Working on Fire Wildfire Firefighter Programme 2026
A government-funded EPWP that recruits and fully trains unemployed youth from marginalised communities as veld and forest (wildfire) firefighters via a 23-day recruit course at the Kishugu.
Apply for the Working on Fire Wildfire Firefighter Programme
Provider: Working on Fire (Kishugu Joint Venture) for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (EPWP) • National
Program Overview
Program Details
Key Benefits
- ✓NQF Level 4 accredited qualification
- ✓Real workplace experience with a recognised employer
- ✓Stipend: EPWP stipend
- ✓Mentorship and structured on-the-job training
- ✓Strong pathway toward permanent employment
Entry Requirements
- ✓Grade 12 / Matric (Maths and Physical Science preferred); age 18 or older
- ✓Physically fit; pass physical assessment (2.4 km run, push-ups, sit-ups, load carry, ladder climb) and claustrophobia/acrophobia test
- ✓No criminal record
- ✓Valid Code B (08) driver's licence
- ✓Pass written assessment (Maths + Comprehension), behavioural assessment, and medical evaluation
Career Opportunities
On successful completion, learners can pursue roles such as:
How to Apply
Check the requirements
Confirm you meet every entry requirement before you apply.
Prepare your documents
Certified ID, matric certificate / qualifications, CV and any supporting documents.
Apply online
Submit your application via the official Working on Fire (Kishugu Joint Venture) for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (EPWP) careers portal.
Assessments & interview
Shortlisted candidates complete assessments and interviews.
Placement
Successful learners sign a learnership agreement and begin the programme.
⚠️ Good to Know
Programme is ACTIVE and ongoing but recurring rather than a single fixed intake. The official site workingonfire.org is live; the EPWP page confirms WoF employs 5000+ trained veld/forest firefighters across 200+ bases nationally (implementing agent: Kishugu, under DFFE/EPWP). This corroborates the existing title…
• Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted — check the official portal for the latest intake dates.
• Learnerships are aimed at unemployed South African youth; preference is often given to candidates from designated groups.
• Beware of scams — GoCareers never charges for applications, and neither do legitimate employers.
Ready to apply?
Head to the official Working on Fire (Kishugu Joint Venture) for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (EPWP) careers portal to submit your application.
Apply for the Working on Fire Wildfire Firefighter Programme →