How to Apply for Learnerships Through the Department of Labour in South Africa
Discover a step-by-step guide to apply for learnerships via the Department of Employment and Labour. Learn how to register, prepare your CV.
Dreaming of hands-on training, accredited qualifications, and job-ready skills? Department of Employment and Labour (formerly Labour Department) learnerships bridge classroom learning and workplace experience. This guide walks you through the journey—from registration to completion—so you can confidently start your career journey.
1. What Exactly Is a Learnership?
“What Is a Learnership—and Why It Matters”
Learnerships combine structured training with paid or stipend-supported work experience:
- Duration: Typically 12–24 months
- Outcome: SAQA-aligned National Qualifications
- Support: Employers receive incentives; learners gain exposure and skills
They’re ideal for those seeking a blend of education and employment, especially without prior work history.
2. Why Register at a Labour Centre?
“First Step: Register as a Work-Seeker”
Your journey begins at your nearest Labour Centre:
- Arrange an appointment (some centers use walk-in systems)
- Bring required documents: ID, proof of residence, Matric or relevant qualifications
- Submit registration as an unemployed learner/job-seeker
Once registered, your profile becomes accessible to employers and SETAs seeking candidates for learnerships.
3. How Employers Use Labour Centre Registrations
“How Employers Discover Eligible Learners”
- Employers and SETAs use the Labour Centre database
- Listings often contain candidate criteria for Std 10–12, skills, or language requirements
A clean and complete registration boosts your visibility for suitable learnerships.
4. Connecting via SETAs: Your Skill Development Partners
“Your SETA: Key to Learnership Opportunities”
Each SETA aligns to a sector and administers learnerships:
- AgriSETA, CATHSSETA, MERSETA, SASSETA, Safety and Security SETA, etc.
- Benefits include structured training plans, professional contacts, and support
Contact relevant SETAs—your subject-specific pathfinder for placements.
5. Using SAYouth & Other Platforms
“Use Digital Tools to Explore Learnership Listings”
Supplement provincial searches with:
- SAYouth online (for youth empowerment programs)
- Municipal or provincial government career pages
- Local newspapers and career events
These help you discover wider or niche learnership options.
6. Spotting the Right Learnership
“How to Choose the Learnership That Fits You”
Look for clear descriptions of:
- Qualifications (e.g., NQF level, field relevance)
- Duration and training vs. work balance
- Stipends or salaries offered
- Employer location, schedule, and career pathways
Match these against your education and personal goals before applying.
7. Crafting a Strong CV
“Writing a CV That Stands Out to Learnership Employers”
Include:
- Personal info and contact details
- Matric and other qualifications (certificates, certificates in progress)
- Skills (technical, language, computer, interpersonal)
- Volunteer or work roles
- References with contact details
Tailor your CV to every learnership—show relevance clearly.
8. Submitting Your Application with Confidence
“How to Apply to Learnerships: Be Precise and Professional”
Common methods:
- Labour Centre referral letters
- Direct SETA/internal portal submissions
- Company-provided forms or email submissions
Whatever the method, submit complete documentation—unfilled fields slow progress.
9. Prepare for Interviews and Assessments
“Get Ready to Shine: Interviews and Psychometric Tests”
After application, you might be invited to:
- Panels: answer site, program, motivation questions
- Tests: tests on aptitude, personality, and subject knowledge
- Trials: basic practical evaluations (e.g., computer, customer service role-plays)
Prepare by studying the field, practicing mock interviews, and being clear about your interest.
10. Tracking Progress & Following Up
“Stay Proactive: Follow Your Application Journey”
- Keep a spreadsheet of positions, dates, and contact persons
- Every 2 weeks, follow up at the Labour Centre or SETA
- Continue updating your profile, enhancing skills, and applying elsewhere
This shows diligence—and increases your chances.
11. If You’re Shortlisted: What’s Next?
“After the Call: The Learnership Onboarding Process”
You may be invited to:
- Sign a learnership agreement outlining rights, duties, stipend, and compliance
- Help arrange compliance checks, security clearances, or medical screenings
- Attend orientation sessions and begin your blended training
You’re on your way to formally earning while you learn.
12. Making the Most of On-the-Job Learning
“How to Excel During Your Learnership”
Focus on:
- Learning from experienced colleagues
- Taking initiative—ask for responsibilities
- Filling theory gaps with reading, simple research
- Keeping records of your practical work—useful for future applications
A proactive approach boosts both learning and career opportunities.
13. Keep Building Credentials Along the Way
“Leveraging Your Learnership to Up Your Credentials”
- Enroll part-time for certificates that complement your program
- Join in-company workshops, online micro-certifications
- Build a portfolio—reports, photos, record of practical tasks
This adds depth and visibility to your professional profile.
14. Finishing the Learnership: What to Expect
“Wrapping Up Strongly: Evaluations and Certification”
Expect:
- Final assessments—verbal, written, and practical
- Reports signed off by your employer and trainer
- National qualification from SAQA upon successful completion
- Possible appointment or help with job placement
Certification provides a recognizable job-ready credential.
15. What Comes Next: Career Pathways After Learnership
“Your Options After Graduation”
- Potential permanent job offer
- Move into further study or higher-level learnerships
- Transition into entrepreneurship or private sector roles
- Use your certificate to apply elsewhere—banks, consultancies, government
Your learnership is a launchpad—not a finish line.
16. Real Learner Stories: Trace the Success
“From Learner to Leader: Life After Learnership”
- Jane, a hospitality learner, now manages lodge customer service
- Sipho, an IT graduate, works for municipal digital services
- Nomsa, a construction learner, became a site supervisor
Real experiences show how learnerships transform careers.
17. Overcoming Common Challenges
“Prepare for Hurdles: How to Succeed Despite Obstacles”
- Difficulty getting interviews? Refresh your application
- Facing financial strain? Explore youth stipends and local aid
- Struggling academically? Use study groups or mentorship
- Feeling stuck post-certification? Stay engaged with SETAs and networks
Resourcefulness makes the difference.
18. Honing a Growth Mindset Throughout
“Stay Flexible: Learn from Setbacks and Stay Inspired”
- Treat rejection as redirection
- Continue developing—take workshops, attend webinars
- Network actively—learnmentors and staff can open hidden doors
Success isn’t instant—it’s built with iterations.
19. Celebrate Milestones, Stay Vision-Driven
“Track Your Progress and Keep Your Focus”
- Celebrate registration, interview call, certificate awarded
- Repeat: know why you started
- Keep sight of long-term goals (job, business, growth)
Recognition fuels motivation through the journey.
20. Final Thoughts: Your Learnership Success Formula
“Your Roadmap to Learnership Success”
- Begin with registration at the Labour Centre
- Engage with SETAs and online platforms
- Refine your CV and apply to multiple opportunities
- Prepare for interviews and tests
- Learn actively during the programme
- Build credentials, finish strong
- Transition confidently into career next steps
A proactive and structured approach leads to success.
Summary Overview
| Phase | Actions and Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Registration | Labour Centre registration → visible to employers |
| Discover Opportunities | Use SETAs, platforms, and network |
| Application Preparation | Tailored CV, documents, references |
| Interview Readiness | Mock assessments, research, confidence |
| Selection Process | Contracts, compliance, orientation |
| On-the-Job Learning | Build skills, take initiative, track achievements |
| Completion & Certification | Qualify with SAQA certification |
| Next Steps | Job, further study, private sector, entrepreneurship, sector jobs |
Your Next Steps
Make your move:
- Register today at your Labour Centre
- Build your SETA connections and online profiles
- Apply to multiple learnerships—don’t wait
- Practice interview prep and stay organized
- Learn actively, celebrate your progress, and plan future steps
This journey promises strong foundation, practical skill, and career advancement.
Disclaimer: This guide is educational and not affiliated with government policy. Learnership structures and opportunities may change—verify details through official Department of Employment and Labour and SETAs.
