Finishing matric opens up a few different paths — university, TVET college, finding a job, or a learnership. If you’re not heading straight to tertiary study, or you want a qualification that comes paired with real workplace experience and an income while you train, a learnership is worth serious consideration. Here’s what matriculants specifically need to know before applying.
Why a Learnership Makes Sense Straight Out of Matric
A learnership solves a problem a lot of matriculants run into: most entry-level jobs ask for experience you don’t have yet, while most qualifications take years and cost money before they lead to a job. A learnership does both things at once — you earn a stipend while training, and you finish with a recognised qualification and documented workplace experience, all in around 12 months for most programmes. If you want the full explanation of how the structure works, read our guide on what a learnership is first.
Do You Qualify With Just a Matric Certificate?
Yes, for a large proportion of learnerships. Many programmes are pitched specifically at the NQF level matric sits at, meaning your National Senior Certificate alone is often sufficient. Some learnerships do ask for specific subjects — maths or maths literacy at a certain level, for example, particularly for more technical or finance-related fields — so it’s worth checking the specific requirements of any learnership you’re considering rather than assuming your matric automatically qualifies you. Our full learnership requirements guide breaks down exactly what’s typically asked for at each level.
If your matric results weren’t what you hoped for, it’s still worth looking — some learnerships accept a Grade 10 or 11 level, and requirements differ enough between sectors that a lower symbol in one subject doesn’t necessarily rule you out everywhere.
Which Learnerships Suit Matriculants Best
Because you’re starting without prior tertiary study or work experience, entry-level learnerships in broader sectors tend to be the most realistic starting point. Retail, business administration, and customer service learnerships often have the most open intake criteria for matriculants, while more technical fields like engineering or IT may expect specific subject passes. Our guides to retail learnerships and IT and digital skills learnerships are good places to check what’s realistic given your specific results.
Timing: When to Start Looking
Learnership intakes tend to follow a loose annual pattern, with a noticeable wave of new opportunities opening in January and February, right as matric results are released and the new intake year begins for many SETA-funded programmes. A second, smaller wave often follows around the middle of the year. That doesn’t mean nothing is available at other times — new learnerships open throughout the year — but if you’ve just received your results, the first few months of the year tend to be the busiest period for new intakes, so it’s worth searching actively rather than waiting.
How to Apply
The application process is broadly the same regardless of age or background — you’ll need a certified copy of your ID, your matric certificate, an up-to-date CV, and sometimes proof of address. Our detailed how to apply for a learnership guide walks through each step, including tips for building a CV when matric is your highest qualification and you don’t have formal work experience yet.
Where to Find Learnerships as a Matriculant
The most efficient approach is checking a site that lists verified, currently open learnerships across sectors, rather than searching company by company. Our learnerships listings page is updated regularly and is a good place to start narrowing down what’s open and what you qualify for right now.
A Word of Caution
Matriculants are a common target for learnership scams, since school leavers are often eager to secure something quickly and may not yet be familiar with what a legitimate process looks like. No genuine learnership will ever ask you to pay money to apply or to secure your place. Before applying anywhere unfamiliar, it’s worth reading our guide on spotting learnership scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a learnership with just my matric certificate?
Yes, many learnerships accept matric as the minimum requirement, though some specify particular subjects or symbols — always check the specific programme’s requirements.
When is the best time to apply after finishing matric?
January and February tend to see the highest volume of new intakes, though opportunities open throughout the year, so it’s worth checking regularly rather than only once.
What if my matric results aren’t strong?
You may still qualify for many learnerships, particularly in broader entry-level sectors — requirements vary significantly by programme, so it’s worth applying rather than ruling yourself out in advance.
For the full picture on stipends, requirements, and SETA funding, see our complete guide to learnerships in South Africa.
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