Index of Learnerships by SETA: A Practical Directory for South African Jobseekers

Learnerships are one of South Africa’s most practical earn-while-you-learn pathways — combining workplace experience, training and a qualification recognised on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This guide gives jobseekers a clear, actionable index of learnerships by SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority), how to search and apply, and where to go next in your job search.

Quick overview: What a SETA is and why it matters

• A SETA is an industry body that develops and manages learnerships, apprenticeships and skills programmes for a specific sector. The Department of Higher Education and Training maintains SETA listings and coordinates SETA activity nationally. (dhet.gov.za)
• There are multiple SETAs covering most industries (finance, construction, health, ICT, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, etc.). Each SETA approves learnerships and often works with employers and training providers to place learners. (dhet.gov.za)

How to use this directory

1. Identify the sector closest to your career goal (e.g., finance → FASSET; ICT → MICT SETA).
2. Use the table below to find common learnership types and typical duration/NQF level.
3. Check SETA or employer sites and approved training providers for current intake cycles and application forms. (dhet.gov.za)
4. Apply with a focused CV and supporting documents (ID, matric certificate, qualification transcripts, proof of residence).

Representative index: Major SETAs and example learnerships

The table below lists commonly available learnerships per major SETA, typical NQF level, usual duration and whether stipends are commonly paid. This is a practical snapshot — always confirm current offerings on the SETA or employer page before applying. (seta-sa.co.za)

SETA (sector)	Example learnerships / focus areas	Typical NQF level	Typical duration	Stipend common?
MICT SETA (ICT & media)	IT Support, Systems Development, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics	NQF 3–5	12 months	Yes (often) (seta-sa.co.za)
FASSET (Finance & accounting)	Bookkeeping, Accounting Technician, Payroll Admin	NQF 3–5	12–18 months	Yes (seta-learnership.co.za)
BANKSETA (Banking)	Banking Services, Credit Admin, Customer Service	NQF 3–5	12 months	Yes (seta-sa.co.za)
merSETA (Manufacturing & engineering)	Electrical, Welding, Fitting & Turning, Mechatronics	NQF 2–5	12–24 months	Yes (especially artisan tracks) (seta-learnership.co.za)
CETA (Construction)	Bricklaying, Plumbing, Construction Supervision, Electrical	NQF 2–5	12–24 months	Yes (seta-learnership.co.za)
HWSETA (Health & welfare)	Community Health, Auxillary Nursing Admin roles	NQF 2–5	12–18 months	Sometimes (seta-sa.co.za)
AgriSETA (Agriculture)	Plant & animal production, Agribusiness	NQF 1–4	6–18 months	Sometimes (seta-learnership.co.za)
FOODBEV / FP&M (Food & manufacturing)	Production, Quality Control, Food Safety	NQF 2–5	12–18 months	Yes (seta-sa.co.za)
Services SETA (tourism/hospitality/retail)	Hospitality, Event Management, Retail Operations	NQF 2–4	6–12 months	Yes (hospitality commonly pays stipends) (seta-sa.co.za)

Note: This table is a practical sample. SETA names and available learnerships can be updated by DHET/SETA websites — always verify details before applying. (dhet.gov.za)

Where learnerships are advertised (practical places to look)

• Official SETA websites and the Department of Higher Education & Training SETA listings. (dhet.gov.za)
• Employer career pages and national companies that run large intake cycles (retail chains, banks, transport and FMCG companies). Many large employers list SETA-backed learnerships on their recruitment pages. (seta-sa.co.za)
• Job boards, community career centres, TVET/college noticeboards and approved skills providers.

Step-by-step: Applying for a SETA learnership

1. Read the full advert: eligibility, documents and closing date.
2. Prepare documents: ID, matric/qualification, CV, proof of residence and any required certificates (e.g., driver's licence).
3. Tailor your CV: highlight practical experience, teamwork, communication and any work-ready skills.
4. Apply online or via the appointed training provider; keep records of reference numbers.
5. Prepare for competency interviews — show willingness to learn and examples of problem-solving.
6. Follow up politely after two weeks if you haven’t heard back.

Tips to stand out (CV & interview)

• Lead with a short profile that shows sector intention (e.g., “Aspiring accounts clerk with bookkeeping modules”).
• Provide evidence: short project examples, volunteer service, college practicals or short courses.
• Be punctual, professional and prepared to discuss tasks you would perform on the job.
• Ask about learning outcomes and qualification credits during interviews — this shows commitment to completing the learnership.

How stipends, credits and qualifications work

Learnerships usually include both workplace training and formal classroom learning and lead to a qualification or credit-bearing unit standard on the NQF. Many learnerships pay a modest stipend (amounts vary by SETA, employer and level). Check How Stipends, Credits and Qualifications Work in South African Learnerships for a full breakdown. (seta-learnership.co.za)

Next steps after completing a learnership

• Ask your employer about placement or permanent positions — many companies hire top-performing learners. See How to Turn an Internship into a Permanent Job in South Africa — Career Guidance South Africa.
• Use your new NQF credits to apply for further study or artisan trade certification.
• Update your CV and LinkedIn with practical outcomes and competencies.

Quick apply checklist

• Full advert saved or bookmarked
• Certified copies of ID and highest qualification (or matric)
• Updated CV (1–2 pages) + short cover note tailored to the learnership
• References or contactable referees (if requested)
• Application submitted and confirmation saved

Related reading (follow for deeper guidance)

• Career Guidance South Africa: How SETA Learnerships Work and How to Apply
• 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
• Public-Sector Internships in South Africa: Application Timelines and Interview Strategies
• Employer Directory: Companies Offering Internships and Apprenticeships in South Africa
• How to Turn an Internship into a Permanent Job in South Africa — Career Guidance South Africa
• Structured Data Templates for Listing Learnerships and Apprenticeships on Your South African Site

Practical structured-data starter (JSON-LD) for learnerships

Use this template to mark up individual learnership pages (adjust values for each programme):

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Course",
  "name": "Business Administration Learnership (example)",
  "description": "12-month SETA-accredited learnership combining workplace training and classroom modules. Leads to NQF Level 4 credits.",
  "provider": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Example Training Provider",
    "sameAs": "https://example-provider.co.za"
  },
  "audience": {
    "@type": "Audience",
    "audienceType": "Jobseekers, Matriculants, Entry-level graduates"
  },
  "educationalCredentialAwarded": "NQF Level 4 (partial/full)",
  "timeRequired": "P12M"
}

Final notes

• Always verify intake dates, eligibility and stipend information on the SETA or employer page before applying. The Department of Higher Education & Training maintains SETA links and guidance. (dhet.gov.za)
• If you’d like, I can create a tailored shortlist of active learnerships for your sector and location, or help you draft a learnership CV and cover note.