top 10 learnerships in South Africa. South Africa’s job market continues to evolve rapidly, and one of the most effective ways for young professionals and school leavers to enter the workforce is through learnership programs. These programs combine practical work experience with theoretical training, providing participants with valuable industry exposure while earning a stipend. In 2025, learnerships remain one of the most sought-after pathways for individuals aiming to bridge the gap between education and employment. With the unemployment rate among South African youth hovering around 46.5% according to Stats SA, learnerships offer a critical opportunity to gain relevant skills, secure references, and enhance long-term employability. top 10 learnerships in South Africa
Learnerships in South Africa are structured to address both the skill demands of the labor market and the developmental needs of young professionals. Many companies, ranging from financial institutions to engineering firms, actively sponsor learnerships to nurture talent that could eventually fill permanent roles within their organizations. According to recent data from the Department of Higher Education and Training, over 60,000 learnerships are registered annually across various sectors, including IT, finance, engineering, and business administration. For learners, this translates into a wealth of opportunities, provided they understand how to navigate applications, meet eligibility requirements, and make the most of the practical and theoretical components of these programs.
A critical aspect of choosing the right learnership is understanding the financial and career implications. Stipends for learnership participants vary depending on the sector, the level of education, and the company sponsoring the program. On average, a learnership in IT or finance can offer monthly stipends ranging from R4,000 to R8,500, while engineering and technical fields may provide between R6,000 and R10,000 per month. From a math perspective, this means that a 12-month learnership in finance paying R6,500 monthly would total R78,000 per year in earnings significantly higher than part-time employment in entry-level roles. Factoring in the additional value of experience and qualifications obtained, the return on investment for learners is substantial. top 10 learnerships in South Africa
Top 10 Learnerships in South Africa 2025
- Financial Services Learnership – Standard Bank
Standard Bank offers financial services learnerships for candidates interested in banking, accounting, and financial management. The program lasts 12 to 18 months and includes both in-office training and practical exposure in customer service, risk management, and financial advisory. top 10 learnerships in South Africa- Stipend: R5,500 – R7,500 per month
- Eligibility: Matric with mathematics and accounting, South African citizen, between ages 18-35
- Career Outcome: Junior accountant, banking advisor, financial analyst
- Engineering Learnership – Eskom
Eskom’s learnership programs target electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering graduates. The 24-month program offers hands-on exposure to large-scale projects and maintenance operations. top 10 learnerships in South Africa- Stipend: R7,000 – R10,000 per month
- Eligibility: National Diploma or BTech in engineering, South African citizen
- Career Outcome: Technician, project engineer, maintenance engineer
- Information Technology Learnership – Vodacom
Vodacom provides IT learnerships focusing on software development, network administration, and cybersecurity. Participants gain practical coding experience, network management skills, and exposure to real-world IT challenges. top 10 learnerships in South Africa- Stipend: R6,000 – R8,500 per month
- Eligibility: Matric or diploma in IT, South African citizen
- Career Outcome: IT technician, network administrator, junior software developer
- Retail Management Learnership – Shoprite Group
This program is aimed at future store managers and supervisors. The curriculum includes customer service, stock management, and financial reporting. top 10 learnerships in South Africa- Stipend: R4,000 – R6,000 per month
- Eligibility: Matric, good communication skills
- Career Outcome: Store supervisor, assistant manager, operations manager
- Supply Chain Management Learnership – Transnet
Transnet’s learnership in logistics and supply chain management is designed for learners interested in transport and freight industries.- Stipend: R5,500 – R7,500 per month
- Eligibility: Matric with maths or diploma in logistics
- Career Outcome: Logistics coordinator, supply chain analyst
- Accounting Learnership – Deloitte South Africa
Deloitte offers a highly competitive accounting learnership focusing on auditing, taxation, and financial analysis. top 10 learnerships in South Africa- Stipend: R6,500 – R8,500 per month
- Eligibility: Matric with mathematics or relevant diploma
- Career Outcome: Audit assistant, tax assistant, junior accountant
- Construction and Civil Learnership – Murray & Roberts
Targeted at learners in civil construction and project management, this program provides site experience and safety training.- Stipend: R6,000 – R9,000 per month
- Eligibility: Matric with maths and science, diploma in civil engineering preferred
- Career Outcome: Site supervisor, project assistant, civil technician
- Marketing and Digital Media Learnership – Unilever South Africa
This program focuses on marketing, branding, and digital media strategy, offering learners experience in campaign management and analytics.- Stipend: R5,000 – R7,500 per month
- Eligibility: Matric or diploma in marketing, communication, or media studies
- Career Outcome: Marketing assistant, brand coordinator, social media manager
- Agriculture and Agribusiness Learnership – Grain SA
Grain SA offers agricultural learnerships that teach modern farming practices, agribusiness management, and sustainability.- Stipend: R4,500 – R6,500 per month
- Eligibility: Matric, interest in agriculture, South African citizen
- Career Outcome: Farm manager, agribusiness assistant, crop technician
- Hospitality and Tourism Learnership – Tsogo Sun
Tsogo Sun provides learnerships in hospitality, hotel management, and customer service, combining on-the-job training with formal study.
- Stipend: R4,000 – R6,500 per month
- Eligibility: Matric, customer service orientation
- Career Outcome: Front desk manager, hospitality coordinator, operations supervisor
Salary Math and Total Earnings
Let’s calculate the total earnings for a full year for three representative learnerships:
| Learnership | Monthly Stipend (R) | Duration (Months) | Total Earnings (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bank Financial | 6,500 | 12 | 78,000 |
| Eskom Engineering | 8,500 | 24 | 204,000 |
| Vodacom IT | 7,000 | 12 | 84,000 |
This math demonstrates that some learnerships, particularly in engineering, can provide substantial earnings while simultaneously giving learners experience and accredited skills. top 10 learnerships in South Africa
How to Apply Successfully
- Research Requirements: Confirm eligibility, required documents, and deadlines.
- Prepare a Professional CV: Highlight relevant skills, matric results, and any prior work or volunteer experience.
- Write a Tailored Cover Letter: Emphasize your passion for the industry and your willingness to learn.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common learnership interview questions and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
- Network: Engage with past learners, attend company info sessions, and join online forums.
