A learnership is a learning programme that is based on work. It eventually leads to a qualification that the National Qualifications Framework registers. Learnerships give you the experience you need to start a career because they are related to a field of work or occupation. Learnerships are here to address some of the following challenges;
- The skill shortage in South Africa.
- The decreasing number of employment opportunities
- The glaring effects of geographical location, race, and gender on educational advancement.
- The unequal access to employment opportunities, training, and education.
Learnerships are open to South Africans who are studying part-time, have graduated college, or are learning in different training institutions. South Africans with no jobs are also eligible for learnerships if they can find an employer who is willing to help them get work experience. Learners who are accepted have to sign the following legal documents;
- A learnership agreement
The learnership agreement spells out the rights and responsibilities of the learner, the employer, and the education body that will give the learner theoretical training. All 3 parties have to sign the learnership agreement.
- An employment contract
They will sign an employment contract with their employer and it is valid for the period of the learnership.
Those participating in learnerships have to complete projects, tasks, assignments and take practical tests. The assessments will take place at work and in the classroom. Learners will be awarded a qualification that is registered by NQF if they complete all their assignments. Learners will also receive a certificate that shows the area of skill development and the qualification.
This article describes organisations to research for learnerships and training. It is not a list of currently open 2026 vacancies: programmes, requirements, funding and closing dates depend on the employer’s current advertisement.
MediClinic Learnerships
Mediclinic’s higher-education programmes should not all be described as two-year learnerships. Its Higher Certificate in Nursing lasts one academic year, while diploma programmes have different durations. Confirm the programme’s current fees and entry criteria directly with Mediclinic.
- Be a South African citizen
- Possess a certified copy of their valid ID
- Not registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
- Attach CV to the application
- Pay a non-refundable registration fee
- Have completed Grade 12 and have greater than or equal to a Matric certification
- Passed English Literacy Skills with level 4 (NQF) with 40% or higher
- Passed Mathematics with a literacy level of 4 (NQF) with greater than or equal to 40%.
Eskom Learnerships Program
Eskom is South Africa’s main electric supplier of power. It meets about 95% of SouthAfrica’s power needs and about 45% of Africa’s power needs. Learnerships are not always available but you can get a learnership in an area where the company needs your skills. Eskom’s learnership programs in fields such as welding, mechanical, electricals, fitting & turning, instrument mechanical & riggers. Eskom offers learnerships in Kriel power station, Eskom real estate, and Duvel power station. Below are the requirements to apply for the Eskom learnership.
- Must be a South African citizen
- Proficient in English
- Must have grade 12 or N3 in mathematics, English, and physical science
- Possessing soft skills is a plus during the interview
Applicants will undergo medical and psychometric assessments, lego, integrity checks, and any other check that Eskom sees appropriate.
Ekurhuleni Metro Police Learnerships
Ekurhuleni Metro Police is an institution that educates and imparts South Africans with profitable skills and knowledge. It is currently one of the most reputable learnership institutions in South Africa. Learners will receive a stipend for as long as the learnership lasts but they have to pay for their accommodation, feeding, and transport. Some learners may be permanently employed after completing the learnership. Below is a list of their learnership programs.
- Accounting
- By-laws
- Cashier
- Crime prevention
- Domestic violence
- Electrical
- Environmental education
- Firearm training
- Health care worker
- Licensing services
- Management
- National road regulations
- National Traffic Act
- SAPS Act
- Social work
- Supply chain
Standard Bank Learnerships
Standard Bank is the leading company in the banking sector that offers learnerships. Their workers are highly skilled and more than willing to impart knowledge and skills to the next generation of learners. There are a variety of learnerships to choose from and all of them are highly credible. Below are the leadership fields
- Accountant
- Branch Manager
- Dept Counselor
- Home Loans Officer
- Teller
- Treasury Analyst
Below are the requirements to apply to participate in any of the listed fields above.
- Must be a South African citizen, as required by Standard Bank’s published learnership criteria.
- Between 18 to 30 years.
- Be proficient in English
- Be computer literate
- Must have a Matric Certificate
- Flexible and willing to learn
- Not permanently employed
- Not enrolled in another learnership when applying
- Not studying in a higher institution of learning
- Include copies of their identity card, certificates, and proof of address
- Attach CV that has references and necessary contacts
Netcare Learnerships
Netcare is among the biggest private providers of emergency and healthcare services in South Africa. It trains the highest number of healthcare and emergency personnel in the country. Applicants can choose learnerships based on their area of specialization and preferences. The following are areas mentioned in older training descriptions, not confirmation of currently open learnerships; check Netcare’s official vacancies.
- Administration
- Basic Nursing
- Clinical Engineering Technicians
- Emergency Operations Center
- Pharmacy
- Research Clinical Trials
- Specialized Nursing
This is the list of requirements that applicants must meet
- Be a South African national
- Have a valid South African Identity Document
- Be proficient in English
- Attach CV to the application form
- Have a driver’s license where necessary
- Provide certified copies of their qualifications
- State your goals and reason for applying to Netcare in a motivation letter
Nedbank Learnerships
Nedbank is on the list of the 4 biggest banking corporations in South Africa. Nedbank has a reputation for having highly skilled professionals who teach learners the ropes of the business. Nedbank has described enrolling over 200 participants annually in earlier programme information; verify current intake numbers and learnerships are usually 12 to 24 months long. Accepted applicants will sign a learnership agreement and will receive a stipend every month. Here are some of the learnerships that Nedbank offers.
- Accountant
- Analyst
- ATM Technician
- Branch Manager
- Customer Service
- Debt Counselor
- Home Loans Officer
- IT Business Analyst
- IT Technicians
- Loans Officer
- Marketing Manager
- Risk Management
- Teller/cashier
- Wealth Management
Applicants have to meet the following requirements to be eligible for a Nedbank Learnership.
- Be computer literate
- Can communicate with clients
- Be a team player and self-motivated
- From a previously economically disadvantaged background
- Possess a valid Matric that includes Mathematics and English on greater or equal to a level 4
- Flexible, willing to learn, and committed to work
- Willing to live within the province of learnership
Also Read: List of 10 Best Institutions Offering Internships in South Africa.
