Learnerships are one of South Africa’s most effective ways for young people to gain real-world work experience and earn a stipend all while working towards a recognised qualification. In a country where youth unemployment is a crisis, learnerships are a powerful bridge to a better career.
If you’re a school leaver, unemployed youth, or someone wanting to switch industries, this 2025 guide will break down the top learnerships in South Africa, which sectors offer them, what you need to qualify, and how to apply the smart way.
Why Learnerships Are So Popular
Unlike an internship, a learnership is a structured programme combining practical work experience and theoretical training. It’s linked to a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This means when you finish, you don’t just have a piece of paper you have a real qualification plus practical experience.
For employers, learnerships help them upskill new workers while meeting B-BBEE targets. For you, it’s a foot in the door and a salary (or stipend) while you study.
How Do Learnerships Work?
- Duration: Usually 12–24 months, depending on the qualification.
- Payment: You get a monthly stipend the amount depends on the company and sector.
- Certification: When you complete your learnership, you get an accredited qualification.
- Work Experience: You work in a real company environment, gaining practical skills.
Who Can Apply?
Most learnerships are open to:
- Matriculants with a Grade 12 certificate.
- Unemployed youth between 18–35.
- South African citizens with valid ID.
- Some learnerships also accept people with disabilities.
Top Sectors Offering Learnerships in 2025
1. Financial Services
Banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions always top the list for learnerships. Look at:
- Standard Bank Learnerships: Popular for banking, call centre, and customer service.
- ABSA Learnerships: Great for finance and sales.
- Old Mutual and Liberty: For insurance and wealth management.
These learnerships often lead directly to permanent roles if you perform well.
2. Information Technology (IT)
With South Africa’s growing digital economy, IT learnerships are in hot demand. Look for:
- Software development
- Technical support
- Cybersecurity
- Data analysis
Companies like BCX, IBM SA, and Vodacom run top-rated IT learnerships.
3. Engineering & Technical Trades
Industries like mining, energy, and manufacturing invest heavily in learnerships to build skills for technical trades. Examples include:
- Sasol Learnerships (Process & Chemical)
- Eskom Learnerships (Electrical & Mechanical)
- Transnet (Rail & Logistics)
4. Retail & Wholesale
Big retailers run huge learnership programmes for store management, sales, merchandising, and distribution. These include:
- Shoprite & Checkers
- Pick n Pay
- Woolworths
- Massmart
5. Healthcare & Pharmaceutical
The healthcare industry is growing, with many companies offering learnerships for:
- Pharmacy assistants
- Community health workers
- Caregiving
- Administrative roles in hospitals
Netcare, Dis-Chem, and Clicks often have learnership intakes.
Highest Paying Learnership Fields
While learnerships don’t pay massive salaries upfront, they do provide vital work experience that can lead to solid starting salaries. In general, the best paying learnerships are in:
- Banking and finance
- Engineering and mining
- IT and tech
Starting stipends can range from R3,000–R7,000 per month, but the real payoff is your post-learnership salary — which can jump to R10,000–R25,000 for entry-level roles.
How to Apply for a Learnership
1. Find a Legit Opportunity
Always use trusted sources:
- Company career pages
- Trusted job sites (Indeed, PNet, Careers24)
- Government portals like SAYouth.mobi
- Set up job alerts on LinkedIn
2. Prepare a Professional CV
Keep it short and clear:
- Personal details and ID
- Matric certificate or highest qualification
- Any other training or short courses
- Volunteer or part-time work counts!
3. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
This is your chance to stand out. Explain:
- Why you want this learnership
- What skills you have already
- How you plan to grow with the company
4. Apply Early and Follow Up
Many learnerships open once a year. Don’t wait for closing dates apply as soon as you see them. Follow up politely to show you’re serious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for learnerships you don’t qualify for read requirements carefully.
- Using the same generic CV and letter for every application.
- Missing deadlines.
- Not following up or checking your email regularly.
How to Succeed Once You’re Accepted
Getting the learnership is just step one your real job is to prove yourself.
- Be punctual and reliable.
- Ask questions and learn from your mentors.
- Take the theory seriously your certificate depends on it.
- Network with co-workers you never know who could help you get hired full-time.
What Happens After a Learnership?
If you complete your learnership successfully, you’ll have:
- A recognised NQF qualification.
- Real work experience.
- References to put on your CV.
- A better chance of being absorbed by the company or recruited elsewhere.
Many companies use learnerships to fill junior roles they’d rather hire someone trained in-house than risk a stranger.
Final Words: Is a Learnership Worth It?
100% yes if you’re willing to work hard and commit to the training. With youth unemployment over 40% in South Africa, a learnership is often the best first step to secure permanent work and build your future.
Want more? Bookmark LegitJobs.co.za for more up-to-date guides on the best learnerships, apprenticeships, and ways to earn while you learn in South Africa.
