How to Apply for ESSA | Basic to Advanced Guide

Learn How to Apply for ESSA

The Employment Service of South Africa (ESSA) is a government agency that provides labour market information, career advice, and job placement services. 

ESSA also administers the government’s training programs and conducts research into labour market trends.

History of Employment Service of South Africa

Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) is a government-owned company that has been in existence since the early 1990s. It was established as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to provide employment opportunities for its large population of unemployed people.

ESSA’s mandate has evolved over the years and now provides a range of services, including job placement, skills development, and labour market information.

The company has been successful in helping many people find employment, and it continues to play an essential role in the South African labour market.

Objectives of Employment Services of South Africa

The main objectives of the Employment Services of South Africa are: 

  • Promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment.
  • Providing labour market information and research.
  • Fostering labour mobility and skills development.
  • Supporting the integration of refugees into the labour market.
  • Promoting equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.
  • Providing information and advice on social security benefits.
  • Managing the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
  • Administering the Skills Development Levy.
  • Providing training and development programs for employment service providers.

Who can Apply for ESSA?

There are a number of people who can apply for employment services in South Africa. These include:

  • Unemployed people who are looking for work
  • Employed people who want to change or update their skills
  • People who have been laid off or made redundantly and finding new work
  • Businesses that want to hire new employees or get help with recruitment
  • Young people who are not in school or training and need help finding a job
  • People who have been out of work for a long time
  • Disabled people who need help finding work that suits them
  • Migrant workers who want to find a job in South Africa

How to apply for Employment Services of South Africa?

If you are looking for a job in South Africa, there are a few things you need to do in order to make the process easier. The first step is registering with the Department of Labor as an unemployed person. This will allow you to access the government’s employment services.

Once you have registered, you can start looking for jobs on the various job portals or contacting companies directly. If you are already employed but would like to explore other opportunities, you can also use the government’s services to find a new job. 

Make sure your CV is well-optimized, concise, and familiar with the company’s values and how you can contribute to their success. Always dress appropriately for an interview, and be prepared to answer questions about your skills and experience.

The Department of Labor offers a number of services to help job seekers find employment. 

These include:

  • A CV writing service
  • Job search assistance
  • Training and development programs
  • Recruitment services
  • Career guidance counselling

Still, are you confused? Visit the Department of Labor website or contact your local office for further information.

Eligibility criteria to apply for ESSA

The eligibility criteria to apply for Employment Services in South Africa are as follows:

  • You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
  • You must be unemployed and have been actively looking for work for at least three months.
  • Your income must not exceed R3 500 per month.
  • You must be 18 years or older.
  • You must have a valid national ID or passport.
  • You must have a bank account into which your benefits can be deposited.
  • You must be able to attend compulsory training and/or meetings.

If you meet all of these criteria, you are eligible to apply for Employment Services.

Still, Looking for further information?

Still wondering how to learn more about ESSA? You can visit the Department of Labor website or contact your local Employment Service Center for more information about the different services offered.