Latest SETA Learnerships in South Africa [Updated Weekly – 2025]

What Are SETA Learnerships?

SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) learnerships are structured learning programs that combine theoretical training with practical workplace experience. These programs are designed to provide learners with the skills and qualifications needed to enter specific industries. Each learnership is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and leads to a nationally recognized qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Importance of Learnerships in South Africa

In a country grappling with high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, learnerships offer a viable solution to bridge the skills gap. They provide learners with the opportunity to gain practical experience while earning a stipend, making them more employable. For employers, learnerships are a means to develop a skilled workforce tailored to their specific needs.

Benefits of Participating in SETA Learnerships

Advantages for Learners

• Practical Experience: Learners gain hands-on experience in their chosen field, enhancing their employability.
• Financial Support: Participants receive a monthly stipend, easing financial burdens during the training period.
• Nationally Recognized Qualification: Successful completion leads to a qualification registered on the NQF.
• Career Advancement: Learnerships can serve as a stepping stone to further education or employment opportunities.

Advantages for Employers

• Skilled Workforce: Employers can train individuals according to their specific operational needs.
• B-BBEE Compliance: Participating in learnerships can contribute to a company’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) score.
• Tax Incentives: Companies may qualify for tax rebates when hosting learnerships.
• Productivity Boost: A well-trained workforce can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.

Overview of SETAs in South Africa

List of Major SETAs

South Africa has several SETAs, each focusing on a specific sector:

• Services SETA: Covers services like real estate, marketing, and cleaning services.
• MICT SETA: Focuses on media, information, and communication technologies.
• FoodBev SETA: Pertains to the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
• Others: Include SETAs for agriculture, banking, construction, education, and more.

Roles and Responsibilities of SETAs

SETAs are responsible for:

• Developing Sector Skills Plans: Identifying skills shortages and planning accordingly.
• Implementing Learnerships: Facilitating and funding learnership programs.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring training providers meet specific standards.
• Accreditation: Accrediting training providers and programs.

Top SETA Learnerships Available in 2025

Services SETA Learnerships

The Services SETA offers learnerships in various fields, including:

• Personal Care: Programs for hairdressers, beauty therapists, etc.
• Real Estate: Training for property practitioners.
• Management & Business: Courses in business administration and management.
• Communication & Marketing: Learnerships in advertising, public relations, and more.

MICT SETA Learnerships

MICT SETA focuses on the ICT sector, offering learnerships in:

• Software Development: Training in programming languages and software engineering.
• Networking: Courses in network administration and cybersecurity.
• Digital Media: Programs for digital content creation and management.

FoodBev SETA Learnerships

FoodBev SETA provides learnerships in:

• Food Processing: Training in food safety and processing techniques.
• Beverage Manufacturing: Courses in beverage production and quality control.

Other Notable Learnerships

Various other SETAs offer learnerships in sectors like:

• Agriculture: Training in farming techniques and agribusiness.
• Construction: Programs for bricklaying, carpentry, and more.
• Banking: Courses in financial services and banking operations.

Application Process for SETA Learnerships

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a learnership, applicants generally need to:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Possess a valid South African ID.
• Have a minimum educational qualification (varies by program).
• Be unemployed (for certain learnerships).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Identify a Suitable Learnership: Research available learnerships that align with your career interests.
2. Check Requirements: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents like your ID, CV, and educational certificates.
4. Apply: Submit your application through the relevant SETA or training provider’s portal.
5. Follow Up: Keep track of your application status and be prepared for interviews or assessments.

Finding and Applying for SETA Learnerships Online

Best Platforms to Find Learnership Listings

Navigating the digital landscape to find the right SETA learnership can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack—unless you know where to look. Luckily, several reliable websites consistently update learnership listings. Here are some top platforms to bookmark:

• SETA Websites: Each SETA has its own website where they post official learnership opportunities. For example, the MICT SETA, Services SETA, and AgriSETA regularly list new openings.
• Government Portals: The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) website often provides consolidated updates.
• Job Boards: Platforms like Indeed, CareerJunction, PNet, and JobMail often feature learnership ads from companies affiliated with SETAs.
• Company Websites: Big corporations like Transnet, Sasol, and Nedbank run SETA-approved learnerships and advertise them on their careers pages.
• Social Media: LinkedIn and Facebook groups dedicated to South African jobs often post learnership openings.

Tips for a Successful Online Application

• Use Keywords Smartly: When searching, try specific queries like “MICT SETA IT learnership 2025” or “Services SETA business administration learnership”.
• Keep Your CV Updated: Tailor your CV to match the specific requirements of the learnership. Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and any part-time work.
• Be Early: Many learnerships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Follow Instructions Precisely: If an application asks for a certified ID, ensure it’s certified within the last 3 months—sloppiness can cost you the opportunity.

Requirements and Documents Needed for SETA Learnerships

Essential Documentation Checklist

Before you apply, prepare a neat application pack. Most SETA learnership applications will require:

• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• A certified copy of your highest qualification.
• A comprehensive CV.
• Proof of address (often not older than 3 months).
• Application form (if provided by the SETA or employer).
• Motivation letter (in some cases, to explain why you’re the ideal candidate).

Always double-check if certification of documents is required. Failure to do so can disqualify you, even if you’re the perfect fit.

Additional Criteria to Note

• Age Requirements: Most learnerships target youth aged 18–35.
• Academic Performance: Some require a minimum average in key subjects like Maths or English.
• Disability Status: Some learnerships are exclusively available for people with disabilities—these opportunities are usually clearly marked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application

Top Applicant Errors That Could Cost You

• Late Submissions: Applications sent even a day late are often rejected automatically.
• Incorrect Documentation: Submitting outdated or uncertified documents can ruin your chances.
• Generic Applications: Avoid using the same CV and cover letter for every application. Tailor each one.
• Ignoring Instructions: If the post says “Email only,” don’t drop it off physically. That could get your application tossed aside.
• No Follow-Up: If you don’t hear back, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up—politely—after a couple of weeks.

Pro Tips to Stand Out

• Add a short motivational letter even if it’s not required—it shows initiative.
• Use a clean, professional email address.
• Attach documents in a single PDF to make it easier for recruiters.

How to Prepare for a Learnership Interview

What to Expect in the Interview Process

Learnership interviews may include a mix of the following:

• Personal Questions: “Tell me about yourself” or “Why this learnership?”
• Behavioral Questions: “Describe a time you worked in a team” or “What do you do under pressure?”
• Technical Questions: If the learnership is in IT or finance, expect questions to test basic knowledge.
• Assessment Tests: Some programs include numeracy, literacy, or logical reasoning assessments.

Tips to Nail Your Interview

• Research the Company and SETA: Know what they do and what the learnership involves.
• Dress Professionally: Even if it’s a virtual interview, dress the part.
• Be Honest: If you don’t know the answer, it’s better to say so than bluff.
• Ask Questions: Prepare a few smart questions—it shows you’re genuinely interested.

Tips for Success During the Learnership Period

How to Make the Most of Your Experience

Once you land a learnership, how you perform can shape your entire career trajectory. Here’s how to stand out:

• Show Up Early: Punctuality is a strong signal of professionalism.
• Take Initiative: Don’t wait to be told what to do—offer help, ask questions.
• Keep a Learning Journal: Track what you’ve learned. It helps with assessments and future CV writing.
• Build Relationships: Network with mentors, supervisors, and other learners.

Handling Challenges Professionally

• Time Management: Balancing work and classroom learning can be tough. Use planners and apps to stay organized.
• Constructive Feedback: Don’t take criticism personally. Learn and improve.
• Stay Motivated: Remember why you started. Stay focused even when tasks seem repetitive or hard.

Success Stories: Real People Who Benefited from SETA Learnerships

From Jobless to Junior Manager: Thabo’s Journey

Thabo Mokoena, a 25-year-old from Soweto, was unemployed for over a year after matriculating. In 2023, he enrolled in a Services SETA learnership focused on Business Administration. The program gave him a stipend, which helped him support his family, and within a year he earned his NQF Level 4 certificate.

Today, Thabo works as a junior office manager at a logistics company in Johannesburg. “If not for the SETA learnership, I’d still be sending out CVs with no responses,” he says. His story mirrors that of thousands of youth in South Africa whose lives have been transformed by learnerships.

Lindiwe’s Leap into the Digital World

Lindiwe Ndlovu, a 28-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal, had always been interested in technology but didn’t have the means to study IT at a university. In 2024, she applied for an MICT SETA Software Development learnership. The program covered HTML, CSS, Python, and even cloud computing fundamentals.

By the end of her 12-month learnership, she had built a portfolio and landed an internship at a fintech startup. Now she’s working as a junior software developer, and she’s planning to study further part-time.

What These Stories Show Us

These real-life success stories highlight the value of perseverance, smart planning, and making use of opportunities like SETA learnerships. They prove that these programs are not just stepping stones—they are springboards to a better life.

How Employers Can Get Involved with SETA Learnerships

Steps for Businesses to Host Learnerships

Companies looking to host SETA learnerships can do so by:

1. Registering with the Appropriate SETA: Choose a SETA that aligns with your industry.
2. Submitting a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP): This outlines your skills development goals.
3. Partnering with Accredited Training Providers: These institutions provide the academic portion of the learnership.
4. Recruiting Learners: You can choose from unemployed youth or upskill current staff.
5. Signing a Learnership Agreement: This formalizes the relationship between the employer, learner, and training provider.

Benefits for Employers

• Access to tax rebates and funding from SETAs.
• Improved B-BBEE scorecards under the Skills Development element.
• A motivated workforce that grows within the company.
• Opportunity to shape future employees who understand your business.

Funding and Stipends for SETA Learnerships

Who Pays for What?

Learnerships are funded by the Skills Development Levy, which is collected from businesses and redistributed via the SETAs. The funding typically covers:

• Training Fees: Paid to accredited training providers.
• Stipends: Paid directly to learners, usually ranging between R3,000 and R5,000 per month.
• Administration Costs: For managing the program, often covered by the SETA.

How Learners Can Maximize Their Stipend

• Budget Wisely: Track your monthly expenses using free mobile apps.
• Avoid Debts: Learnerships are temporary. Avoid taking loans during this period.
• Save Where You Can: Even R100 saved a month can go a long way in emergencies.

SETA Learnerships vs Internships: What’s the Difference?

Learnerships are ideal if you’re looking for structured training and a formal qualification. Internships work well for students needing work experience to complete their studies.

Resources and Contact Information for SETA Learnerships

Where to Get Help

• Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
  Website: www.dhet.gov.za
  Phone: 0800 87 2222
• National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD)
  Website: www.nqf.org.za
• Services SETA
  Website: www.serviceseta.org.za
• MICT SETA
  Website: www.mict.org.za

Community Support

Join Facebook groups, Telegram channels, and local WhatsApp groups for real-time alerts and peer support regarding learnership opportunities.

Conclusion

SETA learnerships are more than just training programs—they are life-changing opportunities designed to empower South African youth and bridge the gap between education and employment. Whether you’re just out of school, unemployed, or looking to switch careers, there’s a learnership program out there that could be the turning point in your journey.

With dozens of sectors covered, from agriculture to IT, and weekly updates on new opportunities, there has never been a better time to explore a SETA learnership. Take the leap, invest in yourself, and secure a brighter future.

FAQs