In South Africa, one of the biggest challenges facing young people today is unemployment and the lack of access to formal work experience. To address this, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) provide funded learnership opportunities across various industries. These programmes are designed to give unemployed youth the chance to gain practical workplace experience while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.
If you are eager to start your career journey and want to know more about SETA funded learnership jobs in 2025, this guide provides everything you need – from what a learnership is, who qualifies, benefits, and how to apply.
What is a SETA Funded Learnership?
A learnership is a structured learning programme that combines theoretical classroom training with practical workplace experience. It leads to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ensuring that learners graduate with both knowledge and real-world experience.
A SETA funded learnership is a programme financially supported by one of the 21 SETAs in South Africa, meaning that all training costs are covered, and learners receive a monthly stipend. SETAs are responsible for ensuring that skills development is aligned to the needs of their specific sector, such as Banking (BANKSETA), Energy (EWSETA), Transport (TETA), and more.
Why Choose a SETA Funded Learnership?
There are many benefits to joining a SETA learnership:
- Stipend – Learners receive a monthly allowance to cover transport and basic expenses. Stipends usually range between R3,500 and R6,000 per month, depending on the industry and programme level.
- Free Training – All tuition, training materials, and assessments are funded by SETA.
- Nationally Recognised Qualification – On successful completion, learners are awarded an NQF qualification that is recognised by employers across South Africa.
- Work Experience – Learners gain valuable workplace exposure, making them more employable.
- Career Pathway – The qualification serves as a stepping stone for further education, advanced qualifications, or permanent employment.
Industries That Offer SETA Learnership Jobs
SETA funded learnerships are offered across almost every industry in South Africa. Some popular sectors include:
APPLY ON LINK BELOW
- Banking and Finance (BANKSETA) – Banking, financial services, and microfinance learnerships.
- Health and Welfare (HWSETA) – Nursing, social work, community health, and caregiving.
- Mining and Minerals (MQA) – Artisan, mining engineering, occupational safety.
- Construction and Energy (EWSETA, CETA) – Electrical, plumbing, construction, and renewable energy.
- Transport and Logistics (TETA) – Freight, shipping, aviation, and logistics management.
- ICT and Media (MICT SETA) – Information technology, digital marketing, and film production.
- Wholesale and Retail (W&RSETA) – Retail operations, merchandising, and supply chain.
Each SETA identifies the scarce and critical skills in their sector, ensuring that learnerships are targeted towards jobs that have high demand.
Typical Job Roles in SETA Learnerships
Depending on the industry, learners may be placed in roles such as:
- Customer Service Consultant
- Health and Safety Representative
- Administrative Clerk
- IT Support Technician
- Financial Advisor (Junior)
- Mining or Engineering Artisan Assistant
- Sales Representative
- Call Centre Agent
- Supply Chain Coordinator
These positions are entry-level roles but give learners a strong foundation for career progression.
Who Qualifies for a SETA Learnership?
To qualify for most SETA funded learnerships, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have a minimum of Grade 10, 11, or 12 (depending on the programme).
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Not be registered for any other learnership or internship.
- Meet additional programme-specific requirements (e.g., medical fitness for mining, IT background for digital programmes, etc.).
Having Grade 12 or a post-matric qualification will be an advantage for many SETA learnerships, but there are also opportunities for those who only have Grade 10 or 11.
Duration of SETA Learnerships
Most SETA funded learnerships run for 12 months. Some may last between 6 months and 24 months, depending on the qualification level. During this time, learners spend part of their week in classroom training and the rest in a host company workplace.
Stipend Information
The stipend provided in SETA funded learnerships ensures that learners can cover transport and basic needs while training. Although stipends vary, the average stipend is between R3,500 and R6,000 per month. Certain specialised programmes, such as in mining or energy, may pay more due to the nature of the work.
Skills You Will Gain
By joining a SETA learnership, learners gain valuable skills such as:
- Workplace communication and professionalism.
- Industry-specific technical skills.
- Teamwork and problem-solving.
- Safety awareness and compliance.
- Customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Time management and accountability.
These skills make learners more attractive to employers and open doors to permanent employment.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Once learners complete a SETA funded learnership, they can:
- Apply for permanent employment in the host company.
- Use their NQF qualification to apply for jobs in other companies.
- Continue studying at a higher NQF level, using the qualification as a stepping stone.
- Start their own businesses, especially in trades like plumbing, electrical, or retail services.
How to Apply for a SETA Learnership Job
To apply for a SETA funded learnership, follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copies of your school results or qualifications.
- An updated CV with contact details.
- Search for Opportunities
- Visit the official website of the relevant SETA (e.g., BANKSETA, MICT SETA, EWSETA).
- WEBSITES ARE MENTIONED ABOVE ,TO APPLY
- Look out for learnership adverts on job portals, newspapers, and company websites.
- Submit Your Application
- Follow the instructions on the advert carefully.
- Submit your documents before the closing date.
- Some learnerships require online applications, while others may require email submissions.
- Prepare for Interviews and Assessments
- Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview, assessment test, or medical check (depending on the industry).
Important Things to Note
- SETA learnerships are free of charge. You should never pay anyone to apply.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, so ensure your CV and documents are professional and complete.
- Commitment is key – dropping out of a learnership can affect future opportunities.
Final Thoughts
A SETA funded learnership job in 2025 is one of the best opportunities available to South African youth. It offers a unique combination of theory, practical experience, a monthly stipend, and a recognised qualification. For unemployed individuals, it provides a way to break into industries that may otherwise be difficult to access.
If you are between 18 and 35, unemployed, and determined to build a career, don’t miss the chance to apply for a SETA learnership. With the right attitude, dedication, and hard work, a SETA funded learnership can be the first step towards a successful and rewarding career.
[…] Application is for the upcoming intake period, so applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. sseta.co.za […]