If you’ve just finished school or college and want to earn while you learn, a learnership is one of the best opportunities in South Africa.
But how do you apply? This step-by-step guide is designed especially for beginners who want to land their first learnership with confidence.
Table of Contents
What is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured learning program that combines theoretical learning with practical work experience. It leads to a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Learnerships are a great way to gain job-specific skills and are often sponsored by companies and government departments.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for a learnership if you:
- Are between 18 and 35 years old
- Are unemployed
- Have a Grade 12 certificate or the relevant qualification
- Are a South African citizen
- Have a valid ID document
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Learnership
Step 1: Identify the Right Learnership
Start by knowing what field you’re interested in: is it business, IT, engineering, healthcare, or another sector?
Where to find learnerships:
- Company websites (e.g., Eskom, Transnet, Sasol, etc.)
- Government portals
- Job platforms like LinkedIn
- SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) – www.servicesseta.org.za
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, get your documents ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate or highest qualification
- Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Proof of residence (if required)
Tip: Make sure all your documents are certified and not older than 3 months.
Step 3: Update and Polish Your CV
Your CV should include:
- Personal details (name, contact info, etc.)
- Educational background
- Skills and abilities
- Career goals
- References (if available)
- Keep it short, neat, and professional — ideally 1 to 2 pages.
Step 4: Apply for the Learnership
Follow the instructions in the advert. Applications can be done:
- Online (upload your documents on the company’s career portal)
- By email (attach your documents and write a short email introduction)
- In-person (drop your application at their office if allowed)
Important: Double-check the closing date and apply before the deadline.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews and Assessments
If shortlisted, you may be invited to:
- Write an aptitude test
- Attend an interview
- Do a medical or background check
- Be honest, punctual, and dress neatly when attending interviews.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Applying for a field you’re not interested in
- Using one generic CV for every application
- Missing deadlines
- Falling for scams — never pay to apply for a learnership!
Final Tips
- Apply for multiple learnerships to improve your chances.
- Check your email and phone regularly for feedback.
- Keep learning while you wait — free courses and YouTube tutorials can help.
A learnership can open doors to real employment and skills development. With the right approach and preparation, you can take the first step toward a brighter future. Be patient, stay motivated, and don’t give up!
