Top Learnerships in South Africa (2025): Get Paid to Learn & Build a Career

Introduction: What Are Learnerships?

Learnerships are work-based learning programs in South Africa that combine theoretical education with practical experience, leading to a nationally recognized qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Established to bridge the gap between formal education and employment, they are managed by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and funded through various mechanisms, including host companies and SETA grants. The primary purpose is to equip participants with industry-specific skills, enhance employability, and address skills shortages in the economy. For more career insights, explore our career blog.

Benefits of Learnerships

Learnerships offer several advantages, making them an attractive option for young South Africans:

• Earning while learning: Participants receive a monthly stipend, typically ranging from R2,000 to R7,000, depending on the program and industry. This financial support helps learners sustain themselves during training, as seen in programs like Fidelity Services Group, offering R3,500–R5,000 monthly.
• Gaining recognized qualifications: Upon completion, learners earn NQF-registered qualifications, which are recognized by employers nationwide, enhancing career prospects.
• Improving employability: The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical work experience makes learners more competitive in the job market, often leading to permanent employment opportunities.

Who Are Learnerships For?

Learnerships are primarily targeted at:

• Youth (ages 18–35): This age group is the focus, aligning with national youth development strategies, as seen in NYDA-facilitated programs.
• Unemployed individuals: Many learnerships, such as those at Transnet, are designed for those without jobs, aiming to improve their employment prospects.
• Matriculants: Recent high school graduates can leverage learnerships to gain practical experience, as required by programs like ABSA, which mandate a Grade 12 certificate.

Source: SkillsPortal

Top Learnership Opportunities in 2025

South Africa offers a diverse range of learnerships in 2025, catering to various industries. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top programs, based on research from company websites, job portals, and industry reports:

1. Fidelity Services Group Learnership

Focus: Security and protection services, aligning with the growing demand for safety solutions.

Duration: 12 months, providing a full year of intensive training and experience.

Stipend: R3,500–R5,000/month, ensuring financial support during the program.

Details: This program is ideal for those interested in security, offering practical skills and a competitive stipend. For more on related careers, see our guide on driving jobs in South Africa.

2. Transnet Learnership Programme

Fields: Covers logistics, engineering, finance, and administration, catering to diverse career paths.

Benefits: Offers work experience and NQF-level qualifications, enhancing employability.

Details: Transnet, a key player in freight logistics, provides opportunities for technical and non-technical roles. Learn more in our Transnet careers guide.

3. Sibanye Stillwater Learnerships

Focus: Mining-related, addressing skills needs in a critical industry.

Benefits: Often includes housing and transport, reducing financial burdens for learners.

Details: Comprehensive training in mining, with programs in Gauteng. Check out Sibanye Stillwater vacancies or explore mining careers in South Africa for more opportunities.

4. Netcare/Mediclinic Learnerships

Focus: Nursing, administration, and healthcare assistant roles, crucial for healthcare delivery.

Details: Lasts 12–24 months, providing paid training and potential employment, ideal for healthcare career starters. Explore Netcare vacancies or Mediclinic vacancies.

5. Seta-funded Learnerships via NYDA

Fields: IT, retail, finance, hospitality, and more, covering a broad spectrum.

Details: Facilitated by NYDA, these are funded by SETAs, targeting unemployed youth. For retail opportunities, see our Shoprite careers guide or Woolworths careers guide.

6. ABSA/Standard Bank Learnerships

Focus: Banking and finance, aligning with financial sector growth.

Details: Offers 12-month training, often leading to permanent roles. Learn more about banking careers in our Absa careers guide or Capitec careers guide.

Source: Graduates24, StudentRoom, Knowledge Applied, MyTopSchools, All Provinces Jobs

Stipends & Salaries: What to Expect

Learnership stipends vary by program and industry, typically ranging from R2,000 to R7,000 monthly. Additional benefits, such as transport allowances, meals, or accommodation, may be included, especially in mining (e.g., Sibanye Stillwater) or logistics (e.g., Transnet). Funding comes from host companies or SETA grants, ensuring financial support during training. For instance, Fidelity Services Group offers R3,500–R5,000, while SETA-funded programs adjust based on NQF levels. These stipends help cover living expenses, enabling unemployed youth to focus on skill development. Higher stipends are often tied to technical fields like engineering or healthcare, reflecting demand for specialized skills. For more on government-funded opportunities, see our guide on government jobs in South Africa.

Source: SkillsPortal

Requirements: Who Qualifies?

Qualification criteria include:

• South African ID: Must be a citizen, ensuring eligibility for national programs.
• Matric or Grade 10–12: Most require matric, though some, like Transnet, may accept lower grades for specific roles.
• Age: Generally 18–35, focusing on youth, aligning with NYDA’s mandate.
• Unemployed status: Many programs, such as those at ABSA, target unemployed individuals.
• Basic literacy and numeracy: Essential for program participation, as seen in Netcare’s requirements.

For example, ABSA requires Grade 12 or NQF Level 4, while Sibanye Stillwater needs specific N2 certificates for technical roles. Healthcare learnerships, like those at Netcare, often align with standards set by the Department of Health.

Source: All Provinces Jobs, Knowledge Applied

Application Process

Finding and applying for learnerships involves:

1. Where to find learnerships: Platforms like Careers24, Indeed, company websites, NYDA, and the Department of Labour list opportunities. Many are based in Johannesburg, so check our guide on getting a job in Johannesburg.
2. Documents required: Typically include CV, certified ID copy, qualifications, and a motivation letter.
3. Application tips: Tailor your CV, follow instructions exactly, and apply early. Use our free CV builder to create a professional CV. Prepare for interviews with our job interview preparation guide.

Source: StudentRoom, Reddit

Career Growth After a Learnership

Post-learnership, many learners secure full-time jobs, with programs like ABSA often leading to permanent roles in banking. These programs also open pathways to internships, apprenticeships, or tertiary education, building a strong foundation for career advancement. Successful transitions, as seen in banking, logistics, and healthcare, can lead to management or specialist roles, such as financial advisors, logistics coordinators, or nursing supervisors, enhancing long-term career prospects. Skills gained, like customer service, technical expertise, or problem-solving, are highly valued by employers. For example, SETA-funded IT learnerships can lead to roles in top IT jobs in South Africa. Networking opportunities during learnerships often connect learners with industry professionals, boosting future job prospects. In South Africa’s competitive job market, these experiences provide a critical edge. For broader job search strategies, check our ultimate guide to landing your dream job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common pitfalls include:

• Missing documents or applying late, such as forgetting ID copies or submitting after deadlines, which can disqualify candidates.
• Not researching the company or program, missing alignment with personal goals and failing to understand specific requirements.
• Using generic CVs or cover letters, reducing the impact of applications by not showcasing relevant skills.
• Ignoring application instructions, like failing to follow format guidelines, which can lead to automatic rejection.

FAQs About Learnerships

Common questions answered about learnerships in South Africa. For more resources, visit our homepage.

Source: All Provinces Jobs, Reddit

Conclusion

Learnerships in 2025 offer South African youth a chance to gain skills, earn stipends, and build careers across diverse sectors. With programs like Fidelity, Transnet, and ABSA, and support from NYDA and SETAs, they’re a vital tool for employment. Hospitality learnerships, for example, can lead to roles in hotel jobs in South Africa. Visit job portals like Careers24 regularly for updates and craft a tailored CV to stand out. Alternatively, explore top online jobs in South Africa for flexible career options.

For more career insights, explore our guides on Absa careers, Transnet careers, Sibanye Stillwater vacancies, Netcare vacancies, or Shoprite careers.