Looking for a serious career in finance? This guide explains the Absa Unemployed Learnership Face to Face Financial Adviser (FAIS), including requirements, FAIS compliance, and application steps.

---

Absa Unemployed Learnership Face to Face Financial Adviser (FAIS)

Absa Unemployed Learnership Face to Face Financial Adviser (FAIS)
Locations: Gauteng Province (Johannesburg) & Mpumalanga Province (Nelspruit)
Closing date: 17 February 2026

---

Introduction

For unemployed graduates looking to enter South Africa’s financial services sector, the Absa Unemployed Learnership Face to Face Financial Adviser (FAIS) offers more than just work experience — it provides a structured pathway into a regulated, professional career.

Absa, a proudly African bank with over a century of history, continues to invest in developing future financial professionals through practical, skills-based programmes. This 12-month full-time learnership is designed for individuals who want to apply their academic background in Accounting, Finance, or Law while gaining real-world exposure to client-facing financial advisory work.

With placements available in Gauteng Province and Mpumalanga Province, this opportunity is particularly relevant for unemployed youth seeking sustainable careers rather than short-term jobs.

---

What is Absa Unemployed Learnership Face to Face Financial Adviser (FAIS)

A FAIS learnership is a structured training programme aligned with South Africa’s Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, which regulates who may give financial advice.

In simple terms, this learnership:

• Combines formal training with on-the-job workplace experience
• Prepares participants to operate legally and ethically as financial advisers
• Helps candidates meet FSCA “Fit and Proper” requirements
• Creates a pathway into long-term roles within financial services

The Absa Face to Face Financial Adviser learnership focuses on direct client engagement, helping customers understand financial products while operating within strict compliance rules.

---

Why This Opportunity Matters for Unemployed Youth

Graduate unemployment remains one of South Africa’s biggest challenges. Many young people hold degrees but lack industry exposure, making it difficult to secure entry-level roles.

This learnership matters because it:

• Bridges the gap between academic qualifications and real work
• Offers structured mentorship and development
• Builds regulated skills that remain valuable across the financial sector
• Opens doors beyond a single employer

Unlike casual internships, FAIS-aligned learnerships equip participants with portable credentials that can be used throughout their careers.

For unemployed youth in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, this programme provides access to a professional environment that is often difficult to enter without prior experience.

---

What You’ll Learn During the Programme

Participants in the Absa Unemployed Learnership Face to Face Financial Adviser (FAIS) will develop both technical and professional skills.

Key learning areas include:

1. Financial Advisory Skills

• Understanding financial products and services
• Explaining options clearly to clients
• Ethical selling and advice principles

2. Regulatory Knowledge

• FAIS Act requirements
• FSCA compliance standards
• Confidential handling of client information

3. Sales and Customer Engagement

• Working leads efficiently
• Achieving productivity and quality targets
• Delivering consistent customer service excellence

4. Workplace Readiness

• Following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Completing administrative and reporting tasks
• Working within professional teams

Participants also undergo structured learning interventions, ensuring continuous growth throughout the 12 months.

---

Who Should Apply (Realistic Eligibility)

This opportunity is best suited for candidates who meet the following criteria:

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in:
  • Accounting (required)
  • Finance or Law (advantageous)
• National Senior Certificate (Matric / Grade 12)
• Currently unemployed
• Willing to work full time
• Available for placement in:
  • Gauteng Province (Johannesburg)
  • Mpumalanga Province (Nelspruit)

Added advantages:

• FSCA-approved qualification
• RE5 (Regulatory Exam for Representatives) passed
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Genuine interest in financial services

This programme is ideal for graduates who are serious about building a compliant, long-term career.

---

Career Outcomes After Completion

Completing a FAIS-aligned learnership significantly improves employability.

Possible outcomes include:

• Entry-level Financial Adviser roles
• Client relationship or sales consultant positions
• Progression into specialised financial services roles
• Opportunities within Absa or across the broader banking sector

Even where permanent placement is not guaranteed, the experience, training, and regulatory exposure gained during the programme remain valuable assets on any CV.

---

FAIS Compliance Explained in Plain English

FAIS compliance simply means that:

• Only qualified and approved individuals may give financial advice
• Advisers must act honestly, ethically, and transparently
• Clients must be protected from misleading or unsuitable advice

During this learnership, participants work towards meeting:

• FSCA Fit and Proper requirements
• Product-specific training standards
• Class of Business training
• Continuous Professional Development expectations

In short, FAIS compliance protects both clients and advisers, and this programme introduces candidates to those responsibilities early in their careers.

---

How to Prepare Before Applying

To improve your chances, consider the following steps:

• Update your CV to highlight relevant academic modules
• Prepare a short motivation explaining why financial services interest you
• Familiarise yourself with basic FAIS concepts
• Be ready to commit to a full-time, structured programme
• Ensure your documents are accurate and professional

Preparation demonstrates seriousness — something financial institutions value highly.

---

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Applying without meeting the minimum qualification requirements
• Submitting incomplete or poorly formatted CVs
• Treating the learnership as a short-term job rather than a career pathway
• Ignoring compliance and ethical responsibilities
• Missing application deadlines

Attention to detail matters in regulated industries.

---

How to Apply (Official Links)

Applications must be submitted through Absa’s official recruitment platforms.

You can apply via the appropriate provincial listing:

• Gauteng Province ( Johannesburg)

Johannesburg applications link

• Mpumalanga Province (Nelspruit):
  👉 Mpumalanga Nelspruit applications link

Closing date: 17 February 2026
Job Requisition ID: R-15982067 for Gauteng and R-15982065 for Mpumalanga

Only applications submitted through official channels will be considered.

---

Final Encouragement

The Absa Unemployed Learnership Face to Face Financial Adviser (FAIS) is not just another graduate opportunity — it is a structured entry point into one of South Africa’s most regulated and respected industries.

For unemployed graduates in Gauteng and Mpumalanga who are ready to commit to learning, compliance, and professional growth, this programme offers a meaningful step forward.

Building a career takes time, discipline, and the right foundation — and this learnership is designed to provide exactly that.

CareersFocus recommends the Absa Unemployed Learnership: Face-to-Face Financial Adviser (FAIS) because it offers a structured, hands-on learning experience that equips participants with essential financial advisory skills while providing exposure to real-world client interactions. This programme is ideal for individuals seeking to build a career in the financial services industry and gain a recognised qualification that enhances employability. Participants also benefit from mentorship, practical training, and the opportunity to develop professional networks, which can significantly improve future career prospects.

CareersFocus Disclaimer: https://careersfocus.co.za/ provides information for educational and career guidance purposes only and does not guarantee placement, acceptance, or employment.

---