Can You Get a SETA Learnership Without Matric? Exploring Your Options Across Industries
Introduction: A Pathway Beyond Matric
In South Africa, the road to skills development doesn’t always require a matric certificate. This might come as a surprise to many young people who, for various reasons, were unable to complete Grade 12. For those eager to learn, work, and build a meaningful career, SETA learnerships without matric offer a promising lifeline.
The truth is, education isn’t linear—and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) exist to provide alternative paths. Whether you’re in rural Eastern Cape or the heart of Johannesburg, these learnerships create access to skills-based training, stipend-supported learning, and real work experience.
Let’s explore how learnerships without matric work, which SETAs offer them, and how you can get started on your journey toward professional growth.
Understanding What a Learnership Is
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand what a learnership actually is.
A learnership is a structured program that combines theory (classroom learning) and practical experience (workplace exposure). It usually leads to an NQF (National Qualifications Framework) certificate and is aligned with national skills development strategies.
Learnerships are particularly important because they:
- Provide a stipend to learners while they train.
- Offer nationally recognized qualifications.
- Help bridge the gap between unemployment and employability.
Most learnerships are managed through SETAs, each responsible for a specific sector of the economy.
So, Can You Apply Without Matric?
Yes, you can—but not for every learnership.
While many learnerships do require a Grade 12 certificate, there are plenty that don’t. These are often found in sectors that emphasize hands-on skills more than academic results.
Let’s look at the industries and SETAs that frequently offer learnerships for people without matric.
1. Transport Sector (TETA) – Driving Toward Opportunity
TETA – Transport Education and Training Authority is one of the key SETAs that provides accessible learnerships to individuals without matric.
Opportunities include:
- Professional driving (code 10/14)
- Bus or taxi operations
- Warehousing and logistics
- Fleet management assistant roles
Many of these programmes require only a Grade 10 certificate or even basic literacy and numeracy skills. They’re designed to upskill South Africans quickly and efficiently in a sector that’s always in motion.
Example Learnership:
National Certificate: Professional Driving (NQF Level 3) – Ideal for Code 14 learners with a valid license.
2. Services Sector (Services SETA) – Skills for the Everyday Economy
The Services SETA covers a wide range of occupations in the retail, beauty, hospitality, and cleaning sectors—many of which don’t require matric.
Learnerships include:
- Beauty and nail technology
- Hairdressing
- Cleaning and hygiene services
- Hospitality front-of-house operations
- Customer service in retail
These learnerships are perfect for individuals who enjoy working with people and are eager to enter industries that value practical skills and personal presentation over academic records.
3. Construction Sector (CETA) – Building a Career Without a Grade 12
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) offers several learnerships aimed at helping people gain a foothold in South Africa’s growing construction and infrastructure development sector.
Opportunities include:
- Painting and decorating
- Bricklaying
- Plastering
- Plumbing assistant training
- Scaffolding and formwork basics
Some of these learnerships begin at NQF Level 2, where the entry requirement can be Grade 9 or lower, depending on the provider and funding availability.
Important Tip: You don’t always need formal schooling, but basic physical fitness, manual dexterity, and a willingness to learn on-site are essential.
4. Agriculture Sector (AgriSETA) – Growing Skills from the Ground Up
If you live in a rural area or have a passion for plants, farming, or animal care, AgriSETA is an excellent resource.
Learnerships may cover:
- General farm worker training
- Poultry or livestock farming
- Irrigation practices
- Agri-processing skills
- Basic horticulture and landscaping
Many of these programs are designed with informal sector workers in mind—meaning matric is often not required, especially for lower-level NQF qualifications.
5. Manufacturing and Engineering (merSETA) – Learning with Your Hands
The Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services SETA (merSETA) supports the automotive, metal, and engineering industries. While higher-level programs may require matric with maths or science, entry-level NQF 1–3 learnerships often don’t.
Examples include:
- Welding assistant training
- Machine operation (textiles, plastics)
- Basic mechanical assembly
- Automotive spray painting
These skills are in high demand and can lead to long-term employment in factories or technical settings.
Who Are These Learnerships Designed For?
Learnerships without matric are typically targeted toward:
✅ Unemployed youth (aged 18–35)
✅ People with disabilities
✅ Workers looking to upskill
✅ Individuals from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds
These programs aim to reduce poverty, increase skills levels, and help South Africans become employable—even if they’ve fallen through the cracks of the formal education system.
How to Find and Apply for SETA Learnerships Without Matric
Here’s a step-by-step approach to getting started:
Step 1: Identify the Relevant SETA
Use your interests and location to narrow down the industry you’re most aligned with. Then visit the SETA’s website. Example sites:
Step 2: Look for Accredited Training Providers
Many SETAs don’t recruit directly. Instead, they fund training providers who run the programmes.
Search for:
- TETA-accredited driving schools
- CETA-accredited construction colleges
- Services SETA-accredited beauty or retail academies
Make sure the provider is SETA-accredited to avoid scams.
Step 3: Register on Online Portals
Some SETAs, like Services SETA, have online portals where you can register as a learner, upload your CV, and get notified of opportunities.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Even without matric, you’ll usually need:
- A certified ID copy
- Proof of residential address
- Highest grade passed (e.g., Grade 10 report)
- A short motivational letter (why you want to do the learnership)
Step 5: Stay Alert and Follow Up
SETA opportunities are competitive. Be ready to:
- Attend information sessions
- Go for interviews or assessments
- Start immediately if selected
Important Reminders for Success
- Stipends are offered for most SETA learnerships—typically ranging from R2,000 to R4,500 per month, depending on the level.
- Learners are not required to pay any fees—these are fully funded.
- You’ll receive an NQF-aligned certificate after successful completion.
- These programs can be stepping stones to employment or higher-level learning, even without matric.
Real Stories: Lives Changed Without a Matric Certificate
Thabiso, 26, from Limpopo, didn’t finish high school due to financial challenges. He joined a TETA-sponsored driving learnership at a local college. Today, he drives trucks across Southern Africa, earning a stable income and supporting his family.
Nomvula, 23, from Soweto, enrolled in a Services SETA beauty therapy learnership. She now runs a small mobile nail business and is training to become a certified salon owner.
These are not isolated cases—they’re proof that learning and growth don’t stop where school ends.
Conclusion: There’s a Place for Everyone in the Skills Economy
If you’ve ever felt like not having matric is the end of the road—think again.
South Africa’s SETA system is built to open doors, not close them. Learnerships without matric exist across transport, services, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. They offer real experience, national qualifications, and in many cases, lead directly to employment.
So whether you’re young and unemployed, or simply looking for a new direction, take heart: you don’t need a matric to make a meaningful start.
Bonus: SETAs to Watch for Non-Matric Learnerships
| SETA | Sectors Covered | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| TETA | Transport & logistics | Code 10/14, basic education |
| Services SETA | Retail, beauty, hospitality | Grade 9 or equivalent |
| CETA | Construction | Practical readiness, Grade 9 |
| AgriSETA | Farming & food production | Functional literacy |
| merSETA | Manufacturing & technical | Grade 9–11 depending on trade |
Explore, apply, and take control of your future—no matric required.
