How to Apply for a SETA Learnership: A Complete Guide for South African Job Seekers in 2025
A Pathway to Skills, Purpose, and Employment
In a world where academic degrees alone no longer guarantee employment, learnerships have become South Africa’s secret weapon in tackling youth unemployment and skills shortages. But beyond the buzzwords lies a very real opportunity: a SETA learnership—where you don’t just learn, you also earn.
For many young people sitting at home, wondering where to start, one question often rises to the top:
“How do I actually apply for a SETA learnership?”
Whether you’re currently employed, unemployed, or simply looking to take a new direction in your career, this guide will walk you through the process step by step, while telling the story of thousands of South Africans just like you who are building their futures one learnership at a time.
🌱 What Is a Learnership?
Before jumping into the “how”, let’s revisit the “what”.
A learnership is a structured programme that combines theoretical learning (classroom-based training) with practical experience (workplace-based learning), designed to lead to a nationally recognised qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Learnerships are funded and supported by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), each covering a specific part of the economy, such as:
- Services SETA (business, tourism, cleaning, etc.)
- MICT SETA (media and IT)
- BANKSETA (banking and microfinance)
- CETA (construction)
- HWSETA (health and welfare)
🎯 Who Can Apply?
There are two main categories of people who can apply for SETA learnerships:
1. Employed Learners
If you are already working, your employer can register you for a learnership to improve your skills and boost productivity. This helps both you and your company grow.
2. Unemployed Learners
If you are unemployed, you can apply directly for learnerships advertised through:
- The Services SETA learner portal
- SETA-accredited training providers
- Government channels (such as the Department of Labour)
- Career portals and company websites
👣 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a SETA Learnership
Let’s break it down into actionable steps for both unemployed and employed individuals:
🧑💼 FOR UNEMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS:
Step 1: Identify the Right SETA
Each learnership is linked to a specific sector. To apply correctly, determine which SETA covers your desired career field.
Examples:
- Want to work in HR, real estate, or hospitality? Go through Services SETA
- Interested in IT and digital work? Apply through MICT SETA
- Want to enter the health industry? Look for opportunities at HWSETA
You can find a full list of SETAs at: www.nationalskillsauthority.org.za
Step 2: Register on the Services SETA Learner Portal
If applying through Services SETA, visit the learner portal:
🌐 https://www.serviceseta.org.za/learner
Create a profile, fill in your personal details, and upload the required documents:
- Certified ID copy
- Matric certificate (or latest school results)
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Certified copies of any other qualifications
🔑 Tip: Ensure your documents are clear, certified, and valid within 3 months.
Step 3: Search and Apply for Open Learnerships
Once registered, you can browse available learnerships on the portal or check:
- SETA Facebook pages
- Training provider websites
- Online job portals (e.g., Indeed, Careers24, Puff & Pass)
- Local Department of Labour offices
Apply for as many as you qualify for—there’s no limit.
Step 4: Attend Interviews or Assessments
Shortlisted candidates are often invited for:
- Interviews
- Screening assessments
- Orientation sessions
If successful, you’ll sign a Learnership Agreement with the employer, the SETA, and the training provider. Once signed, you begin receiving a monthly stipend for the duration (usually 12 months).
🏢 FOR EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS:
Step 1: Speak to Your HR Department
Inform your employer or HR department that you are interested in doing a learnership aligned with your job. This could be in:
- Business Administration
- Project Management
- Customer Service
- Supervisory Development
Step 2: Identify the Sector and SETA
Find out which SETA your company is registered under (e.g., Services SETA, MERSETA, etc.). Your HR or training department should assist.
Step 3: Register Through a Workplace Learnership Programme
If approved, your employer will:
- Source a SETA-accredited training provider
- Register you with the relevant SETA
- Sign the necessary Learnership Agreement
- Possibly provide time off or support for your training
You may not receive a stipend (as you’re already earning a salary), but you will gain a recognised qualification and may increase your chances of promotion or job security.
📜 What Is a Learnership Agreement?
All SETA learnerships must include a formal contract between:
- The learner
- The training provider
- The employer
- The relevant SETA
This contract outlines:
- The start and end date of the programme
- Learner responsibilities
- Employer duties
- Stipend agreement (for unemployed learners)
- Disciplinary guidelines
The agreement protects all parties involved and is a legal requirement for official SETA recognition.
💰 Do I Get Paid During a Learnership?
Yes, if you are unemployed, you will receive a monthly stipend, typically ranging from R2,500 to R5,000, depending on the:
- SETA
- Type of learnership
- Funding available
- Employer support
If you’re already employed, you likely won’t receive a stipend, as your salary continues while you learn.
🧠 Real Story: How Zama Got Her Start
Zama, a 23-year-old from Mpumalanga, had been unemployed since finishing matric. Through a community noticeboard, she heard about a Services SETA learnership in Tourism Management.
She registered on the learner portal, uploaded her documents, and applied.
A month later, she was called for an interview. She was accepted and signed a Learnership Agreement. For a full year, she learned about guest services, marketing, and admin—while earning R3,800/month.
Today, Zama works full-time at a 3-star lodge in Limpopo and is now saving to study hospitality further.
One application changed her entire journey.
🛠️ Benefits of SETA Learnerships
- Nationally recognised qualifications
- Workplace experience
- Monthly stipend (if unemployed)
- Improved employability
- Opportunities for full-time employment
- Access to scarce skills training
⚠️ Watch Out for Scams
Be cautious of people or organisations asking for upfront payments to “secure your learnership”.
- Genuine SETA learnerships are FREE.
- Always confirm if the provider is accredited by the relevant SETA.
- Report suspicious ads to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
📍 Where to Find Learnership Opportunities
- Services SETA Portal:
www.serviceseta.org.za - Department of Labour:
Visit your local office for posted opportunities. - Puff and Pass:
www.puffandpass.co.za - Job Portals:
Search “SETA Learnerships 2025” on platforms like Indeed and Careers24. - TVET Colleges and Youth Centres:
Many have partnerships with SETAs and training providers.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Apply
- Choose your career path
- Identify the relevant SETA
- Prepare all required documents
- Register online or visit a training provider
- Apply for multiple opportunities
- Stay alert for calls, emails, or interview invites
- Be professional and persistent
🌟 Final Thoughts: Learnerships Are More Than Just Training
Applying for a SETA learnership might feel intimidating, but it could be the most important step in your career. It’s not just about training—it’s about transformation. It’s about giving you access to skills, experience, and a future that would otherwise be out of reach.
So don’t wait for opportunity to knock. Go out, register, apply, and claim it. Whether you’re employed or unemployed, there’s a learnership waiting for you.
