Opportunity is knocking now: the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency is offering 42 paid learnerships that will give you real‑world experience in the province’s beautiful nature reserves.
What is the learnership?
MTPA is opening a 12‑month learnership programme for unemployed young people. You will earn R3 500 per month while studying for a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 certificate. There are two streams – Nature Conservation (Resource Guardianship) and Tourism Guiding – each with 21 places.
Who can apply?
You must meet all of the following before you send anything in:
- South African citizen
- Age 18 to 35
- Unemployed and not studying at a TVET or university
- Grade 12 completed
- Live in Mpumalanga and can show valid proof of residence
- Interest in outdoor, hands‑on work
- Not currently in another learnership or have completed one before
The agency also welcomes applicants with disabilities, provided they meet the criteria above.
What will you gain?
During the year you will combine classroom learning with on‑the‑job tasks. The two streams give you different but equally valuable skills:
- Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship (NQF Level 2): Learn to support resource management, maintain reserve infrastructure, collect environmental data and protect wildlife.
- Tourism Guiding (NQF Level 2): Develop abilities to lead guided tours, provide excellent customer service, interpret cultural and natural heritage, and plan responsible tourism activities.
Both pathways lead to a recognised NQF Level 2 certificate that can open doors to entry‑level jobs in conservation or tourism.
Where could you be placed?
Nature Conservation learners (21 places) will be spread across 16 reserves. The allocation is based on where you live, so check the reserves nearest you:
- Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Verloren Valei Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Songimvelo Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Barberton Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Mthethomusha Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Mdala Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Mkhombo Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Mabusa Nature Reserve – 1 place
- SS Skosana Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Manyeleti Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Andover Nature Reserve – 1 place
- Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve – 1 place
Tourism Guiding learners (21 places) will be placed at six reserves and one cultural village:
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve – 7 places
- Songimvelo Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Barberton Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Manyeleti Nature Reserve – 4 places
- Andover Nature Reserve – 2 places
- Dr Esther Mahlangu and Kgodwana Cultural Village – 2 places
How to apply – step by step
- Write a clear application letter. State the exact stream you want – either “Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship” or “Tourism Guiding”. Mention the reserve or centre that is closest to where you live.
- Prepare a current CV with a working phone number (MTPA will call shortlisted candidates).
- Gather copies of your Grade 12 certificate, ID document and proof of residence.
- Arrange the documents in this order: application letter, CV, Grade 12 certificate, ID copy, proof of residence.
- Take the whole packet to the nearest MTPA office or nature reserve. You can also hand‑deliver it to the head office at:
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency Head Office
N4 National Road
Hall’s Gateway
Mataffin
Security Gate - Make sure you hand in the package before 16:00 on 28 August 2026. Late submissions are not considered.
For the latest official details, visit the MTPA careers page before you travel.
Tips to improve your chances
- Do not send a generic letter. Clearly name the stream and the reserve that matches your residence – this saves the reviewers time.
- Check that every copy is legible. Blurry or cut‑off pages may lead to rejection.
- Make sure the phone number on your CV is correct and your line works.
- Ask someone you trust to proofread your letter and CV for spelling or grammar errors.
- Deliver your application early. Hand‑delivery means you cannot rely on courier delays.
What happens after you apply?
MTPA will only contact candidates who make the short‑list. Not hearing back within three months after the closing date means your application was not successful. Remember, the learnership does not guarantee a permanent job after the 12 months.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start gathering your documents today. Write a focused letter, double‑check everything, and plan your route to the nearest MTPA office. This could be the first step toward a career in conservation or tourism – and you will be paid while you learn.