Learnerships are one of South Africa's most valuable skills development tools, yet many young people do not fully understand how they work or how to access them. If you are a matriculant, a TVET graduate, or someone looking to gain a nationally recognised qualification while earning a stipend, this guide is for you.
What Is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured learning programme that combines theoretical education with practical workplace experience. Unlike internships, learnerships lead to a formal qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). They are regulated by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and are a key component of South Africa's National Skills Development Strategy.
Learnerships typically last 12 to 24 months. During this time, you split your time between classroom-based learning (usually at a TVET college or accredited training provider) and on-the-job training at a host employer. At the end of the programme, you receive a nationally recognised qualification.
How Do SETAs Work?
South Africa has 21 SETAs, each responsible for skills development in a specific economic sector. For example, the Banking SETA (BANKSETA) oversees learnerships in financial services, while the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) covers manufacturing and engineering. SETAs fund learnerships through the Skills Development Levy — a 1% payroll tax that employers pay to SARS. Companies can claim back a portion of this levy by offering learnerships, which is why many large employers actively recruit learners.
What Stipend Can You Expect?
Learnership stipends vary depending on the SETA, the employer, and the NQF level of the programme. As a general guide, stipends range from R3,500 to R8,000 per month. While this is not a full salary, it allows you to support yourself while gaining a qualification and work experience. Some employers also provide transport allowances or meals.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility requirements vary by programme, but most learnerships require:
- South African citizenship or permanent residency
- A matric certificate (some programmes accept Grade 10 or 11)
- Age between 18 and 35 (for youth-targeted programmes)
- No prior qualification in the same field (for some SETA-funded programmes)
Some learnerships specifically target candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds as part of B-BBEE compliance.
How to Apply
Learnership opportunities are advertised on company websites, SETA portals, and job platforms like StarterJobs. When applying, you will typically need to submit your CV, certified copies of your matric certificate and ID, and a motivational letter explaining why you want to participate in the programme. Some employers also require psychometric assessments or group interviews.
Benefits Beyond the Stipend
The real value of a learnership extends far beyond the monthly stipend. You gain a nationally recognised qualification that is portable across employers. You build practical skills that make you immediately employable. You develop professional networks and references. And many companies offer permanent employment to their top-performing learners — some studies suggest that up to 60% of learnership graduates are absorbed into permanent roles.
Browse Learnerships on StarterJobs
We curate learnership opportunities from across South Africa and update our listings daily. Visit our Learnerships page to browse current openings and start your application today.