Starting your job search after school can be scary, particularly because many jobs seem to want people with experience. But, lots of Entry-Level Jobs are open to people without prior work history and are great for new graduates to begin their working life.
This guide is divided into three sections based on education levels:
- Work for those who finished school with a Grade 12 or lower.
- Work for those who have further education after finishing school (like diplomas or certificates).
- Work for people who have certificates from short courses.
- Let’s look at these beginner jobs and see what works for you!
- Entry-Level Jobs for School Leavers with Grade 12 or Less
- If you have completed Grade 12 or left school before matric, you can still apply for a variety of Entry-Level Jobs. These positions often provide training to help you develop essential work skills.
Retail and Sales Entry-Level Jobs:
- Cashier: Take payments from customers at stores like supermarkets or gas stations.
- Retail Assistant: Help customers, fill shelves, and keep track of stock in shops.
- Fast Food Crew Member: Prepare and give out food at places like KFC or McDonald’s.
- Sales Assistant: Help shoppers pick out items in clothing, electronics, or furniture stores.
- Call Centre Agent: Help customers by phone for phone companies or banks.
Entry-Level Hospitality and Customer Service Jobs
- Waiter/Waitress: Serve food and drinks at restaurants, hotels, or cafes.
- Kitchen Assistant: Help cooks get food ready and keep the kitchen clean.
- Barista: Make and serve coffee at coffee shops or restaurants.
- Housekeeping Staff: Clean rooms at hotels, lodges, or guest houses.
- Front Desk Receptionist: Greet guests and answer customer questions.
Entry-Level General Labor and Handyman Jobs
- General Worker: Do cleaning, loading, and simple jobs in warehouses or factories.
- Packer: Wrap up goods in stores, factories, or bakeries.
- Garden Worker: Take care of gardens at homes, parks, or properties.
- Security Guard (with training): Guard buildings, offices, and houses.
- Warehouse Assistant: Load and unload items in warehouses.
Entry-Level Informal and Self-Employment Jobs
- Street Vendor: Sell food, clothes, or electronics at taxi stands or markets.
- Delivery Rider (Bike/Motorcycle) – Bring meals or packages to people for businesses such as Uber Eats.
- House Cleaner – Tidy up homes and help with household tasks.
- Dog Walker or Pet Groomer – Look after animals in your neighborhood.
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- Entry-Level Jobs for School Leavers with Post-Matric Education
- If you have a diploma, higher certificate, or other post-matric qualification, you qualify for more specialized Entry-Level Jobs. These roles usually require some form of training but not prior work experience.
Office and Administrative Entry-Level Jobs
Admin & Clerical
- Entry-Level Admin: Do simple office work like organizing files and taking phone calls.
- Data Entry Clerk: Put data into computer systems and keep files up-to-date.
- Customer Support: Help customers using the internet, over the phone, or face-to-face.
- Receptionist: Work at the front desk, greeting visitors and handling basic office tasks.
- Entry-Level HR: Help the HR department with documents and hiring.
Finance & Business
- Bank Teller: Handle customer banking transactions.
- Entry-Level Bookkeeper: Keep track of money for small businesses.
- Accounting Clerk: Help with bills, payments, and simple accounting tasks.
- Salesperson: Sell financial services like insurance or store accounts.
- Marketing Assistant: Help with marketing by creating promotions and ads.
IT & Digital Media
- IT Support: Help people fix computer problems.
- Social Media Assistant: Make and manage social media posts for businesses.
- Entry-Level Graphic Designer: Design ads and marketing materials for small companies.
- Online Writer: Write articles and blog posts for websites.
- E-commerce Assistant: Help run online shops by managing orders and helping customers.
Health & Wellness
- Medical Receptionist: Help patients at clinics or hospitals.
- Pharmacy Assistant: Help get medicines ready for patients.
- Caregiver (with training): Help older or disabled people in care centers.
- Dental Assistant: Help dentists care for patients in dental offices.
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- Entry-Level Jobs for People with Short Course Certificates
If you have completed a short course in areas like computing, driving, first aid, or trades, you qualify for a variety of Entry-Level Jobs that require technical skills but no experience.
Technical and Skilled Entry-Level Jobs
- Electrician Assistant – Help electricians install and repair electrical systems.
- Plumbing Assistant – Assist plumbers in fixing water pipes and plumbing systems.
- Welding Assistant – Work with professional welders in manufacturing.
- Motor Mechanic Assistant – Help in car repair workshops.
- Construction Labourer (with training) – Work on building and maintenance projects.
Transport and Logistics Entry-Level Jobs
- Code 10 or Code 14 Driver – Drive trucks or company vehicles.
- Forklift Operator – Operate machinery to move goods in warehouses.
- Courier Driver – Deliver parcels for courier services.
- Uber/Bolt Driver – Transport passengers using ride-hailing apps.
- Truck Assistant – Assist truck drivers with loading and deliveries.
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Final Tips for Landing an Entry-Level Job
- Create a strong CV – Highlight skills, education, and any voluntary or informal work experience.
- Improve your computer skills – Many jobs require basic knowledge of Microsoft Office or Google Docs.
- Volunteer or Intern – Gaining any form of experience improves your employability.
- Network and apply widely – Let people know you’re job hunting and apply to multiple positions.
- Consider learnerships or apprenticeships – These programs provide training and work experience.
Finding a job without experience may seem challenging, but as this list shows, there are plenty of Entry-Level Jobs available for school leavers in South Africa. Whether you have Grade 12, a diploma, or a short course certificate, you can start your career in industries like retail, hospitality, administration, IT, and skilled trades. Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Opportunities Updates: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
To do well in any first job, you need to work hard, be open to learning, and take initiative. Bosses care about your attitude, how dependable you are, and your desire to improve, as much as your education. You can get promoted through hard work and additional education, even if you begin with a basic job.
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