Learnerships in South Africa
By TMP Team · Updated
Quick answer
A learnership combines structured learning with work experience and leads to a registered qualification. It is set up through a SETA, with an employer and an accredited training provider, and unemployed learners get an allowance. Find learnerships through SETAs, ESSA and SA Youth. You never pay to apply or to get a place.
Ways to do this
Official channels only. We don't run any of them.
- Online · DHETThe 21 SETAs and their websites: www.dhet.gov.za (SETAs)
- Online · Employment and LabourESSA work-seeker portal: essa.labour.gov.zaRegister, capture your CV and apply for opportunities.
- Online · SA YouthSA Youth: sayouth.mobiZero-rated on participating mobile networks.
- Call · DHETDHET career helpline: 086 999 0123
A learnership lets you study and work at the same time, and finish with a qualification an employer recognises. Learnerships are offered through SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities), at different times of the year.
What a learnership is
Under the Skills Development Act, a SETA can set up a learnership when it:
- includes structured learning,
- includes structured work experience,
- leads to a qualification registered with the South African Qualifications Authority for a trade, occupation or profession, and
- is registered in the way the law prescribes.
You sign a learnership agreement with an employer and an accredited training provider, and an employment contract with the employer. The contract must be in writing, signed by both of you, and include time for training and study. An apprenticeship is a learnership for a listed trade.
Learnership or internship?
| Learnership | Internship | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Structured learning and work experience that lead to a qualification registered on the NQF | On-the-job training for someone who already has a qualification |
| What you gain | A registered qualification | Experience related to what you studied or want to do |
| Money | Unemployed learners get a learner allowance from the employer | Depends on the internship programme |
The DHET’s career help website gives these definitions. It says a learnership usually makes up 120 credits, or about 1 200 hours of learning.
The learner allowance
merSETA explains that unemployed learners are paid a learner allowance by the employer. It is not a salary, but money towards costs such as travel and meals. The national minimum wage rules set a minimum weekly allowance, which depends on the NQF level of the learnership and the credits you have already earned. Your learnership agreement says what you will get.
A learnership doesn’t guarantee you a job when it ends.
Where to find legitimate learnerships
- SETAs. Each of the 21 SETAs covers a sector of the economy, such as banking, health or manufacturing. The DHET publishes the list of SETAs with their websites. Check the SETA for your sector, or contact it to ask which companies offer learnerships.
- ESSA. The government says to register as a work seeker so employers starting a learnership can find you. See how to register on ESSA.
- SA Youth. If you are 18 to 34, SA Youth lists learnerships, internships and apprenticeships.
- Career help. The DHET’s career helpline, 086 999 0123, can help you choose a field.
Check every advert against the employer’s or SETA’s own website before you apply. A CV that fits the learnership helps.
How to spot a fake learnership
- You are asked to pay. The Department of Employment and Labour says no person may charge a work seeker a fee for employment services, and that being asked to pay is likely a scam. Government departments have warned people never to pay for a learnership placement.
- It isn’t on an official site. The SETA or the employer named in the advert doesn’t list it.
- It asks for too much, too soon. Someone wants your ID number, bank details or a one-time PIN before any interview.
- It promises a guaranteed job or place. Real learnerships have a selection process.
If someone asks you for money for a learnership, don’t pay. The Department of Employment and Labour asks you to report them to it, at a labour centre.