South Africa offers numerous learnership programmes specifically designed for matriculants, allowing young people to gain practical work experience and earn stipends while developing skills required for future employment.
Learnerships for matriculants are structured 12 month to 24 month programmes that provide unemployed youth with on-the-job training while offering practical exposure to specific industries.
Learners gain knowledge and skills in areas such as administration, finance, retail, logistics, customer service, healthcare, engineering, and information technology.
The programmes help youth develop workplace competencies, including teamwork, communication, professionalism, and task management.
Completion of a learnership equips matriculants with employable skills and increases their chances of securing permanent employment.
Who can apply for matriculant learnerships?
Learnerships are open to unemployed South African citizens who have completed Grade 12 (Matric).
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
No prior work experience is required, making these programmes ideal for first-time job seekers.
Applicants must be able to commit to full-time participation for the duration of the learnership.
Some learnerships may require basic computer literacy or knowledge of specific subjects depending on the programme stream.
What are the requirements for matriculant learnerships?
Applicants must meet both academic and personal criteria before being considered for placement.
- Certified copy of a South African ID must be provided.
- Certified Matric certificate is required.
- An updated CV highlighting skills, volunteering, or community service experience.
- Proof of residence may be requested.
- Applicants must be willing to work in the location assigned by the employer or training provider.
Some learnerships may include assessments, interviews, and psychometric tests for shortlisted candidates.
How do you apply for learnerships for matriculants?
Applications must be submitted through official portals of the employer, training provider, or SETA offering the learnership.
You can search for available learnerships on official portals such as:
- Create a profile on the relevant learnership portal.
- Complete all personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload certified copies of ID, Matric certificate, and CV.
- Search for learnerships suitable for matriculants with no experience.
- Submit the application before the advertised closing date.
Applications submitted outside official portals or incomplete submissions are not considered.
What types of jobs are available for matriculant learnerships?
Learnerships for matriculants are available in a wide range of industries.
- Administration – office assistant roles in government and private companies.
- Retail – sales assistants, cashiers, and customer service positions.
- Finance – bank teller or clerical support in financial institutions.
- Logistics – warehouse operations, stock management, and delivery coordination.
- Healthcare – auxiliary nursing or pharmacy assistant roles.
- IT – basic support or data entry in information technology departments.
- Engineering – junior technical support or artisan learnerships.
- Hospitality – front desk, kitchen, or catering assistant roles.
- Telecommunications – call center or sales support positions.
- Construction – site support, project administration, or assistant labour positions.
When do matriculant learnership applications open and close?
The application periods depend on the employer, sector, and SETA offering the learnership.
Most learnerships for 2026 open early in the year and close once all available placements are filled.
Applicants are advised to apply as soon as opportunities are advertised to avoid missing intake deadlines.
Checking official portals regularly ensures learners do not miss openings and closing dates.
What contact details can you use for matriculant learnership applications?
All applications and enquiries must be submitted through official portals to avoid scams.
- Government Services Portal
- General enquiries email: info@skillsportal.co.za
- Telephone: 012 312 0000 (Department of Higher Education and Training)
These learnerships offer matriculants their first work experience, provide workplace skills, and increase the likelihood of future employment even with no prior experience.
