Absa has its 2026 Absa Financial Adviser Learnership officially Open, thereby creating a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African graduates who want to enter the financial services industry. Through this 12-month full-time programme, participants gain access to structured training, practical workplace exposure, and essential regulatory knowledge.
Importantly, applications close on 16 December 2025. Therefore, eligible candidates are encouraged to begin preparing their documents and submit their applications as soon as possible.
Moreover, as one of South Africa’s most established and trusted banking institutions, Absa continues to invest in youth development and skills transformation. Through initiatives such as this learnership, the bank aims to strengthen financial literacy, promote ethical advisory practices, and support the growth of a more inclusive financial sector.
Overview of the Absa Financial Adviser Learnership 2026
The Absa Financial Adviser Learnership is specifically designed for graduates who have completed their studies but lack workplace experience. In simple terms, the programme bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world banking practice.
Throughout the programme, learners are placed at Absa branches across South Africa. As a result, they gain first-hand exposure to customer engagement, advisory processes, compliance standards, and daily branch operations. At the same time, participants work under the guidance of experienced professionals who support their learning and development.
Consequently, this learnership is ideal for graduates who enjoy working with people and, more importantly, are committed to building a long-term career in finance or banking.
Programme Information at a Glance
- Programme Name: Financial Adviser Learnership
- Organisation: Absa Group
- Duration: 12 months
- Programme Type: Full-time learnership
- Location: Nationwide
- Closing Date: 16 December 2025
- Target Group: Unemployed graduates
Key Features of the Learnership
1. Structured Learning and Professional Development
Firstly, learners complete structured training modules that are aligned with the financial services industry. In doing so, participants develop both technical knowledge and professional confidence.
Training areas include:
- Financial products and solutions
- Customer service excellence
- Financial needs analysis
- Advisory and sales processes
- Ethical conduct in financial services
- Compliance and regulatory requirements
Furthermore, all training is aligned with industry standards. As a result, learners acquire skills that are practical, relevant, and transferable.
2. Hands-On Workplace Experience
In addition to classroom-based learning, learners are placed at Absa branches, where they actively participate in daily operations. Through this exposure, they gain a clear understanding of how banking environments function.
Workplace experience includes:
- Assisting customers with enquiries
- Supporting branch administration
- Participating in daily banking tasks
- Observing adviser-client interactions
- Learning how advice is delivered responsibly
Over time, this practical exposure builds confidence and prepares learners for professional roles.
3. Exposure to Financial Advisory Roles
Furthermore, learners are gradually introduced to the responsibilities of financial advisers. Under close supervision, they gain insight into how advice is structured and delivered.
This exposure includes:
- Conducting customer needs assessments
- Understanding different financial products
- Interpreting customer information
- Supporting sales and client engagement
- Observing ethical and compliant advisory practices
As a result, learners become better prepared for entry-level advisory positions.
4. FAIS and Regulatory Training
Because financial advisory roles in South Africa are regulated, the learnership includes training aligned with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. Therefore, learners develop a solid understanding of regulatory responsibilities and ethical standards.
Although not mandatory, the following qualifications provide an added advantage:
- FSCA-approved qualifications
- RE5 (Regulatory Examination for Representatives)
- Class of Business training
- Product-specific training
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) exposure
Ultimately, this regulatory foundation significantly improves employability.
What Learners Will Be Expected to Do
Throughout the programme, Absa places strong emphasis on active participation and professional conduct. For this reason, learners must be willing to engage fully in all assigned activities.
Workplace and Branch Support
Firstly, learners support daily branch operations by:
- Assisting with customer service
- Participating in team activities
- Supporting smooth branch operations
- Preparing documentation and reports
Customer Interaction and Service
Secondly, customer engagement plays a central role. Learners are therefore expected to:
- Assist customers with queries
- Direct clients to appropriate services
- Communicate clearly and professionally
- Maintain high service standards
In this way, learners develop strong communication and service skills.
Sales and Performance Exposure
Additionally, learners are exposed to performance-driven environments. Through this exposure, they gain insight into how advisory teams operate.
This includes:
- Lead management processes
- Strike rates and performance indicators
- Sales-support activities
- Assisting advisers during customer engagements
Administrative and Reporting Duties
At the same time, learners complete important administrative tasks, such as:
- Capturing accurate data
- Updating progress reports
- Preparing documentation
- Maintaining organised records
- Handling information confidentially
Compliance and Ethical Conduct
Finally, learners must consistently comply with:
- Absa Standard Operating Procedures
- Confidentiality requirements
- Ethical conduct standards
- FAIS and FSCA regulations
- Quality assurance processes
Minimum Educational Requirements
To be considered for the learnership, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Essential Requirements
- A completed Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
- Law
- Banking
- Or a related field
- A Matric / National Senior Certificate
- Must be unemployed at the time of application
Therefore, the programme is particularly suitable for recent graduates entering the workforce.
Ideal Candidates
The learnership is best suited for individuals who:
- Enjoy working with people
- Have strong communication skills
- Are eager to learn and grow professionally
- Can perform well in structured environments
- Have an interest in financial services
- Want to help clients improve their financial well-being
Employment Equity Commitment
Absa remains committed to diversity and transformation. In line with the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998), preference may be given to applicants from designated groups.
However, all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply. At the same time, Absa reserves the right not to make an appointment if organisational requirements change.
How to Apply for the Absa Financial Adviser Learnership 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official Absa Careers website.