Are you a recent graduate passionate about high-stakes banking, sales, and corporate growth? The 12-month Absa CIB Trailblazer Learnership is now open for applications!
This is your chance to work alongside high-performing teams in Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) while completing a fully funded NQF Level 6 qualification. Absa is looking for “trailblazers” who are ready to learn the vast inner workings of modern finance.
Position Details:
- Company: Absa Group (CIB Division)
- Location: Johannesburg (Main Campus) / Sandton
- Duration: 12-Month Learnership
- Qualification: Funded NQF Level 6 Certificate
- Job Type: Graduate Learnership
Requirements:
- Education: Must have an NQF Level 7 Degree (Bachelor’s) in:
- Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
- Mathematics or Statistics.
- Business Management.
- Academic Record: A minimum average of 60% – 65%.
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
- Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Excel is a must-have).
- Eligibility: You must not be currently employed or participating in another learnership.
What You’ll Do (Rotations & Exposure):
The “Trailblazer” path isn’t a desk-bound admin role. You will rotate through:
- Client Coverage: Learning how to manage relationships with major corporate clients.
- Onboarding & KYC: Understanding the regulatory and legal side of bringing on new business.
- Public Sector Banking: Working with government entities and state-owned enterprises.
- Digital Operations: Exploring the tech that powers modern investment banking.
- Sales & Trading Support: Gaining insight into how financial products are moved in the market.
Inclusive Hiring:
Absa is deeply committed to diversity. People with disabilities (PWD) are strongly encouraged to apply. Absa provides a supportive, accessible workplace designed to help all trailblazers thrive.
How to Apply:
Ensure your application includes your CV, Certified ID, and Full Academic Transcript (to prove your 60% average).
Career Advice for Absa Applicants
- The “CIB” Mindset: Corporate banking is different from retail banking (your personal bank account). It involves massive loans, mergers, and international trade. In your interview, mention your interest in economic trends or market movements.
- Excel is Non-Negotiable: Investment banking lives in spreadsheets. If you have any certification in Advanced Excel (Pivot tables, VLOOKUPs), highlight it prominently.
- Mentorship Value: Absa emphasizes mentorship. Be prepared to talk about how you seek out feedback and how you have used advice in the past to improve your performance.
Possible Interview Questions
Technical & Economic
- “What is your understanding of the difference between Retail Banking and Corporate Investment Banking (CIB)?”
- “How do current interest rate changes in South Africa affect large corporate clients and their ability to borrow?”
- “What do you know about ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) and why it’s vital for a bank’s security?”
Behavioral
- “Tell us about a time you had to analyze a set of data to make a recommendation.”
- “As a ‘Trailblazer,’ how do you handle entering a fast-paced environment where you are the least experienced person in the room?”