In South Africa, unemployment among the youth remains one of the biggest challenges. To address this issue, the government together with the private sector has created initiatives to equip young people with the necessary skills to enter the job market. One of the most important programs available is the SETA Learnership.
If you have been wondering how to apply for a SETA learnership, this article will give you a detailed step-by-step guide, explain the requirements, and provide useful tips to increase your chances of being accepted.
What is a SETA Learnership?
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. South Africa has several SETAs that operate across different industries such as finance, tourism, agriculture, transport, construction, health, and many more.
A learnership is a structured learning program that combines theory and practical workplace training. It leads to a nationally recognized qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The main purpose of a SETA learnership is to:
- Provide unemployed youth with workplace exposure.
- Equip learners with practical skills relevant to their industry.
- Offer a stepping stone to permanent employment or self-employment.
Benefits of Joining a SETA Learnership
Before learning how to apply, it is important to understand the benefits of a learnership:
- Earn While You Learn – Learners receive a stipend each month, which helps cover transport and basic needs.
- National Qualification – After completing the program, learners receive an NQF-registered qualification.
- Work Experience – You gain practical exposure, which improves your CV and employability.
- Networking Opportunities – You build professional connections that could help you find future job opportunities.
- Personal Growth – Learnerships also build soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Requirements to Apply for a SETA Learnership
Although each SETA and employer may set their own requirements, the most common criteria are:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- Age requirement: Usually between 18 and 35 years.
- Must be unemployed at the time of application.
- Must have a valid South African ID.
- Minimum educational requirement: Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent. Some programs accept lower qualifications.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications may be required for specialized fields.
- Applicants must not be studying full-time at a college or university.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a SETA Learnership
Applying for a learnership is not as complicated as many people think. Here is a clear step-by-step guide:
1. Identify the SETA in Your Industry
Each SETA focuses on a specific sector. For example:
- BankSeta – Banking and finance.
- AgriSeta – Agriculture.
- Teta – Transport and logistics.
- Fasset – Finance, accounting, and auditing.
- Chieta – Chemical industries.
Visit the official SETA website or the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) website to explore available learnerships.
2. Prepare Your CV and Documents
Before applying, ensure you have:
- A professional CV with your skills, qualifications, and contact details.
- Certified copies of your ID and qualifications.
- Proof of address.
- A motivational letter explaining why you are interested in the learnership.
3. Search for Available Learnerships
Learnerships are usually advertised on:
- Official SETA websites.
- Job portals such as Indeed, Career Junction, and Sayouth.mobi.
- Social media pages of SETAs and partner companies.
- Local newspapers and career expos.
4. Submit Your Application
Once you find a suitable opportunity:
- Complete the application form (downloadable on SETA websites or provided by employers).
- Attach all required documents.
- Double-check that all information is correct.
- Submit before the closing date.
5. Attend Interviews and Assessments
If shortlisted, you may be invited to:
- Write an aptitude test.
- Attend interviews.
- Provide additional supporting documents.
Prepare well by researching the company and practicing common interview questions.
6. Sign the Learnership Agreement
If selected, you will sign a Learnership Agreement involving three parties:
- You (the learner).
- The employer.
- The relevant SETA.
This agreement outlines your rights, responsibilities, and the duration of the program (usually 12–24 months).
7. Start Your Learnership
Once you sign the agreement, you will begin your training. This includes:
- Classroom-based learning at a training provider.
- Practical on-the-job training with the employer.
- Assessments and assignments to measure your progress.
At the end of the program, you will receive your qualification.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Apply Early – Many opportunities are first-come-first-serve.
- Stay Organized – Keep copies of your documents ready.
- Check Eligibility – Only apply for programs where you meet the requirements.
- Follow Instructions – Read the advert carefully to avoid disqualification.
- Be Professional – In your CV and motivational letter, show enthusiasm and seriousness.
- Apply to Multiple Learnerships – Don’t limit yourself to just one application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to pay to apply for a learnership?
No, applying for a SETA learnership is free. Beware of scams that ask for money.
2. Will I get a permanent job after the learnership?
Employment is not guaranteed, but many learners are absorbed into permanent positions if they perform well.
3. How much is the stipend?
The stipend amount varies depending on the SETA and industry, but it usually ranges between R2,000 – R5,000 per month.
4. Can I apply without matric?
Yes, some learnerships are available for people without matric, but most require at least Grade 12.
Final Thoughts
A SETA learnership is one of the best opportunities for South African youth to gain skills, earn an income, and improve their employability. The application process is straightforward as long as you meet the requirements, prepare your documents, and apply on time.
If you are serious about building your future career, start searching for available SETA learnerships today. Remember, dedication and hard work during your learnership can open doors to permanent employment or even inspire you to start your own business.