Learnerships and internships in South Africa

Learnerships and internships are two of the main ways into work for young South Africans without experience. They are often confused, and scammers take advantage of that. Here is how each one works, who runs them, what you get paid and how to apply safely.

What a learnership is

A learnership is a fixed-term programme under the Skills Development Act that combines classroom learning with practical work, and leads to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework. It rests on a learnership agreement between three parties:

• The employer gives you a job for the period, practical work experience and time off to attend classes.
• The training provider gives the education, training and support.
• You, the learner, work for the employer and attend the classes.

The agreement must be registered with the SETA for that sector. A registered learnership is a real programme with a real qualification at the end, and employers can claim a tax deduction from SARS for registered learnership agreements, which is one reason companies run them.

SETAs

SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) each cover a sector: banking, health and welfare, services, safety and security, construction, and so on. They register learnerships and fund skills programmes in their sector, and some advertise opportunities on their own websites. The Department of Higher Education and Training keeps the official list of SETAs with their contact details. Start there rather than with a SETA name in a social media post: fake "SETA" pages are common.

What an internship is

An internship is a period of work experience, usually for someone who has finished a qualification and needs experience in the field. Government departments, state-owned companies and private employers all run them, for a fixed period stated in the advert. Unlike a learnership, an internship doesn't have to lead to a qualification, and its terms (stipend, length, duties) are whatever the advert and your contract say. Read both carefully.

Public service internships are advertised by each department, on its own website and in some cases in the DPSA's vacancy circular. They are applied for like other government posts, usually with a Z83 and a CV. See how to apply for government jobs.

Allowances and stipends

Learners are paid an allowance, not a salary. For learners who weren't already employed by the employer when they signed, Sectoral Determination 5 for learnerships sets the minimum allowances and conditions, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act covers what the determination doesn't. Interns are usually paid a monthly stipend set by the employer; the advert states the amount. If a programme pays nothing at all, ask why before you sign.

How to find and apply for one

1. Look at the source. Company careers pages, the SETA for your field, and government departments' vacancy pages. Big employers advertise learnerships the same way as jobs.
2. Check the requirements. Many set an age range, ask for a matric or a specific qualification, or are only for people who are unemployed. Don't apply for ones you don't qualify for.
3. Prepare your documents. A short CV, your ID and your certificates. Some adverts want certified copies with the application; others only from shortlisted candidates.
4. Apply the way the advert says, by the closing date: an online form, an email address or a drop-off point. Keep a copy of what you sent.
5. Read the agreement before you sign it. It should name the employer, the training provider, the qualification, the period and the allowance.

Never pay for a learnership

You never pay for an application form, a placement, training, a uniform or "registration". Employment agencies may not charge work-seekers a fee. In 2023 the Department of Correctional Services told the public to refuse outright to pay for learnership application forms, called it unlawful, and arrested an official who sold them. It also said it appoints no third parties or middle persons to recruit for it. The same applies everywhere: anyone selling a learnership is a fraudster. Report them at a police station, and read how to spot a fake job.

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