Top 20 Learnerships to Apply for in South Africa

For many young South Africans, starting a career can feel like a tough challenge, especially when job opportunities are limited. Learnerships offer a brilliant pathway to bridge this gap. They combine structured learning with practical workplace experience, often alongside a stipend, and lead to nationally recognized qualifications. Whether you have completed grade 10, 11, or matric (grade 12), learnerships can open doors to permanent employment by equipping you with skills employers want.Top 20 Learnerships to Apply for in South Africa

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This comprehensive guide lists the top 20 learnerships available in South Africa and shares practical advice on how to increase your chances of acceptance. From retail to finance, logistics to engineering, there’s a learnership suited for various interests and career paths.

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What Is a Learnership?

A learnership is a training program regulated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and supported by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). It combines theory with workplace practical experience and leads to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Learnerships are often aimed at youth and unemployed individuals to help them gain relevant skills and enhance employability.

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Why Apply for a Learnership?

• Gain Practical Experience: Learnerships provide hands-on work experience.
• Earn a Stipend: Most learnerships offer a monthly stipend to support learners financially.
• Obtain a Qualification: Successful completion results in a formal, recognized qualification.
• Increase Job Opportunities: Employers value candidates with learnership experience.
• Build Networks: Work alongside industry professionals and improve your professional contacts.

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Top 20 Learnerships in South Africa You Should Know About

1. SETA Learnerships

SETA (Sector Education and Training Authorities) learnerships are funded by the government and target various industries. These learnerships combine classroom learning with on-the-job training, offering qualifications in sectors like:

• Wholesale & Retail (W&RSETA)
• Finance and Banking (FASSET)
• Logistics (LGSETA)
• Health and Welfare (HWSETA)

Thousands of youth benefit each year from these programs, which cater to entry-level and more advanced learners.

2. Eskom Apprenticeships

Eskom, South Africa’s leading electricity supplier, offers apprenticeships mainly in technical fields, such as:

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Welding
• Boiler Making
• Turning and Fitting

These programs are competitive but highly rewarding, including stipends and hands-on training in a leading utility company.

3. Transnet Traineeships

Transnet provides a range of learnerships, especially in:

• Freight Handling
• Engineering
• Logistics

These traineeships are great for those seeking long-term career growth in transport and logistics.

4. Shoprite Learnerships

Shoprite is one of the biggest retail chains in Africa. Their learnerships offer experience in:

• Retail Operations
• Pharmacy Assistance
• Finance
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Most Shoprite learnerships require a Matric certificate, though some entry-level positions accept Grade 11 learners.

5. Pay-As-You-Go Retail Learnerships

These are tailored for learners interested in gaining retail and customer service experience. Positions include:

• Cashier training
• Sales and Customer Service roles

Nationwide availability makes these a good option for many learners.

6. Capitec Bank Learnerships

Capitec offers learnerships in the financial sector, ideal for candidates with:

• A Matric certificate
• Good communication skills
• No criminal record

The programs focus on customer service and banking knowledge, opening doors to the finance industry.

7. FNB Apprenticeships

First National Bank (FNB) offers learnerships in:

• IT Support
• Banking Services
• Client Services
• Call Centre Operations

A Matric certificate is required for most of these programs.

8. Standard Bank Learnerships

Standard Bank provides opportunities in:

• Finance
• Business Administration
• Customer Service

These learnerships come with stipends and provide practical exposure to the banking sector.

9. Nedbank Apprenticeships

Nedbank focuses on financial services and office administration. Ideal candidates are those who have strong communication skills and want to pursue a career in banking or business support.

10. Discovery Learnerships

Discovery offers programs in:

• Call Centre Operations
• Health Insurance Administration
• Business Administration
• Finance

These learnerships provide a balance of classroom learning and workplace experience.

11. Momentum Metropolitan Learnerships

Momentum is a leader in life insurance and financial services, offering learnerships in:

• Life Insurance
• Finance
• Customer Service
• Call Centre roles

Most programs require a Matric certificate.

12. Nando’s Learnerships

For those interested in hospitality, Nando’s provides learnerships covering:

• Customer Service
• Restaurant Management
• Cash Handling

They are ideal for beginners in the hospitality sector.

13. KFC Learnerships

KFC offers training in:

• Food Preparation
• Customer Service
• Cashier Duties
• Store Management

Matric is usually required, but some locations accept Grade 11 learners.

14. SA Youth / Harambee Learnerships

SA Youth and Harambee work together to offer hundreds of learnerships in:

• Retail
• Hospitality
• Security
• Administration
• Logistics

These programs require no previous work experience and are available nationwide.

15. Toyota Apprenticeships

Toyota offers technical learnerships in:

• Automotive Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Logistics

Ideal for learners with a strong interest in technical skills and engineering.

16. Mercedes-Benz Training Programs

Based mainly in East London and Pretoria, Mercedes-Benz offers highly competitive learnerships in:

• Automotive Mechanic Training
• Paint Spraying
• Fitting and Turning

17. Clicks Learnerships

Clicks offers programs in:

• Pharmacy Assistance
• Retail Assistance
• Customer Service

Perfect for youth interested in health and beauty retail.

18. Mr Price Learnerships

Mr Price focuses on fashion retail and offers learnerships in:

• Cashier Training
• Stock Management
• Sales and Store Management

Great for those passionate about fashion retail careers.

19. Boxer Superstores Learnerships

Boxer Superstores provide learnerships in:

• Retail Operations
• Customer Service
• Store Management

Some positions don’t require previous experience.

20. Coca-Cola Learnerships

Coca-Cola offers learnerships in:

• Logistics
• Warehouse Operations
• Sales
• Supply Chain Management

These programs emphasize career growth and advancement.

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Who Can Apply for Learnerships?

Learnerships are mainly aimed at South African youth who meet the following criteria:

• Age: Between 18 and 35 years old
• Education: Matric or sometimes Grade 10 or 11 (depending on the program)
• Employment Status: Unemployed or not currently in permanent employment
• Background: No criminal record
• Skills: Willingness to learn and basic communication skills

Stipends usually range from R3,500 to R7,500 per month, depending on the sector and employer.

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How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Accepted

1. Prepare a Professional CV

Your CV should be clear, concise, and free of errors. Include your contact details, education, skills, and any informal work or volunteer experience.

2. Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain why you want the learnership, what you hope to gain, and how you will contribute to the company. Show enthusiasm and reliability.

3. Apply Early

Many learnerships have limited spaces and fill up quickly. Keep track of deadlines and apply as soon as applications open.

4. Use Official Platforms Only

Avoid scams by applying through official company websites, reputable portals like SAYouth.mobi, LinkedIn, or government platforms.

5. Have Your Documents Ready

Scan and save your ID, Matric certificate, CV, and motivation letter as PDFs to upload when applying.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between a learnership and an internship?
A: A learnership is a structured program combining theory and practical work, leading to a recognized qualification. Internships focus more on gaining experience and may not always include formal education or certification.

Q2: Do I need to pay to join a learnership?
A: No, learnerships are free to join and often provide a stipend to support learners during the program.

Q3: Can I apply for multiple learnerships at the same time?
A: Yes, applying for several learnerships increases your chances, but make sure to meet each program’s requirements.

Q4: Will I get a job after completing a learnership?
A: Many learnerships lead to permanent job offers, but this depends on the company and your performance. Completing a learnership also improves your chances of finding work elsewhere.

Q5: What documents do I need to apply?
A: Usually, you need a certified copy of your ID, a Matric certificate or school report, a CV, and sometimes a motivation letter.

Q6: Where can I find learnership opportunities?
A: Learnerships are listed on company websites, SAYouth.mobi, government job portals, LinkedIn, and official social media pages.

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Conclusion

Learnerships are among the best ways for young South Africans to start building a career. They provide practical skills, qualifications, income, and a stepping stone to permanent employment. With diverse opportunities across industries like retail, finance, logistics, engineering, and hospitality, there is a learnership to suit almost everyone’s interests.

Stay proactive, prepare your documents, apply early, and use only trusted platforms. By doing so, you can take full advantage of these valuable programs and secure your future career.