Learnerships are one of the fastest routes to an accredited qualification plus workplace experience in South Africa. This guide explains what SETA learnerships are, how they work, who can apply, and a practical step‑by‑step application plan — plus expert tips to improve your chances of getting selected.
What is a SETA learnership? (Quick definition)
A learnership is a structured programme that combines workplace-based practical training with formal education and assessment, aimed at producing a nationally recognised qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Learnerships are outcomes‑based, registered with a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) and governed by the Skills Development Act. (merseta.org.za)
How learnerships work (structure, duration, outcomes)
- Tripartite model: Learnerships require a learner, an employer (or group of employers) and an accredited training provider. The three parties sign a learnership agreement that must be registered with the relevant SETA. (workinfo.com)
- Dual delivery: Time is split between workplace learning (practical experience) and structured education/training. Assessments are competency/outcome‑based. (merseta.org.za)
- Duration & credits: Typical learnerships range from about 6 to 24 months, most commonly 12–18 months, depending on the NQF level and the number of credits required for the qualification. Higher‑level qualifications usually take longer. (setacareers.co.za)
- Result: On successful completion you receive an NQF‑registered qualification or a statement of results for unit standards achieved. Employers often use learnerships as a talent pipeline for permanent hires. (boti.co.za)
Who pays and what you receive
- Employers (often with SETA grant support) fund learnership delivery; learners generally do not pay fees. Unemployed learners on registered learnerships are normally paid a learner allowance (stipend) by the employer to cover transport/food and basic expenses — the allowance is not a full salary. Stipends vary by sector and qualification level. (mysetalearnerships.co.za)
Learnership vs Internship vs Apprenticeship (comparison)
| Feature | Learnership | Internship | Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outcome | NQF‑registered qualification | Workplace experience (sometimes academic credit) | Trade qualification or artisan qualification (time/competency based) |
| Agreement | Tripartite, registered with SETA | Usually employer‑driven; not SETA registered | Registered contract (trade/apprenticeship) |
| Duration | 6–24 months (competency/credits) | Weeks–12 months | Longer technical programs (often multi‑year) |
| Stipend / Pay | Learner allowance typical | May be paid or unpaid | Paid apprenticeship wage common |
| Regulator | SETA / QCTO / SAQA | Varies | QCTO / trade boards / SETA historically |
| Sources: SETA descriptions and sector guidance. (skillsportal.co.za) |
(For a deeper comparison read: Apprenticeship vs Learnership vs Internship: Which Earn-While-You-Learn Route Is Right in South Africa?.)
Who can apply — eligibility and typical requirements
Eligibility differs by programme, but common points are:
- Entrance criteria are set by the qualification (e.g., minimum schooling such as Grade 12 for some NQF levels). (setacareers.co.za)
- Some learnerships prioritise youth, unemployed people and target demographic quotas (e.g., race, gender, people with disabilities) for SETA funding objectives. Specific SETAs may publish target profiles. (merseta.org.za)
- Required documents frequently include an ID, CV, proof of education (Matric certificate or statement), and any required clearances (criminal record, fitness tests) depending on the sector. If you’re under 21, parental/guardian involvement may be required. (northlink.co.za)
Step‑by‑step: How to apply for a SETA learnership
- Find opportunities
- Check the relevant SETA website and accredited training providers, company career pages, and trusted portal lists. SETAs and large employers regularly advertise learnership intakes. (mysetalearnerships.co.za)
- Also monitor local municipality youth desks and community announcements.
- Verify accreditation
- Confirm the learnership and training provider are SETA/QCTO‑accredited so the qualification will be nationally recognised. Avoid schemes that ask for payment up front. (mysetalearnerships.co.za)
- Prepare application documents
- Clean, tailored CV; certified copies of ID and highest qualification; cover letter stating why you want the learnership; contactable references. Prepare for sector‑specific checks (physical fitness, security clearance, driver’s licence) if needed. (northlink.co.za)
- Apply early & follow instructions
- Submit exactly what the advert requests (online form, email subject line, attachments named correctly). Early applicants often get preference. (seta-sa.co.za)
- Assessment & interviews
- Shortlisting may include written tests, practical exercises or interviews. Be punctual, bring originals and copies of documents, and show eagerness to learn. (mysetalearnerships.co.za)
- Sign the learnership agreement
- If selected you sign a tripartite learnership agreement (learner, employer, provider). The agreement is registered with the SETA; it outlines duration, stipend, learning outcomes and responsibilities. Keep a copy. (workinfo.com)
For a full step guide see: How to Apply for a SETA Learnership in 2025: Step‑by‑Step Guide. (Also check local SETA pages for sector‑specific intakes.) (seta-sa.co.za)
Practical tips to increase your chances (expert advice)
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to the learnership — highlight relevant school subjects, short courses, volunteer work and soft skills.
- Show workplace readiness: reliable transport plans, punctuality, and a positive attitude matter to employers.
- Build a simple portfolio (if applicable): copies of certificates, short descriptions of practical projects, or references from volunteer work.
- Network with providers & employers: attend information sessions, follow SETAs and training providers on LinkedIn, and ask current learners about their experience.
- Prepare for assessments: practise basic numeracy, literacy and sector‑specific scenarios. Many learnerships use competency tests.
- For more tips about turning short training into permanent employment, see: How to Turn an Internship into a Permanent Job in South Africa — Career Guidance South Africa. (boti.co.za)
After the learnership: credits, qualification & next steps
- Successful completion awards an NQF‑registered qualification (or unit‑standard credits). These increase employability and can be used to access higher qualifications or further learnerships. (merseta.org.za)
- Employers may offer permanent employment, further learnerships or advanced training; proactively ask for feedback and a completion reference. See also: How Stipends, Credits and Qualifications Work in South African Learnerships. (mysetalearnerships.co.za)
Useful resources & related reads
- Finding Paid Internships in South Africa: Where to Look and How to Stand Out
- Apprenticeship vs Learnership vs Internship: Which Earn-While-You-Learn Route Is Right in South Africa?
- Graduate Development Programmes in South Africa: Top Corporate Schemes and Application Tips
- How Stipends, Credits and Qualifications Work in South African Learnerships
- Index of Learnerships by SETA: A Practical Directory for South African Jobseekers
- Public-Sector Internships in South Africa: Application Timelines and Interview Strategies
- Employer Directory: Companies Offering Internships and Apprenticeships in South Africa
- Structured Data Templates for Listing Learnerships and Apprenticeships on Your South African Site
Final checklist before you apply
- Confirm learnership is SETA/QCTO accredited. (mysetalearnerships.co.za)
- Have certified ID and qualification documents ready. (northlink.co.za)
- Tailor CV and cover letter for the role.
- Apply early and follow application instructions exactly. (seta-sa.co.za)
If you want, I can:
- Review or improve your CV and cover letter for a specific learnership application; or
- Search current open SETA learnerships in a sector or province and list recent opportunities.
Sources and further reading: MERSETA and SETA guidance pages on learnerships; the Skills Development Act (learnership provisions); SETA and sector career guides on duration, stipends and registration procedures. (merseta.org.za)