Looking for 2025 examples of best learnerships in South Africa? Discover top paid learnerships in banking, healthcare, retail, and more.
Why 2025 Is a Landmark Year for Learnerships
When it comes to building a career, timing and opportunity matter. And 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most opportunity-rich years for youth development in South Africa. Across industries—from banking to healthcare to retail—there are countless pathways to employment through structured learnerships. These 2025 examples of best learnerships combine practical experience, stipends, and industry-recognized qualifications, making them ideal stepping stones for school leavers and graduates.
How Learnerships Work: What to Expect in 2025
Learnerships are work-based learning programmes regulated by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities). Each one combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. At the end of the programme, learners receive an NQF-accredited certificate and valuable workplace skills.
In most cases, learners receive:
- A monthly stipend (R2,000 – R6,500 depending on the sector)
- Nationally recognized qualifications
- Direct exposure to real-world work environments
- Mentorship and skills coaching from industry professionals
The aim is simple: to bridge the gap between academic theory and workplace practice.
2025 Examples of Best Learnerships by Industry
Let’s explore the top learnerships available this year across various industries, each offering career-changing opportunities for unemployed youth and graduates.
Banking & Finance
BankSETA Kuyasa Learnership
- Duration: 12 months
- Qualification: NQF Level 5 Banking Services
- Stipend: Approx. R4,500
- Eligibility: Matric with Maths and English
Banking learnerships are consistently among the 2025 examples of best learnerships, thanks to strong job placement potential and transferable skills.
Education and Training
ETDP SETA Learnerships
- Focus Areas: Education Management, Facilitation, Assessing, HRD
- Duration: 12 to 24 months
- Stipend: R3,000 – R4,500
- Ideal for: Aspiring educators, training coordinators, and HR professionals
These programmes prepare youth to enter roles in schools, training centres, or NGOs.
Engineering & Manufacturing
MerSETA Learnerships
- Sectors: Engineering, Metal Work, Auto Manufacturing
- Stipend: R3,500 – R5,000
- Locations: Nationwide
MerSETA learnerships are ideal for technically skilled youth looking for structured pathways into trade professions.
Health & Social Services
HWSETA Learnerships
- Fields: Nursing, Pharmacy Assistance, Community Health Work
- Duration: 12–18 months
- Stipend: R3,500+
- Includes workplace placement at clinics or hospitals
This is one of the most meaningful and impactful sectors in the list of 2025 examples of best learnerships.
Transport & Logistics
TETA Learnerships
- Fields: Trucking, Freight Handling, Aviation Logistics
- Stipend: Approx. R3,200
- Placement: With top logistics and transport firms
Demand for logistics professionals is growing, making this a high-potential area.
Construction & Trade
CETA Learnerships
- Fields: Plumbing, Carpentry, Civil Construction
- Stipend: R2,800 – R4,000
- Locations: Rural and urban project sites
Hands-on and always in demand, these learnerships lead to job-ready trade skills.
Retail & Customer Service
W&RSETA Learnerships
- Positions: Retail Assistants, Stock Controllers, Sales Agents
- Stipend: R2,500 – R3,000
- Companies: Shoprite, Checkers, Woolworths, Pick n Pay
Retail jobs are among the most accessible for youth entering the workforce.
Corporate Learnerships Offering Real Career Growth
Many major South African companies are offering structured, well-supported learnerships in 2025. Here are a few notable examples:
- Transnet: Engineering, logistics, finance
- Coca-Cola: Logistics and sales-related programmes
- Clover: Admin and customer service learnerships
- Sasol: Production, chemical process, and technical roles
- ArcelorMittal: Steel industry production
- South African Breweries (SAB): Marketing and merchandising
These private-sector programmes are often full-time and serve as stepping stones into permanent roles.
Unique and Niche 2025 Learnerships Worth Exploring
Some 2025 learnerships don’t fit the traditional mold—but they’re just as valuable.
- Speccon Holdings – Business admin and digital learning
- Drone Pilot Training – Certified drone operation and flight management
- Joburg City Theatres – Technical sound and lighting crew
- STA Coal Mining – Underground safety and extraction learnerships
- AM Security – Nationally registered security officer training
- Fidelity Services Group – Guarding and security admin
These are fresh, practical examples of how 2025 examples of best learnerships go beyond just books and theory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are learnerships in 2025 paid? | Yes. Most pay stipends between R2,000 and R6,500. |
| Do I need experience to apply? | No. Most are designed for first-time job seekers. |
| Are they full-time? | Yes. Learnerships are usually full-time with both study and work. |
| Do I get a qualification? | Yes. You receive an NQF-accredited certificate. |
| Where can I find learnerships? | SETA websites, job portals, government departments, and company pages. |
What Makes These 2025 Learnerships the Best?
Several criteria make these stand out as the 2025 examples of best learnerships:
- Stipend support: Helps with travel, food, and other basics
- Industry relevance: Aligned with in-demand fields
- Qualification: NQF-aligned and nationally recognized
- Employer relationships: Often lead to full-time job offers
- Inclusivity: Many are open to youth with disabilities or from disadvantaged communities
Tips for a Successful Learnership Application
- Polish your CV – Make it clear, concise, and tailored to the role
- Write a strong motivation letter – Show your passion and purpose
- Get certified copies of your ID, qualifications, and proof of address
- Apply early – Opportunities fill fast
- Practice for interviews – Some companies may conduct assessments
Final Thoughts: How to Use These 2025 Learnership Examples to Plan Your Future
Whether you dream of working in a bank, helping in a hospital, or becoming a tradesperson, 2025 has opened the door to hundreds of learnerships designed to launch careers. These 2025 examples of best learnerships are more than opportunities—they’re invitations to build confidence, skillsets, and stable futures.
Take the next step. Search local opportunities, gather your documents, and apply to at least three learnerships that match your interests. Your future is built by action—and learnerships offer one of the most powerful platforms to do just that.
