Apply for the JB Marks EPWP Graduate Programme 2026
There is no online application method stated in the advertisement.
Applicants who meet the requirements must prepare:
- Application letter
- Detailed CV
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Proof of residence
- Latest certified identity document
Your application letter should clearly indicate your interest in the programme.
Make sure the copies and information you submit comply with the instructions in the advertisement.
Where to Submit Applications
Applications can be physically submitted at either of the following locations.
Potchefstroom
JB Marks Local Municipality
21 Wolmarans Street
Mayor’s Office
Currently at the Chief Whip’s Office
Ventersdorp
JB Marks Local Municipality
Mayor’s Office
Because this is a physical-submission process, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day where possible.
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Applications for the JB Marks NW-Inhouse Model Youth Environmental Services & Youth Graduate Projects close on: 18 September 2026
The advertisement explicitly states that late applications will not be considered.
It also advises applicants that if they have not been contacted for an interview within two months after the closing date, they may assume their application was unsuccessful.
Where to Submit the Application
Potchefstroom
JB Marks Local Municipality
21 Wolmarans Street
Mayor’s Office
Currently at the Chief Whip’s Office
Ventersdorp
JB Marks Local Municipality
Mayor’s Office
Because the application is a physical submission, applicants should avoid leaving the process until the final day.
Closing Date
Applications close on 18 September 2026.
Applicants should prepare their documents early and ensure that their application is submitted before the closing date.
Is There a Stipend?
The available recruitment information does not disclose a stipend or salary amount for this particular 2026 intake.
Applicants should therefore not assume that figures published for older DFFE environmental programmes apply to this opportunity. DFFE has operated other environmental programmes with different payment structures in previous years, so older figures should not be presented as the current 2026 amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Matric only?
No. The programme requires Matric plus a three-year environmental-related qualification or another three-year qualification totalling 360 credits.
What age group is targeted?
The programme targets youth aged 18 to 35 years.
Do I need an Environmental Management qualification?
Environmental Management-related qualifications receive preference. However, the advertisement also refers to another three-year qualification totalling 360 credits. Applicants should check their specific qualification against the official requirements.
Must I live in JB Marks?
Yes. The advertised requirements state that applicants must reside within the JB Marks Local Municipality jurisdiction.
How long is the programme?
The advertised programme period is six months.
Is this an EPWP opportunity?
Yes. The opportunity is presented as an EPWP Youth Environmental Services and Youth Graduate Project.
Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes. The advertised employment demographic targets include participation by people with disabilities.
Is there an online application?
The available advertisement specifies physical submission rather than an online application.
How much is the stipend?
No stipend amount is stated in the available advertisement. Applicants should wait for official confirmation rather than relying on unofficial amounts.
Application Checklist
Before submitting, make sure you have:
- Application letter
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified qualification copies
- Matric certificate, where applicable
- Proof of residence
- Correct contact details
- Qualification that meets the three-year/360-credit requirement
- Evidence of residence within JB Marks Local Municipality
- Copies of the complete application for your records
Final Tips for Applicants
If you qualify, do not submit a generic CV.
Instead, tailor your CV to the programme. Highlight environmental modules, academic projects, research, community work, volunteering, environmental monitoring, data collection, report writing and project-related activities where applicable.
Most importantly, check your qualification and residency before spending money travelling to submit your application.
Never submit false documents or false proof of residence.
Conclusion
The JB Marks EPWP Youth Environmental Services & Youth Graduate Projects 2026 offers unemployed young graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience while participating in environmental and community-related projects.
The programme is particularly relevant to graduates with Environmental Management-related qualifications, although the advertisement also provides for another three-year qualification totalling 360 credits.
To qualify, applicants should be 18–35 years old, have Matric and the required three-year qualification, be available for the full six-month programme, and live within JB Marks Local Municipality.
Applications must be submitted physically, and the closing date is 18 September 2026.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents early and submit your application before the deadline.