SETA Learnerships Programme | All You Need is Here

Skills development plays a critical role in South Africa’s economic growth and job creation. One of the most impactful initiatives in this regard is the SETA Learnership Programme, designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Learnerships are structured learning programmes that combine theory (classroom-based learning) with practical workplace experience, giving learners both qualifications and real-world skills.

What is a SETA?

SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. South Africa has 21 SETAs, each responsible for developing skills within a specific sector of the economy, such as finance, transport, agriculture, construction, health, and more.

Their core responsibilities include:

Designing and implementing skills development programmes.
Funding and accrediting learnerships, internships, and bursaries.
Ensuring that training meets the standards set by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Partnering with employers, training providers, and government.

Examples of SETAs:

MERSETA – Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services
BANKSETA – Banking Sector
CATHSSETA – Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport
ETDP SETA – Education, Training, and Development Practices
HWSETA – Health and Welfare
MICT SETA – Media, Information, and Communication Technology
TETA – Transport Education and Training Authority

What is a Learnership?

A learnership is a work-based learning programme that leads to a qualification registered on the NQF. It is designed to:

Help unemployed youth gain skills and work experience.
Provide employed learners with upskilling opportunities.
Link education directly with industry needs.

Key Features:

Combination of theory + workplace practice.
Duration: 12 to 24 months (depending on qualification).
Learners receive a stipend (monthly allowance).
Leads to a nationally recognized qualification.

Benefits of SETA Learnerships

For Learners:

Gain practical workplace skills.
Obtain a recognized NQF qualification.
Receive a stipend to support basic needs.
Improve chances of full-time employment.

For Employers:

Develop a skilled workforce.
Earn tax rebates and incentives.
Contribute to B-BBEE scorecards.
Close industry skills gaps.

For the Country:

Reduces unemployment.
Improves productivity.
Aligns skills development with economic growth.

Who Can Apply?

Learnerships are open to:

Unemployed youth (18–35 years old).
Matriculants, graduates, or those with partial qualifications.
Employed workers seeking career advancement.
People with disabilities (many SETAs have dedicated funding).

General Requirements:

South African citizenship.
Relevant educational qualifications (varies per learnership).
Strong interest in the sector.

How to Apply for a SETA Learnership

Identify your SETA: Know which sector you want to work in and the SETA responsible.
Search for available learnerships: Visit the SETA’s website (www.servicesseta.org.za), company portals, or job boards.
Prepare documents:
- Certified ID copy
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
Submit application: Online or at designated offices.
Selection process: Shortlisted candidates may undergo interviews and assessments.
Sign a learnership agreement: Between learner, employer, and training provider.

Examples of SETA Learnership Programmes

BANKSETA: Banking, financial services, call centres.
MERSETA: Engineering, automotive, metalwork.
MICT SETA: ICT, software development, digital media.
CATHSSETA: Tourism, hospitality, sports management.
HWSETA: Nursing, social work, health sciences.
TETA: Aviation, transport logistics, maritime studies.

Stipends and Payments

Learners receive a stipend (not a salary). The amount depends on:

The SETA funding policy.
Level of qualification (NQF level).
Industry standards.

On average, stipends range between R2,000 – R6,000 per month.

Challenges of Learnerships

Limited spaces compared to demand.
Some employers exploit learners (low stipends, no permanent jobs).
Geographical accessibility (programmes often city-based).
Dropout rates due to financial or personal difficulties.

Why Choose a Learnership Over a Traditional Course?

Learnerships provide practical work experience, unlike purely academic programmes.
Learners are paid while studying.
Employers often absorb learners into permanent roles.
Skills gained are aligned with industry demands.

Future of SETA Learnerships

The South African government and private sector continue to strengthen skills development through:

Expanding digital and technology-related learnerships.
Increasing opportunities for people with disabilities.
Creating partnerships with universities and TVET colleges.
Adapting learnerships to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

SETA Learnerships are one of the most powerful tools to fight unemployment in South Africa. They provide young people and job seekers with a pathway to gain qualifications, skills, and real workplace exposure. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, SETA learnerships are shaping a skilled, employable, and competitive workforce for South Africa’s future.

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