Do Learnerships Provide Payslips? Understanding Your Rights as a Learner in South Africa

Do learnerships provide payslips in South Africa? Learn if learners receive payment slips, why they matter, and how to request them.

As South Africa continues to push forward with initiatives to reduce youth unemployment, learnerships have become a popular choice for thousands of individuals entering the workforce. These structured training programmes offer a blend of theoretical learning and practical work experience—while paying a monthly stipend to the learner.

But one common question remains unclear for many participants: Do learners in a learnership receive a payslip?

In this article, we take an in-depth look at the legal, practical, and financial aspects of learnerships. We explain whether learners receive payslips, how stipends are calculated, what documents they should expect, and what rights they have when enrolled in a learnership in South Africa.

What Is a Learnership?

A learnership is a formal training programme designed to help learners gain qualifications through structured learning and workplace experience. It leads to a National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-registered qualification and is typically offered by employers in collaboration with a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).

Learnerships are governed by the Skills Development Act and involve three parties:

• The learner
• The employer (host organisation)
• The training provider

These programmes usually last between 12 to 24 months, depending on the qualification and sector.

Do Learners Get Paid?

Yes, most learners receive a monthly stipend during their learnership. A stipend is a fixed amount paid to learners to support them during their training, rather than a full salary or wage. The amount is usually determined by the relevant SETA and based on the minimum stipend guidelines set out by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

Stipend amounts may vary depending on:

• The qualification level (NQF level)
• The sector or industry (e.g., finance, engineering, retail)
• The funding agreement with the SETA
• The host employer’s discretion (sometimes employers top up the stipend)

Are Learners Entitled to Payslips?

The Short Answer:

Yes. Learners are entitled to payslips if they receive a stipend.

Even though the payment is referred to as a stipend (not a wage or salary), it still constitutes remuneration under certain labour laws. As a result, employers or training providers who disburse stipends must issue a documented breakdown of what the learner is paid—typically in the form of a payslip or stipend slip.

This applies particularly when:

• The learner receives a regular monthly stipend
• Deductions (if any) are made (e.g., UIF)
• Payments are made via electronic transfer or bank deposit
• The learner is considered an employee under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act

What Does the Law Say?

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) outlines minimum requirements for employees and employers, including payment documentation. While learners may not always be classified as employees, the same principles are increasingly applied in practice—especially in SETA-funded or workplace-based programmes.

According to Section 33 of the BCEA:

“An employer must give an employee the following information in writing when the employee is paid—
(a) the amount of the payment;
(b) the period for which the payment is made;
(c) any deductions made.”

This requirement is commonly extended to learners receiving stipends through a structured learnership.

What Should Be on a Learnership Payslip or Stipend Slip?

A learnership payslip, even if simplified, should ideally include:

• Learner’s full name
• Employer or SETA name
• Date of payment
• Month or pay period
• Stipend amount before deductions
• Any deductions (e.g., UIF, if applicable)
• Net amount paid
• Bank account details or method of payment

While some host employers issue standardised payslips, others may issue stipend slips—simplified versions with limited information. Both serve the same function: to document the payment.

Why Are Payslips Important for Learners?

Even if you are not formally employed, having a payslip during your learnership can provide several benefits:

1. Proof of Income

Payslips act as proof that you are receiving a stipend. This can be used when:

• Applying for a student loan or bursary
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for rental accommodation
• Supporting your credit record

2. Clarity on Deductions

If your stipend is subject to deductions like Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), your payslip will reflect it. This ensures transparency and helps you understand your rights.

3. Financial Planning

Payslips help learners keep track of their income, plan their budgets, and avoid unnecessary expenses.

4. Legal Protection

In the event of a dispute about non-payment or underpayment, your payslip is a vital document to prove your case with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) or labour authorities.

Are All Employers Issuing Payslips to Learners?

In Practice:

• Large companies and corporates offering learnerships often issue formal payslips that comply with labour and tax regulations.
• SETA-funded programmes through public institutions may issue a stipend slip along with a payment advice.
• Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) or NGOs might be inconsistent with documentation but are still encouraged to issue some form of stipend breakdown.

If you’re in a learnership and are not receiving a payslip or written proof of stipend, you have the right to request one from your employer or training coordinator.

What If I’m Not Getting a Payslip?

If your employer or SETA is not providing a payslip, here’s what you can do:

1. Politely Request One

Approach the HR officer or training coordinator and ask for a monthly payslip or stipend breakdown. Explain why it’s important for your financial records.

2. Contact Your SETA

If the learnership is SETA-funded, contact the SETA’s learner support or learner management department. They often require training providers to comply with minimum standards, including stipend transparency.

3. Escalate to the Department of Labour

If there are ongoing issues with non-payment or unclear deductions, the Department of Employment and Labour can investigate non-compliance.

Deductions from Learnership Stipends: Are They Legal?

Generally, stipend deductions are not common, unless:

• You are classified as an employee and are contributing to UIF
• You’ve agreed (in writing) to certain deductions, such as for equipment or accommodation
• The deduction is made in accordance with the BCEA

Any unauthorised deduction is unlawful, and learners should raise concerns immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all learners receive payslips?

Not always, but they should. Any learner receiving a stipend should get a document showing how much they are paid, what deductions are made, and when payment was processed.

2. Can I use a payslip from my learnership to apply for credit?

Yes. If the payslip shows consistent monthly income, it can be used when applying for small loans, rental contracts, or student accounts.

3. What if I only receive a handwritten note or WhatsApp message for payment?

While not ideal, it’s still documentation. However, you are entitled to request an official or typed document showing your stipend details.

4. Is the stipend taxable?

In most cases, stipends are below the tax threshold and not subject to PAYE. But in higher-paying learnerships, tax may apply—consult the SARS website or a tax advisor.

Final Thoughts

Yes, learnerships do provide payslips—or at the very least, learners should receive some form of written payment confirmation. While stipends are not salaries, learners are still entitled to transparency, fairness, and documentation of their income.

Payslips play an important role in helping learners manage their finances, claim benefits, and build a professional paper trail for future opportunities. Whether you’re about to begin a learnership or are currently enrolled in one, make sure you know your rights and request a payslip if it’s not automatically provided.

Empower yourself with knowledge. A payslip is more than just a piece of paper—it’s your proof of participation in the world of work.