Learnerships are work-study opportunities that are offered in many different faculties. It is a learning programme that puts emphasis on practical work experience and combines it the theoretical learning.
Once the learnership is complete, you receive a nationally recognized qualification in both theoretical and practical work components.
The question, however, is whether or not you can get a learnership without matric.
The answer is yes. Some businesses offer learnerships to people who do not have their matric qualification. The academic requirements for learnerships vary with different institutions. While some do prefer you to have matric, others don't. Companies like Eskom offer Learnerships for young people without Matric.
The pro of having a learnership is that in most cases while being taught the necessary skills required for the field, you also receive a small stipend for the practical work you are doing. This is however not a guarantee.
In most cases, learnerships take place over an 18 month period.
Learnerships are an effective way to gain a qualification and get real work experience, making it easier to gain employment after the duration of the learnership is over.
Learnerships are managed by the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), introduced by the government to help skill learners and get them ready for the workplace.
They assist the country in decreasing the level of population unemployment, which is why all companies should consider implementing learnership programmes.
Click here for the latest Learnership opportunities that are currently available.