Small beginnings. Real-world confidence.
Life skills for your next chapter
Your first CV. Your first bank account. Your first job. Practical steps to help South African students prepare for life beyond school.
Start with one guide, try the activity, then ask someone you trust to help with the next step.
Your first CV starts with what you can do
You do not need a first job to have useful experience. School projects, volunteering, sport, caring responsibilities and helping in a family business can show real skills.
- 1
Choose a clear structure
Start with your name, a professional email address, phone number and town. Add a short introduction, education, skills, projects or experience, and references if requested. Aim for one or two readable pages.
- 2
Show evidence, even without paid work
Use a specific example: “Organised a study group for five classmates” or “Created a spreadsheet to track stock.” Explain what you did, the skill you used and the result. Be honest about your level.
- 3
Match the opportunity
Read the advert and highlight relevant skills. Give your school, subjects and qualification status accurately. Include a portfolio link only if it is safe and useful. Ask permission before naming a referee.
- 4
Check and send it
Proofread with someone you trust. Save a PDF with a clear filename such as Firstname-Surname-CV.pdf, unless the employer requests another format. Use a short email naming the role and attach the right file.
Open an account you understand
A bank account can help you receive pay, save and make payments. Choose by your needs and total fees, and check the bank’s current requirements before applying.
- 1
Compare the costs
Look at monthly fees, cash deposits, withdrawals, transfers, card replacement and data needed for the app. Ask what changes when a youth or student account expires. You do not need an overdraft or credit card to start.
- 2
Check eligibility and documents
Requirements depend on your age, citizenship or residency and the account. Banks may ask for an ID or passport, contact details and address information or supporting documents. Under-18 accounts may need a parent or legal guardian and proof of that relationship.
- 3
Apply through the bank itself
Use the bank’s verified app, website or branch. Ask a trusted adult to help you check the process. Some accounts can be opened online; others need a branch visit. Never upload bank application documents to AI Grassroots.
- 4
Set up safe access
Choose a private PIN and strong password, enable transaction alerts and learn how to freeze a lost card. Check the account details carefully before sharing them with a verified employer for salary payments.
Give each rand a job
A budget is a plan for money you actually have. Small, regular habits matter more than having a large income.
- 1
Write down your income
List reliable take-home pay, an allowance or other money you expect to receive. Keep uncertain income separate. Plan for the dates money arrives and bills are due.
- 2
Put essentials first
List food, transport, rent or household contributions, data and study costs. Then set aside a small amount for unexpected costs and savings before planning optional spending.
- 3
Practise with a simple example
If you have R1,000 for a month, you might plan R400 for transport, R250 for food, R100 for data, R150 for savings and R100 for other needs. This adds to R1,000. It is a practice example; change every amount to fit your situation.
- 4
Review and ask before borrowing
Track spending for a week and adjust your plan. Before taking credit, understand the total repayment, interest, fees and consequences of missed payments. Ask a trusted adult or a qualified adviser if you are unsure.
Plan the road from learner to driver
This checklist covers an ordinary light motor vehicle in South Africa: a Code 2 learner’s licence and a Code B driving licence. Motorcycle and heavy-vehicle age rules differ.
- 1
Start with the learner’s test
For a Code 2 learner’s licence, the minimum age is 17. Study road rules, signs and vehicle controls. A learner’s licence is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended.
- 2
Book through the official testing centre
Contact your driving licence testing centre (DLTC) about booking, current fees and required documents. Expect identity and address documentation, photos where required and an eye test. Confirm photo requirements before paying for them. Online booking availability differs by province.
- 3
Practise safely with supervision
A learner’s licence does not let you drive independently. Arrange lawful supervision and safe lessons. Budget for bookings, lessons, transport, test-day vehicle access and licence issue fees. Use an instructor you can verify.
- 4
Book the practical driving test
For a Code B driving licence, the minimum age is 18 and you need a valid learner’s licence. Confirm the DLTC’s booking documents and test-day vehicle requirements. After passing, follow the centre’s process for a temporary licence and collection of your card.
Build a small, safe admin folder
Keeping the right records makes study and job applications less stressful. Save what you need securely, and send it only when a verified organisation requests it.
- 1
Plan your identity document
South Africans can apply for an identity document from age 16. Check Home Affairs guidance for your first application, documents and available appointment channels. Requirements depend on your circumstances.
- 2
Keep education records organised
Store your school reports, qualifications, certificates and a current CV. Keep a list of application dates and reference numbers. Certification requirements vary: check before paying for printing or travelling.
- 3
Use a professional contact point
Create an email address you can keep, protect it with a strong password and additional sign-in security, and check it regularly. Keep a backup of essential files in a place only you or a trusted guardian can access.
- 4
Plan study, training or work
Compare entry requirements, application deadlines, total costs, transport and support. Use the institution’s official website. Ask a teacher, career adviser or trusted adult to help you check accreditation and a realistic backup option.
Prepare for the conversation and the first payslip
A first job is a learning experience. You can prepare good questions, practise explaining your skills and understand what you are agreeing to.
- 1
Prepare for an interview
Read about the employer and role. Practise a short introduction and two examples of solving a problem or working with others. Plan transport or check your online connection, and arrive ready. Ask about tasks, training and the next steps.
- 2
Understand the offer
Ask for the role, pay, working hours, location, start date and terms in writing. Read before signing and keep a copy. Ask about transport costs, safety and who will support you. Seek help with anything you do not understand.
- 3
Check your payslip
Understand gross pay (before deductions) and net pay (what you receive). Check the pay period, deductions and amounts. Ask payroll to explain unfamiliar deductions and keep your payslips safely.
- 4
Handle tax through official channels
If you need to register for tax when starting work, SARS explains the process through eFiling or your employer. A first-time job seeker should not need a tax number simply to attend an interview. Never pay a stranger to obtain one.
Protect your opportunities and your information
Job searches, learning accounts and banking all involve personal information. Pause, verify and ask for help before sharing something sensitive.
- 1
Verify the person and the link
Find the organisation’s official website yourself. Check spelling and contact the organisation using the details on that site. A logo, message or social media profile alone is not proof.
- 2
Secure your accounts
Use different strong passwords and enable additional sign-in security where available. Keep devices updated, lock your phone and avoid signing into sensitive accounts on shared devices.
- 3
Keep secrets secret
Never share passwords, OTPs, PINs or account access. An unexpected caller asking for them is a warning sign. Do not receive or transfer money for someone else in exchange for a reward.
- 4
Act quickly if something goes wrong
Contact your bank immediately through its verified channels if banking access is involved. Change compromised passwords, save evidence of the message and tell a trusted adult. Report threats or fraud through the appropriate official channels.
Guidance checked against the linked sources on 6 October 2026. Requirements, fees and processes may change. Confirm details with the provider or authority before applying. Bank links illustrate application processes; compare providers before choosing an account. For learners under 18, involve a parent, guardian or trusted school adult where needed.