Open Learnerships for 2025 Without Matric: Opportunities You Can Apply For Today
Introduction: No Matric? No Problem — Learnerships Are Still Within Reach
For many South Africans, the path to career success doesn’t always follow the traditional route of matric and university. Life’s challenges — be they financial, personal, or academic — sometimes mean that not everyone completes Grade 12. But that doesn’t mean dreams must be abandoned. Thanks to learnerships that don’t require matric, there’s still a way forward.
In 2025, a wide range of learnership opportunities are available for those without a matric certificate. These programmes are designed to equip unemployed youth with practical skills, real workplace experience, and a chance to earn while learning.
This guide explores which learnerships are still open in 2025 for individuals without matric, where to find them, and how to make the most of them — especially if you thought your lack of a Grade 12 certificate would hold you back.
Understanding Learnerships: A Quick Refresher
A learnership is a structured work-based learning programme that leads to a nationally recognised qualification. It combines classroom learning with on-the-job training, usually for a period of 12 to 24 months. Most importantly, learners receive a monthly stipend, making it easier to pursue further education while gaining valuable experience.
Learnerships are run in collaboration with:
- SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities)
- Private companies
- Government departments
- Training providers
While many learnerships require matric, there are several that don’t — especially at NQF Level 2 and Level 3.
Learnerships Still Open for 2025 Without Matric
Let’s take a closer look at specific learnerships across different sectors that are either currently open or recur annually — often without requiring Grade 12.
1. Wholesale and Retail Sector
Pick n Pay Wholesale & Retail Operations Learnership
Pick n Pay offers retail-focused learnerships for unemployed youth who do not have matric. These are typically available for roles such as:
- Shelf packers
- Cashiers
- Stock room assistants
- Merchandisers
The programme includes on-the-job training in stores, supplemented with formal classroom instruction.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens aged 18–35
- Must be unemployed and available full-time
- Basic literacy and numeracy required
Other Retail Chains
Stores like Checkers, Shoprite, and SPAR also offer entry-level retail learnerships during the year. Keep an eye on their official careers pages and SETA portals like W&RSETA (Wholesale and Retail SETA).
2. Transport Sector
Transnet Learnerships (No Matric)
Transnet, under guidance from the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), regularly offers learnerships that do not require matric for entry-level positions such as:
- General workers
- Cargo handlers
- Freight assistants
Typical requirements:
- Grade 9 or 10 certificate
- South African ID
- Willingness to work shifts and in industrial environments
TETA Learnership Programmes
TETA supports training in:
- Vehicle repair and maintenance
- Warehousing and logistics
- Road freight and transport management
These programmes can be accessed through private companies in partnership with TETA.
3. Mining Sector
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Learnerships
If you live in a mining community or rural area, you may qualify for MQA-funded learnerships that do not require matric. These are often entry-level and focus on:
- Plant operations
- General labour
- Artisanal skills (e.g., welding, drilling)
Mining companies like Anglo American, Exxaro, and Sibanye-Stillwater partner with MQA to deliver such opportunities, especially for youth living near mines.
4. Energy Sector
Eskom Learnerships Without Matric
Eskom periodically offers administrative and technical learnerships that don’t require matric but instead need:
- A Grade 10 or 11 pass
- Basic computer literacy
- Willingness to work in the energy sector
Roles may include:
- Office administration
- General utility work
- Support roles in depots
These are often advertised on Eskom’s careers page.
5. Call Centre and Customer Service Learnerships
Clover Call Centre Learnership
Clover, one of SA’s most popular dairy brands, has offered Call Centre learnerships for individuals without matric in the past. These programmes are ideal for candidates with:
- Good spoken English or multilingual skills
- Patience and good phone etiquette
- Interest in customer care roles
Insurance & Telecommunications Learnerships
Companies like 1Life Insurance, Clientèle, Vodacom, and MTN sometimes offer learnerships in:
- Inbound/outbound sales
- Call handling
- Client services
Check Indeed, Jobmail, and Careers24 for the latest openings.
6. Administration and Office Work
Sasol Administration Learnership for People With Disabilities
Sasol’s inclusive learnerships are targeted at individuals with disabilities and often do not require matric. The focus is on:
- Basic office admin
- Document filing and tracking
- Computer-based data entry
Sasol partners with recruitment agencies and NGOs to facilitate inclusive training. Visit Sasol’s official site or disability-focused platforms like SAYouth.mobi for updates.
7. Private Security Sector
Security Learnerships Without Matric
Many private security companies offer learnerships for aspiring security guards. These often involve PSIRA certification training (Grade D–A) and include:
- Basic security skills
- Legal knowledge
- Firearm training (where applicable)
Companies like Fidelity, G4S, and SSG Security run these programmes yearly and accept applicants with:
- Grade 9 or above
- Clean criminal record
- South African ID
8. Finance and Business Skills Without Matric
ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) Learnerships
The ICB offers qualifications in:
- Financial Accounting
- Business Management
- Office Administration
Some training providers offer ICB-accredited programmes as learnerships for individuals without matric, especially those who’ve completed NC(V) or NQF Level 2 studies.
These are excellent for candidates interested in:
- Admin work
- Accounting assistant roles
- Running a small business
Training providers like Skills Academy, Oxbridge Academy, and College SA often partner with employers to create these programmes.
How to Find Learnerships Without Matric in 2025
✅ 1. Use Specific Online Job Portals
Websites like:
Search using keywords like:
- “Learnerships without matric 2025”
- “NQF Level 2 learnerships”
- “No matric learnerships South Africa”
✅ 2. Check Company Career Pages
Visit the official websites of:
- Pick n Pay
- Transnet
- Clover
- Eskom
- Fidelity Security
- Sasol
- Exxaro
Look for the “Careers” or “Jobs” section and filter for internships or learnerships.
✅ 3. Contact Your Local SETA
Each SETA has a website with details about learnerships, bursaries, and training providers:
They also list accredited training providers in your area who may be running learnerships.
✅ 4. Walk-In Applications
Many retail, hospitality, and security companies still accept walk-in applications. Visit their nearest branch with:
- A copy of your ID
- CV
- Any school reports or NQF Level statements
Tips to Succeed Without Matric
- Focus on Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and a good attitude are often more important than qualifications in entry-level jobs.
- Show Commitment: Many companies want someone who is punctual, coachable, and reliable.
- Upskill Yourself Online: Take free courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Google Digital Garage to strengthen your application.
- Never Give Up: Persistence pays off. Apply often, follow up, and keep improving your CV.
Conclusion: Your Future Doesn’t End Without Matric
The truth is, you don’t need matric to start building a career. With determination, the right information, and a little preparation, you can join a learnership that trains you, pays you, and leads to full-time employment.
2025 is filled with opportunities across retail, transport, mining, customer service, security, and admin — many of which do not require a Grade 12 certificate.
Remember: it’s not about where you start — it’s about how far you’re willing to go.
Final Word:
If you’re ready to change your life, start by applying for a learnership today — even without matric. Every skill you gain brings you one step closer to your goals. Keep going. Keep learning. Your future is calling.
