How to apply for learnerships in South Africa

If you are young, unemployed and want a way into work, a learnership can be one of the best doors to knock on. You learn, you get real workplace experience, you usually get a monthly stipend, and you finish with a recognised qualification.

Here is how they work and how to give yourself the best chance.

What is a learnership?

A learnership is a structured training programme that combines two things:

Theory: classes or learning sessions, often with a training provider.
Practical work: time spent working at a real company, doing the job under supervision.

At the end, if you pass, you get a qualification that is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Most learnerships run for about 12 months, though some are shorter or longer.

Learnerships exist in almost every field: retail, call centres, banking, IT, electrical, plumbing, mining, hospitality, admin, agriculture, logistics and more.

Learnerships, internships and apprenticeships: what is the difference?

Learnership: leads to an NQF-registered qualification. Many are open to people with matric, and some to people without.
Internship: usually for graduates or diploma holders who need workplace experience in their field.
Apprenticeship: for trades like electrician, fitter or boilermaker, and usually ends in a trade test that makes you a qualified artisan.

Apply for whichever one fits where you are right now.

What is a SETA?

SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. Each SETA covers a particular part of the economy, for example banking, services, construction, mining, health, or information technology.

SETAs register and fund learnerships and make sure the training meets standards. Employers who run learnerships often get funding or tax benefits for doing so, which is why many companies offer them.

You do not usually apply "to a SETA" for a job. Most of the time you apply to the company or training provider that runs the learnership. But SETA websites and social media are useful places to find programmes and check that one is real.

Will I get paid?

Most learnerships for unemployed people pay a monthly stipend. This is an allowance to help with transport and basic costs while you learn. It is not a full salary.

The amount varies a lot depending on the company, the SETA, the sector and the level of the qualification. The advert should state the amount. If it does not, ask once you are shortlisted.

Who can apply?

Every learnership has its own requirements, so always read the advert. The most common ones are:

Age: many are aimed at young people, often 18 to 35.
South African citizen with a valid ID.
Education: many ask for matric (Grade 12). Some ask for specific subjects like maths or physical science. Some entry-level ones accept Grade 10 or 11.
Unemployed: many learnerships are specifically for unemployed people. Some are for people who are already working at the company.
Living in a certain area: some are only for people from a specific province, town or community near the workplace.
Some programmes focus on particular groups, such as people with disabilities.

If you do not meet the main requirements, do not apply. It wastes your time and theirs. Look for one that fits.

Where to find real learnerships

Company careers pages. Big banks, retailers, mines, telecoms companies and manufacturers often advertise their own learnerships once or twice a year.
SETA websites and social media pages.
Government youth employment platforms and labour centres. Your local Department of Employment and Labour office and youth programmes can point you to opportunities.
TVET colleges. Many have links with employers and share opportunities with students and the community.
Job sites, like How2Apply.
Your local municipality, library or community centre notice boards.

How to apply

Read the whole advert. Check the requirements, closing date and how to apply.
Prepare your CV. Keep it to one or two pages. Put your matric results, subjects and any courses near the top.
Have your documents ready as clear scans or photos: ID, matric certificate or latest results, any other certificates. Only send certified copies if the advert asks for them.
Write a short motivation if asked: why this field, why you, and what you will do with the qualification.
Apply exactly how they ask: online form, email or drop-off. Follow the instructions to the letter.
Apply before the closing date. Popular learnerships get thousands of applications.

Many learnership selection processes include online tests (numeracy, reading, reasoning), group interviews or assessment days. Practise basic maths and reading, and treat every step like a job interview.

A serious warning about fee-charging "agents"

This is where many young people get hurt.

You will see adverts and WhatsApp messages from people who say they can "place you in a learnership" or "submit your CV to SETAs" for a fee. Some charge R100. Some charge R1,500 or more. Some ask for "registration" or "admin" money.

You should never pay to apply for a learnership. Real learnerships are funded by employers and SETAs. Legitimate training providers and companies do not charge unemployed learners to apply or to get a place.

Also be careful of:

People who ask for your ID and bank details "to register you" for a programme you never applied for.
Offers where you "only need to sign" and will be paid a stipend without attending anything. Some of these use your details to claim funding, and you may end up in trouble or locked out of real programmes later.
Messages claiming to be from a SETA that come from personal numbers or free email addresses.

If you are unsure, contact the company or SETA directly using the details on its official website and ask whether the programme is real.

Once you are in

Treat your learnership like a real job, because it is your first reference. Be on time. Complete your assignments. Ask questions. Get to know your supervisor. Many learners are offered jobs at the end, and they are almost always the ones who showed up and worked hard every day.

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