
Fire Fighter Learnership Programme 2026, If you’ve always wanted to be a firefighter and serve your community, now is your chance. Stellenbosch Municipality invites applications for 12 Learner Fire Fighter positions on a 12-month contract in its Fire & Rescue Services Department. This program is intended to provide successful candidates with practical workplace experience while also supporting emergency response and public safety services throughout the municipality.
For young South Africans who have already completed Fire Fighter Level 1 (FF1) training and want to gain valuable operational experience, this learner programme offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills while working alongside experienced emergency response professionals. For young South Africans who have already completed Fire Fighter Level 1 (FF1) training and want to gain valuable operational experience, this learner programme offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills while working alongside experienced emergency response professionals.
The application deadline is July 13, 2026, so interested candidates should prepare their documents early. The application deadline is July 13, 2026, so interested candidates should prepare their documents early.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Learner Fire Fighter Programme |
| Employer | Stellenbosch Municipality |
| Department | Community and Protection Services – Fire & Rescue Services |
| Position | Learner Fire Fighter |
| Number of Posts | 12 |
| Contract Duration | 12 Months |
| Reference Number | FF1-12 |
| Location | Stellenbosch Municipal Area, Western Cape |
| Closing Date | 13 July 2026 |
| Salary | R174 899.90 – R227 049.79 per annum |
| Application Method |
What is the Fire Fighter Learnership Programme 2026?
Unlike a classroom-only course, this programme allows learners to gain real workplace experience inside an operational fire department.
Successful applicants will spend twelve months learning from experienced firefighters while actively participating in municipal emergency services under supervision.
During the programme, learners will become familiar with:
- Fire suppression techniques
- Rescue operations
- Emergency medical assistance
- Fire prevention campaigns
- Fire station operations
- Equipment maintenance
- Vehicle and apparatus handling
- Incident response procedures
- Occupational safety practices
This type of experience is highly valuable for anyone pursuing a long-term career within Fire & Rescue Services.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful learners will assist with a variety of operational activities, including:
- Responding to fire emergencies
- Participating in emergency rescue operations
- Rendering basic medical care
- Operating firefighting equipment
- Maintaining firefighting vehicles
- Cleaning and maintaining fire stations
- Assisting with fire prevention education
- Supporting community awareness programmes
- Participating in emergency training exercises
- Performing related operational duties under supervision
The municipality notes that these responsibilities are performed in accordance with the Fire Brigade Services Act (Act 99 of 1987).
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all minimum requirements before applying.
These include:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Proof of completion of a Fire Fighter Level 1 (FF1) course
- Medically fit
- Physically fit
- Mentally fit
- No criminal record
- Must reside within the Stellenbosch Municipal Area
- Must remain a resident throughout the employment period
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of residence, an affidavit confirming residency, and proof of their criminal record status.
Additional Skills Required
The municipality is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good communication skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Ability to communicate in at least two official Western Cape languages:
- English
- Afrikaans
- isiXhosa
- Good overall health
- Emotional resilience
- Ability to work under pressure
Emergency services often require teamwork, quick thinking and effective communication during stressful situations.
Physical Requirements
Being a firefighter requires excellent physical fitness.
Applicants must not have mental phobias associated with:
- Confined spaces
- Heights
- Deep water
- Water
- Blood
- Darkness
- Isolation
- Corpses
The municipality specifically states that successful candidates must be physically capable of performing demanding operational tasks.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo physical fitness testing as part of the recruitment process.
Added Advantage
Although not compulsory, applicants who possess the following qualification may have an advantage:
- Valid Code B driver’s licence
Having a driver’s licence can improve future opportunities within Fire & Rescue Services as firefighters may eventually operate emergency vehicles.
Salary
Successful applicants will receive a salary ranging between:
R174 899.90 – R227 049.79 per annum
Besides earning an income, participants gain valuable municipal work experience that can strengthen future employment opportunities.
Documents Required
Prepare the following:
- Official Stellenbosch Municipality application form
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate
- Certified copy of FF1 qualification
- Certified copies of other qualifications
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of residence
- Contactable references
- Supporting documents requested in the advert
Applications missing required documents will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email only.
Email Address: Comprotect.Jobs@stellenbosch.gov.za
Applications should clearly indicate the reference number: REF: FF1-12
Also Check: PMI SA Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026 for Unemployed Youth
No hand-delivered or posted applications will be accepted.
The official Stellenbosch Municipality application form can be downloaded from the Stellenbosch Municipality website.
Important Notes
Applicants should remember that:
- Residents of Stellenbosch will receive preference. Residents of Stellenbosch will receive preference.
- Qualifications will be verified. Qualifications will be verified.
- A criminal record check will be conducted. A criminal record check will be conducted.
- Driver competency testing may be required in certain circumstances. Driver competency testing may be required in certain circumstances.
- Canvassing councillors or selection committee members will lead to disqualification. Canvassing councillors or selection committee members will lead to disqualification.
- Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If no feedback is received within ten weeks of the application’s closing date, consider it unsuccessful.
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