Learnerships are structured learning programmes that combine theoretical education with practical on-the-job training.
This gives learners a great opportunity to gain qualifications while gaining work experience. These programmes are useful for unemployed individuals who want to enter a specific field but lack the necessary skills and qualifications.
Learnerships are vocational education and training programmes that lead to a nationally recognised qualification. They are offered by employers in collaboration with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
Each learnership is registered with the Department of Labour, and these programmes are developed by SETAs to address the skills shortage in South Africa. The qualifications learners obtain upon completion are recognised by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Learners will be paid a monthly stipend, or payment, each month while on the Learnership. The exact amount of money paid to the learner depends on the NQF level of the Learnership.
Why Apply for a Learnership?
Learnerships provide several benefits, especially for unemployed individuals, including:
- Gaining valuable work experience while studying
- Earning a qualification that is recognized nationally
- Receiving a stipend while completing the programme
- Improving job prospects in a specific career field
Requirements for Entering a Learnership
Different Learnerships have different entry requirements. While some require a Grade 12 certificate, others may not have specific academic requirements. The entry criteria usually depend on the nature of the Learnership and the field of study.
There are some lLearnerships that do not require learners to meet any entry requirements, but others require learners to have a grade 12 certificate. Some Learnerships have entry requirements that relate directly to the field of study.
Where To Find Learnerships
The Department of Labour provides a list of registered learnerships on its website. You can find this list by visiting www.labour.gov.za, clicking on the “useful documents tab,” and selecting “Registered Learnerships by SETAs.”
However you can only apply for one of these Learnerships when a company agrees to host the learners and allow them to work while on this Learnership. This means that there isn't a standard time to start the Learnership, as there is with degrees and diplomas. You have to keep looking for new Learnership programmes as they open for applications.
How Do I Apply for a Learnership If I Am Unemployed?
If you are unemployed and want to apply for a learnership, you can register with the Department of Labour as a work-seeker.
The labour centre will then contact you if you meet the minimum criteria for the learnership of a specific employer if one becomes available.
To save time you can also keep up to date by regularly checking the Careers Portal website, by visiting our Learnerships page.
