Learnerships are one of the best ways for young South Africans to gain work experience, develop skills, and earn a nationally recognized qualification while on the job.
Managed by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), learnerships combine workplace training with theoretical learning to prepare learners for the workforce.
What is a Learnership?
A learnership is a work-based learning program that leads to an NQF-registered qualification. These programs are directly related to the industry you are in. For example, banking learnerships provide qualifications and training specific to the banking sector.
Learnerships were introduced by the government to ensure learners are fully equipped for the workplace. They not only provide practical experience but also improve employment prospects and open doors to potential self-employment opportunities.
How Learnerships Work
Learnerships are structured as fixed-term employment contracts. As a learner, you sign a legally binding agreement with your employer and the training provider. This agreement outlines the responsibilities of each party and ensures your rights are protected.
During the learnership, you will:
- Work at a company and gain hands-on experience
- Attend theoretical training with a SETA-accredited provider
- Complete assignments, projects, and assessments required for your qualification
The combination of practical and theoretical learning ensures that you acquire the skills necessary to excel in your field.
Benefits of Learnerships
Learnerships offer multiple advantages to participants:
- Skills Development: Gain industry-relevant skills that improve your employability.
- Workplace Experience: Learn how to operate in a professional environment.
- Nationally Recognized Qualification: Receive an NQF-aligned certificate that adds credibility to your resume.
- Allowance During Training: Most companies provide a stipend to cover basic expenses like transport.
- Improved Employment Opportunities: Employers often prefer hiring learners they have trained, giving you a competitive edge.
While completion of a learnership does not guarantee employment, it significantly increases your chances of being hired, either with the company where you trained or elsewhere.
Learnership Requirements
To apply for a learnership in South Africa, you generally need to:
- Be between 16 and 35 years old
- Have completed school, college, or any other post-matric training
- If unemployed, secure an employer to participate in the program
- If employed, confirm with your current employer that you can complete a learnership
- Meet any qualification-specific entry requirements, such as subject or skill prerequisites
Learnership Duration and Structure
The length of a learnership typically ranges from one to two years, depending on the qualification and sector. The program consists of:
- Theoretical Training: Conducted by a SETA-accredited training provider, covering essential concepts and knowledge
- Practical Workplace Training: Hands-on learning under the guidance of a manager or team leader
Learners are required to complete all assessments, projects, and practical assignments to earn their certificate. Once completed, the learnership agreement and employment contract end unless the employer offers permanent employment.
Applying for a Learnership
Applications for learnerships usually open early in the year, with many closing around April. Applicants can search for opportunities on dedicated learnership websites, such as bursariesafrica.co.za, as well as on company and SETA portals.
When applying, it is essential to:
- Identify the sector and career path you want to pursue
- Check that you meet the entry requirements for the specific learnership
- Prepare all required documentation, such as ID, qualifications, and CV
Learnerships are an excellent way for young South Africans to gain practical work experience, acquire a recognized qualification, and improve employment prospects.
They combine hands-on training with theoretical learning, offer stipends during the program, and align with industry and NQF standards.
