How to Find Learnerships and Internships in South Africa

What they are, where to find them (SETAs, companies), and how to qualify.

Struggling to get work experience? Learnerships and internships are your gateway to the job market. Here’s everything you need to know about finding and landing these opportunities in South Africa.

What’s the Difference?

Learnerships

Duration: 12-24 months
Payment: Monthly stipend (R3,500-R8,000)
Outcome: NQF-registered qualification + work experience
Commitment: Full-time, structured learning program
Best for: School leavers, career changers, skills development

Internships

Duration: 6-18 months
Payment: Stipend or sometimes unpaid (R2,000-R12,000)
Outcome: Work experience, possible job offer
Commitment: Can be part-time or full-time
Best for: Students, graduates, career exploration

Bottom line: Learnerships give you a qualification + experience. Internships focus mainly on experience.

Understanding SETAs: Your Best Bet

SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) are government bodies that fund skills development in specific industries. They’re legally required to spend money on learnerships – which means opportunities for you.

Major SETAs and What They Cover

BANKSETA – Banking and Finance

Banks, insurance companies, investment firms
Popular programs: Banking services, financial planning, call center operations

MERSETA – Manufacturing, Engineering, Related Services

Manufacturing companies, engineering firms
Popular programs: Mechanical engineering, electrical, production management

SERVICES SETA – Service Industries

Retail, hospitality, business services
Popular programs: Customer service, retail management, hospitality

CATHSSETA – Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sport

Hotels, restaurants, tourism companies
Popular programs: Chef training, hotel management, tour guiding

FASSET – Finance and Accounting Services

Accounting firms, financial services
Popular programs: Bookkeeping, accounting, auditing

HWSETA – Health and Welfare

Hospitals, clinics, care facilities
Popular programs: Healthcare administration, nursing assistance

INSETA – Insurance and Retirement Funds

Insurance companies, pension funds
Popular programs: Insurance services, risk management

MICT SETA – Media, Information, Communication, Technology

IT companies, telecommunications, media
Popular programs: Software development, network administration, digital marketing

Where to Find Opportunities

Official SETA Websites

Each SETA has a dedicated section for learnerships:

Visit the specific SETA website for your industry
Look for “Learnerships” or “Skills Development” sections
Applications usually open at specific times of the year

Company Websites – Top Employers

Banking & Finance:

Standard Bank: careers.standardbank.co.za
FNB: careers.fnb.co.za
Nedbank: careers.nedbank.co.za
Absa: careers.absa.africa
Old Mutual: careers.oldmutual.com

Retail:

Shoprite Holdings: shopriteholdings.co.za/careers
Pick n Pay: careers.picknpay.co.za
Woolworths: careers.woolworths.co.za
Mr Price Group: mrpricegroup.com/careers

Telecommunications:

MTN: careers.mtn.co.za
Vodacom: careers.vodacom.co.za
Cell C: careers.cellc.co.za
Telkom: careers.telkom.co.za

Mining:

Anglo American: careers.angloamerican.com
Sasol: careers.sasol.com
Exxaro: careers.exxaro.com

Government Portals

SA Government: gov.za (search “learnerships”)
Department of Higher Education: dhet.gov.za
National Skills Fund: nationalskillsfund.gov.za

Job Portals

Indeed: indeed.co.za (search “learnership” or “internship”)
PNet: pnet.co.za
CareerJunction: careerjunction.co.za
Jobs.co.za: jobs.co.za

Qualification Requirements

Minimum Requirements (Most Programs)

Age: 18-35 years (some programs accept younger)
Education: Matric certificate (Grade 12)
Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident
Unemployment: Must be unemployed (some exceptions)
Language: Basic English proficiency

Industry-Specific Requirements

Banking/Finance:

Matric with Math or Math Literacy
English proficiency
Clean credit record (sometimes required)

Engineering/Technical:

Matric with Math and Science
Technical aptitude
Physical fitness (for some roles)

IT/Technology:

Matric with Math
Basic computer literacy
Problem-solving skills

Healthcare:

Matric with Science subjects
Medical fitness certificate
Background checks

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Research and Choose

Identify 5-10 programs that match your interests
Check application deadlines (many close early in the year)
Understand the commitment required

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Essential Documents:

Certified copy of ID
Certified copy of Matric certificate
Recent CV
Proof of unemployment (affidavit or UIF letter)
Proof of residence

Additional Documents (sometimes required):

Academic transcripts
Medical certificate
Police clearance
Motivational letter

Step 3: Submit Applications

Apply online through official channels
Follow instructions exactly
Submit before deadlines
Keep proof of submission

Step 4: Assessment Process

Typical stages:

Application screening
Aptitude or literacy tests
Interviews (individual or group)
Medical examinations
Final selection

When to Apply

Peak Application Periods:

January-March: Most programs open applications
June-August: Mid-year intake programs
September-November: Following year applications

Pro Tip: Start preparing in November/December for January applications. Competition is fierce, and early preparation gives you an advantage.

Increasing Your Chances

Before Applying

Improve your Matric results: If possible, rewrite subjects to get better grades
Learn basic computer skills: Microsoft Office, email, internet browsing
Practice English: Many assessments test language proficiency
Volunteer: Shows commitment and gives you references

During Application

Apply to multiple programs: Don’t put all eggs in one basket
Read requirements carefully: Ensure you qualify before applying
Proofread everything: Spelling mistakes eliminate many candidates
Be honest: False information leads to automatic disqualification

Interview Preparation

Common Questions:

Why do you want this learnership?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
How do you handle pressure?
Why should we choose you?

Interview Tips:

Dress professionally
Arrive 15 minutes early
Bring extra copies of documents
Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Ask questions about the program

Red Flags: Avoid Scams

Legitimate programs NEVER:

Ask for upfront payments
Guarantee placement for a fee
Request banking details before selection
Promise unrealistic salaries
Operate from residential addresses

Always verify:

Check company registration
Confirm SETA accreditation
Look for official websites and contact details
Ask for written contracts

Alternative Pathways

If You Don’t Qualify Initially

Adult Education: Complete missing subjects
Skills Development Courses: Short courses to improve qualifications
Volunteer Work: Build experience and references
Part-time Study: Improve your educational profile

Other Opportunities

Workplace Experience Programs: Shorter, informal opportunities
Graduate Programs: For university graduates
Apprenticeships: For trades and technical skills
Bursary Programs: Combine study with work experience

Making the Most of Your Program

During Your Learnership/Internship

Show up consistently: Attendance is crucial
Ask questions: Show interest in learning
Network: Build relationships with colleagues
Document achievements: Keep records for your CV
Seek feedback: Continuously improve your performance

Planning for After

Performance matters: Many programs lead to permanent employment
Build your network: Maintain professional relationships
Update your CV: Include new skills and achievements
Consider further study: Use your experience to guide career decisions

Success Stories: What’s Possible

Many South African professionals started with learnerships:

Bank managers who started as tellers
Engineers who began as apprentices
IT specialists who started in call centers
Retail executives who started on shop floors

The key: View your learnership as the first step in a long career journey, not just a temporary job.

Final Reality Check

Competition is intense – some programs receive thousands of applications for dozens of spots. Don’t get discouraged by rejections. Keep applying, keep improving, and keep trying.

Remember: These programs exist because companies need skilled workers. If you show commitment, willingness to learn, and professionalism, you will eventually succeed.

Start today: Research programs in your area of interest, gather your documents, and begin applying. Your future career is waiting.