What is a Learnership?

Understanding Learnerships in South Africa

A learnership is a structured learning programme registered under the Skills Development Act. It combines theoretical training with practical workplace experience and results in a nationally recognised qualification.

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Registered & Accredited

All learnerships are registered with a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) and fall under the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

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Work and Learn

You spend time both at a training provider and at an employer host. This gives you real experience alongside your theoretical studies.

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Monthly Stipend

Learners receive a monthly stipend while participating. The amount varies by SETA and NQF level, but typically ranges from R2 500 to R5 000 per month.

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Real Qualification

On completion you receive an NQF-registered qualification — not just a certificate of attendance — which is nationally recognised by employers across South Africa.

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Important: JobSA360 does not place learners into programmes. All applications must go directly to the employer or SETA using the official links below. Legitimate learnerships are free to apply for. Do not pay anyone who promises to secure you a placement.

Eskom · EWSETA · NQF Level 4
Electrical Engineering Learnership – Power Systems
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
📍 Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo 🎓 Grade 12 with Maths & Physical Science 📅 18 months ⏰ Closes: 25 May 2025 💰 R3 800/month stipend
MICT SETA · NQF Level 4
IT Technical Support Learnership
MICT SETA – Multiple Host Employers
📍 Gauteng, Western Cape 🎓 Grade 12 with Maths Literacy 📅 12 months ⏰ Closes: 20 June 2025 💰 R2 800 – R4 000/month
Transnet · TETA · NQF Level 3
Business Administration Learnership
Transnet SOC Ltd
📍 Multiple Provinces 🎓 Grade 10 minimum 📅 12 months ⏰ Closes: 13 June 2025 💰 R3 500/month stipend
HWSETA · NQF Level 3
Auxiliary Health Care Worker Learnership
Health & Welfare SETA – Accredited Training Providers
📍 All Provinces 🎓 Grade 10 / ABET Level 4 📅 18 months ⏰ Closes: 30 June 2025 💰 R2 500/month stipend
merSETA · NQF Level 3
Fitting & Turning Learnership (Metal Trade)
Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA
📍 Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape 🎓 Grade 10 with Maths 📅 36 months ⏰ Closes: 28 June 2025 💰 R3 000/month stipend
CATHSSETA · NQF Level 4
Hospitality & Tourism Learnership – Food & Beverage
Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport SETA
📍 Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal 🎓 Grade 10 minimum 📅 18 months ⏰ Closes: 15 July 2025 💰 R2 700/month stipend
INSETA · NQF Level 4
Short-Term Insurance Learnership
Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority
📍 Gauteng, Western Cape 🎓 Grade 12 / Matric 📅 12 months ⏰ Closes: 30 July 2025 💰 R3 200/month stipend
MICT SETA · NQF Level 5
Software Development Learnership
MICT SETA – Various Host Companies
📍 Gauteng, Western Cape, Durban 🎓 Matric with Maths (50%+) or IT Diploma 📅 18 months ⏰ Closes: 31 July 2025 💰 R4 500/month stipend

Understanding NQF Levels

NQF Level Guide for Learnerships

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) ranks qualifications from Level 1 (basic certificates) to Level 10 (doctorate). Most learnerships fall between NQF Level 1 and Level 6.

NQF Level Equivalent Qualification Entry Requirement Typical Learnership
Level 1–2 Basic certificate No matric required — Grade 7 or ABET General Worker, Cleaning Services, Basic Security
Level 3 Further Education & Training Certificate Grade 10 or Grade 11 Business Admin, Auxiliary Health Care, Hospitality
Level 4 National Certificate (equivalent to Matric) Grade 12 / Matric IT Support, Electrical Engineering, Insurance
Level 5 Higher Certificate Matric with relevant subjects Software Development, Financial Services, Project Management
Level 6 Diploma / Advanced Certificate Diploma or partial degree Engineering Technician, Advanced IT, Accounting Technician

Application Advice

Tips for a Successful Learnership Application

Competition for learnerships is high. These practical tips will help you put together the strongest possible application.

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Have a Clean, Honest CV

Even without much work experience, list your schooling, any community work, volunteer experience, and skills. Present yourself honestly and neatly.

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Write a Personal Motivation Letter

Explain why you want this specific learnership, how it connects to your career goals, and what you will bring to the programme.

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Certify Your Documents

Most SETA applications require certified copies of your ID, school results, and any other certificates. Visit your nearest police station or commissioner of oaths.

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Apply Well Before Deadline

Online portals can be slow or experience high traffic. Submit your application at least a week before the closing date.

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Apply to More Than One

You are allowed to apply to multiple learnerships simultaneously. Applying to several that match your qualifications increases your chances significantly.

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Never Pay to Apply

Legitimate learnerships are free to apply for. Anyone who charges you an "application fee" or "registration fee" is running a scam. Report them to the SETA or SAPS.

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