Government extends deadline to hire thousands of assistants for South Africa’s schools – here’s how to apply

The Department of Basic Education has extended its recruitment deadline for phase two of its Basic Education Employment Initiative and introduced an alternative submission avenue for applicants.

The recruitment drive, which is now open until 10 October 2021, aims to provide 287,000 young people employment and training opportunities in the education sector.

The department said that youth between the ages of 18 and 35, who are currently neither in education/ training nor receiving any form of a government grant, are eligible to apply.

Candidates selected for placement will have an opportunity to receive training on various skills to equip them for future employment opportunities.

“Phase II applications were due to close at midnight on 3 October 2021. However, the department has since extended the application period to midnight, 10 October 2021.”

The department said that the applications for Phase II of the BEEI  have continued to increase since the applications opened. As of 2 October, in excess of 475,918 young people had applied for multiple positions, with 2,726,117 total applications received.

“The department would like to take this time to assure the eligible youth that the application process does not work on a first-come, first-served basis; however, all applications must be submitted online by 10 October to be considered for the available opportunities.”

All successful candidates will be placed in schools for five months, from 1 November 2021 to 31 March 2022, for the following available opportunities:

• Education assistant – Curriculum;
• Education assistant – ICT/e-Cadres;
• Education assistant – Reading Champions;
• General School assistant – Child & Youth Care Worker;
• General School assistant – Handyman (no matric required);
• General School assistant – Sports and Enrichment Agent (no matric required).

How to apply 

Should applicants receive notice that they have been shortlisted, they will be required to prepare the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• Testimonials (former school, a local chief, church leader, etc.);
• Police clearance certificates;
• Affidavit/declaration by the applicant stating they have no criminal record while awaiting the police clearance;
• Certified qualifications such as Matric, (where applicable: NQF Level 4 qualification certificate, for education assistant applicants with NQF level 6 and 7 an added advantage);
• Certified copy of identity document/ passport.

As in phase one, the department said there would be a strong emphasis on training participants to add to their skills set and setting them up for improved employment prospects.

Accessing the BEEI employment opportunities can be done through this website.

Alternatively, the department has added another web-based/electronic application form to cope with the demand, which can be accessed here.

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