The First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 are now open for applications. If you are a young South African between 18 and 35 years old, currently unemployed, and have completed matric, this learnership could be your gateway to a career in banking. FNB is the oldest bank in South Africa, tracing back to the Eastern Province Bank formed in Grahamstown in 1838. Today, FNB trades as a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026: who qualifies, what the learner role involves, what responsibilities you will have, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026
First National Bank is providing learnerships for youth who want to pursue a career in banking. The First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 offer a unique opportunity to gain both a formal qualification and valuable work experience at the same time.
The Learner role is a development role in which the role incumbent will be completing a formal, registered qualification while gaining work experience during the period of employment. The learner will be expected to fulfil all the requirements of the qualification, and additional work-related training will be provided as required.
Organisation: First National Bank (FNB) • Parent Company: FirstRand Bank Limited • Founded: 1838 (as Eastern Province Bank) • Programme Type: Learnership with formal qualification
Eligibility Requirements for the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026
Before you apply for the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be between 18 and 35 years old
- You must have completed your matric
- You must not have a criminal record
- You must be computer literate
- You must be currently unemployed
What Does the Learner Role Involve?
The learner in the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 will be responsible for delivering tasks in order to execute predefined work objectives. These include research, analysis, administration, process and project work that add value to the business area.
This is a development role that combines formal learning with practical workplace experience. You will be completing a registered qualification while earning an income and building your career in the banking sector.
Key Responsibilities
Upon completion of the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026, a student should be able to perform the following responsibilities:
Financial and Operational Responsibilities
- Identify and escalate potential risks that may lead to increased costs
- Demonstrate cost consciousness and awareness of personal contribution to costs
- Increase knowledge and understanding of financial processes and adhere to required operating standards
- Work with enhanced processes and procedures to maintain operational efficiencies
- Ensure that quality standards are adhered to
- Maintain accurate activity reports
Customer Service Responsibilities
- Adhere to the Organisation’s shared values, service standards and Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) outcomes
- Resolve customer dissatisfaction or complaints and take ownership of the problem
- Communicate with customers according to agreed standards
- Collect customer feedback to help improve customer service
- Ensure that product knowledge and advice is technically accurate
- Contribute to the alignment of business processes to customer service
Innovation and Improvement Responsibilities
- Investigate innovative ways to optimise processes
- Advise line management on potential opportunities for process and system improvements
- Demonstrate the shared value “I get better and better”
Team and Personal Development Responsibilities
- Contribute to the team by working together to achieve team goals (living the shared value “We strengthen me”)
- Value individual contributions and show respect for others
- Share information and knowledge that will benefit the team
- Respect diversity and value inclusivity
- Identify effective activities to address own development gaps
- Create own development plan and review plan with team leader
- Understand which competencies and skills should be mastered to ensure personal development and performance
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal improvement
Required Documents
To apply for the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your matric certificate or equivalent qualification
Important Information for Applicants
- All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan
- The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for the Bank to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis
- The Bank will keep your information confidential unless required by law to disclose this information to other parties
How to Apply for the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application for the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen aged 18-35, currently unemployed, with a matric certificate and no criminal record.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your certified copies of your ID and matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official FirstRand application portal. Complete the application form online and submit the required documents. Please quote the reference number R49561.
Direct application link: https://firstrand.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FRB/job/FirstJob-Learner_R49561
Reference Number: R49561
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026: 22 May 2026. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. Kindly submit your application ahead of the closing date.
First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: First National Bank (FNB) / FirstRand Bank Limited
- Programme Name: FNB Learnership Programme
- Programme Type: Learnership with formal registered qualification
- Who can apply: Unemployed South African citizens aged 18-35
- Education requirement: Completed matric or equivalent
- Additional requirements: Computer literate, no criminal record
- What you gain: Formal qualification + work experience + income
- Application method: Online via FirstRand Workday portal
- Reference number: R49561
- Closing date: 22 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026
1. Can I apply if I am currently employed?
No. The First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 require that you be currently unemployed. This learnership is designed to help unemployed youth gain entry into the banking sector.
2. What qualification will I receive?
The First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 involve completing a formal, registered qualification. The specific qualification depends on the learnership stream you are accepted into. Additional details will be provided to successful applicants.
3. I am over 35. Can I still apply?
No. The First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 require applicants to be between 18 and 35 years old. If you are over 35, you are not eligible for this learnership.
4. Do I need previous work experience?
No previous work experience is required for the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026. This is an entry-level development programme designed for youth who are starting their careers.
5. What is Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)?
Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) is a regulatory framework that ensures financial institutions treat their customers fairly. As part of the First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026, you will learn to adhere to these standards in all customer interactions.
6. Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
No. The First National Bank (FNB) Learnerships 2026 require that you do not have a criminal record. This is standard for positions in the banking and financial services sector.
7. What are the shared values mentioned in the responsibilities?
The shared values mentioned are “I get better and better” (personal continuous improvement) and “We strengthen me” (teamwork and collaboration). These are core values at FirstRand that guide employee behaviour and development.
8. Where can I find more banking and finance learnerships?
Visit EduFunds learnerships page or banking bursaries section for more opportunities in the financial sector.
Looking for more learnerships and study funding? Explore all bursaries and learnerships for 2026 on EduFunds.co.za
First National Bank (FNB)
Learnerships 2026
Building careers • Developing talent • Creating opportunities for South African youth