Are you unemployed and looking to gain work experience and skills? A learnership could enable you to gain the work related experience while working towards
Learnership opportunities in South Africa may be offered by employers, government departments as well as agencies working with the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
In this guide to finding learnerships in South Africa we look at where to search for learnership opportunities, what to include in your application and how to spot a learnership scam.
What Is A Learnership?
A learnership is a learning programme which usually combines theoretical and practical training. It leads to the learner obtaining a national qualification which is registered on the National Qualification Framework.
The duration and entry requirements of each learnership vary depending on the qualification.
Who Can Apply?
The requirements vary depending on the learnership. Some require you to have completed Grade 12 while others may only require you to have been in grade 10. Some learnerships require you to meet certain academic requirements such as having certain topics at school or a certain percentage for the subjects.
You may also need to meet the following requirements when applying:
• The required level of education – such as having completed Matric or Grade 12.
• The set age limit – if the learnership is for a specific age group, you must apply if you fit into that group.
• Being unemployed – some learnerships are only for unemployed people.
• Having specific subjects.
• Completing documents that the company asks for.
Always make sure you read the requirements of the job ad before you apply.
Where To Find Learnership Opportunities
1. South African Government
The South African government has all the available learnership opportunities on their website.
You can find this information here: https://www.gov.za/issues/skills-development
2. Department Of Employment And Labour
Unemployed people can register as work seekers at their nearest Labour Centre. In this way, when an opportunity arises, the employer will be able to find suitable candidates to fill the post.
You can find more information on the Department of Employment And Labour website: https://www.labour.gov.za/
3. Services SETA Learner Portal
The Services SETA has a portal where learners can update all their personal information. Employers and training providers can use this information to contact possible candidates.
You can register here: https://serviceseta.org.za/learners/
It is important to note that registering on a learner portal does not guarantee you a learnership or any funding.
4. Other SETAs
There are different SETAs for different job fields. You can look for the SETA relevant to your chosen career and find out if they have any learnership opportunities available.
5. Company Career Web Pages
Some companies advertise learnership opportunities on their website. You can go to the company’s careers page and find out more information. You should always go to the company’s recruitment website to ensure that you find legitimate information. You must also check the job ad to see what information you need to provide as well as the deadline for submitting your application.
How To Apply For A Learnership
1. Pick A Career
Decide what you would like your future career to be. You should narrow it down to your field of interest – such as business management, retail, hospitality, engineering, information technology or even in agriculture.
2. Do A Search
You need to search on the websites mentioned earlier for learnership opportunities.
3. Check The Requirements
Make sure the set requirements match your own personal requirements – you must be able to complete the learnership and get to the workplace.
4. Gather Your Documents
Depending on the job ad, you may need a CV, your ID, your academic results and your residential address.
5. Submit Your Application
Always follow the instructions on the job ad and make sure you submit your application before the closing date.
6. Check Your Messages
Make sure you always check your email or phone for any contact from the employer.
Do Learnerships Pay An Allowance?
Some learnerships pay an allowance to learners who complete certain modules in a workplace. This only applies to learnerships for unemployed people.
The amount of money learners get is different for each learnership, depending on their agreements for the specific modules. Always check the terms and conditions of the learnership agreement that you sign.
How To Avoid Learnership Scams
When looking for learnership opportunities always be wary of scams. Here are a few ways to avoid falling victim to a learnership scam:
• Apply for learnerships through the correct channels only – use the company’s website.
• Do not pay anyone to get you a learnership.
• Do not tell anyone your banking PIN or the one-time PIN for your online security.
• Check the contact details of the company before sending them your personal information.
• Always be suspicious of job ads that say “guaranteed job”.
Bear in mind that while a learnership can give you valuable work experience, it does not guarantee you a permanent position at the company where you do your learnership.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a learnership can be a long and difficult process. It requires that you update your CV and documents as well as keep searching for learnership opportunities. Always check all the job ads that interest you. You should visit Job Opportunities SA often to read about all the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries and even education opportunities
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