IT and digital skills learnerships have grown significantly in recent years, driven by strong demand for tech-related skills and a national push to close the digital skills gap. If you’re interested in a career in technology but can’t afford a full degree route, this is one of the most practical ways in. Here’s what to know.
What IT and Digital Skills Learnerships Cover
These learnerships vary more widely than most, spanning technical support and IT helpdesk skills, software development and coding fundamentals, systems administration, networking, and increasingly, data and digital marketing-related skills. Because “IT” covers such a broad field, it’s worth reading the specific curriculum outline in any advert carefully rather than assuming all IT learnerships teach the same thing. For the general learnership structure, see our guide to what a learnership is first.
The MICT SETA
Most IT and digital skills learnerships are funded and registered through the Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA (MICT SETA), which covers the ICT, media, film, and electronics sectors. When an advert names MICT SETA directly, it’s a good sign of legitimacy. Our SETA learnerships guide covers how the broader SETA system works and which SETAs cover which sectors.
Typical Requirements
Requirements for IT learnerships vary more than most sectors, since programmes range from entry-level digital literacy through to more advanced coding and development-focused tracks:
- A matric certificate, with maths often preferred though not always mandatory for more entry-level digital skills programmes
- Basic computer literacy as a starting point for almost all IT learnerships
- Logical thinking and problem-solving ability, sometimes assessed through an aptitude test, particularly for coding-focused programmes
- For more advanced tracks, some prior exposure to computers or an interest demonstrated through self-taught skills can strengthen an application, even without formal qualifications
See our general learnership requirements guide for the broader age and eligibility criteria that apply on top of these sector-specific points.
Typical Stipend
IT and digital skills learnership stipends vary fairly widely depending on the specific programme and NQF level, generally falling somewhere between R3,000 and R5,500 per month, with more advanced, higher NQF-level programmes (particularly software development-focused ones) tending toward the higher end. See our full learnership stipends guide for how this compares across sectors.
Where These Learnerships Are Offered
IT learnerships are offered by a growing mix of employers — established telecommunications and technology companies, banks and corporates with large internal IT departments, and specialist digital skills training providers that partner directly with MICT SETA to run structured coding and digital literacy bootcamp-style learnerships. This sector has also seen strong growth in programmes specifically aimed at building software development capacity among young South Africans, given the ongoing demand for developers.
Why This Sector Is Worth Considering
Digital and IT skills are in consistent demand well beyond the tech industry itself, since almost every sector now relies on some level of digital capability. A completed IT learnership — even at entry level — can open doors into technical support, junior development, or systems administration roles, and often serves as a strong foundation for further self-directed or formal study in the field.
How to Apply
The application process follows the same general structure as other learnerships, though be prepared for a logic, aptitude, or basic coding assessment as part of the selection process for more technical programmes. Our how to apply for a learnership guide covers the process step by step. You can find current, verified IT and digital skills learnership openings on our learnerships listings page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need coding experience to apply for an IT learnership?
Not usually. Most IT learnerships are designed as an entry point and don’t require prior coding experience, though a demonstrated interest in technology can strengthen an application.
Which SETA funds IT learnerships?
Most are funded and registered through the MICT SETA, which covers the ICT, media, and electronics sectors.
Are IT learnerships only for coding and development?
No, they cover a broad range of digital skills, including technical support, systems administration, networking, and general digital literacy, not just software development.
For the complete picture on stipends, requirements, and SETA funding, see our complete guide to learnerships in South Africa.
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