Learnerships are work-based training programmes that combine classroom learning with practical knowledge. Launched in 1998, learnerships continue to serve as a bridge between education and employment in South Africa. They help the youth gain expertise in skills that will make it easy for them to gain employment. Learnerships in 2024 are available in several industries, including oil and gas, banking, and mining.
Candidates admitted into the 2024 learnership programmes will be taught specialised skills that will allow them to contribute to the workforce. In this article, we will learn more about the requirements for a learnership, methods for applying, and the available learnerships for 2024.
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Available Learnerships for 2024: Introduction
A learnership is an innovative learning programme in South Africa that combines industry or company-specific theoretical knowledge with on-the-job training. This programme allows individuals to develop skill sets required for specific roles.
College graduates can also pursue a learnership to gain work experience that will help in future career prospects. Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) manage this work-based training programme.
Learnerships are open to South African nationals and are a great opportunity for the youth to contribute to the country’s growing economy. These are paid opportunities and the allowance helps meet monthly expenses as learners gain experience in their field. While a job is not guaranteed at the end of the programme, you gain an additional qualification and work experience. At the end of the programme, learners are awarded a National Qualification Framework (NQF) certification.
2024 Learnerships in South Africa
Since its launch, learnerships have gained popularity, and individuals can now easily search for available learnerships across various platforms. All learnerships are required to be listed with the Department of Labour. To learn more about available learnerships for 2024, candidates can visit the nearest employment centre, search on company websites, or browse programmes offered by training schools.Some firms, such as BP and Standard Bank offer direct learnership opportunities through a specialised application process that candidates can fill online.
As long as an employer is willing to take responsibility for the payment of the allowance, it is possible to begin your learnership. Mining, transport, and information technology are some of the biggest industries in South Africa and undoubtedly offer immense opportunities for growth through their learnership opportunities. Let us take a look at some of the top 5 high-demand sectors and the various types of available learnerships for 2024:
Oil and Gas
After graduating, it is possible to work in the oil and gas industry. Learnerships in this field are open for positions such as welder, rigger, and chemical electrician. Candidates enrolling in this sector gain the expertise to join offshore rigs in the future.
- BP Learnership
The learnership programme is structured as a fast-track journey into understanding the workings of the oil and gas industry. Candidates work on real projects and will witness the results of their actions.
- PetroSA Centre of Excellence Learnership
The PetroSA learnership programme is based in a CHIEL-accredited one out of Mossel Bay. Learnerships focus on the chemical industry; participants are trained to become riggers, welders, and chemical electricians.
- Sasol Learnership
The Sasol learnership offers on-the-job training supported by a structured classroom curriculum. Some of the learnerships available at Sasol are in welding, fitting, and chemical plant operations.
Mining
These learnerships are usually open for current employees and local community members looking for a long-term role in the mining industry.
- Canyon Coal Learnership
This learnership is an excellent opportunity for women to gain entry into the mining industry. Canyon Coal aggressively hires women welders, fitters, and machine operators.
- South Deep Gold Mine Learnership
South Deep offers accredited learnership programmes to employees and the local community. The theoretical knowledge is strengthened by practical experience gained while working.
- Sibanye-Stillwater Learnership
The learnerships at Sibanye-Stillwater offer a deeper understanding of the mining industry. Their learnership is open to employees as well as members of the community. The company has a dedicated in-house campus on the West Rand where theory classes are conducted. Candidates will have real-life work experiences that will prepare them for a future in mining.
Banking
This sector offers a vast range of learnership opportunities where, depending on their interest, candidates can gain knowledge in investment banking, technology, or insurance. These programmes typically range from 18 – 24 months and offer one of the best ways to gain a foothold in the banking industry.
- Standard Bank Learnership
Standard Bank offers various learnership opportunities for 12, 18, or 24 months depending on the role. Candidates can choose from auditing, insurance, and corporate investment banking. Each role is designed to provide candidates with a workplace coach and mentor who helps guide them towards success. Specialist programmes are run only in Johannesburg, but other programmes are available across South Africa.
- BANKSETA Learnership
The BANKSETA learnership offers different learnership categories based on educational qualifications. Candidates undertaking matric and graduation learnerships are awarded an NQF Level 5 banking service advice certification. Postgraduate candidates can choose from management development, business analysis, or financial markets for their learnership.
Healthcare
Learnerships roles in the healthcare industry train candidates to work as support staff in departments such as IT.
- AME Africa Healthcare Learnership
Each year, six candidates are hired to undergo this prestigious learnership over a 12-month period. The course work is studied at iStudent Academy, while the practical training is undertaken at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) Operations in Mayville, Durban. Candidates who work on the IT operations of the hospital will have a keen understanding of computers and how technology aids the healthcare industry.
Information Technology
As South Africa broadens its digital footprint, a learnership role in the tech industry can be highly beneficial in the long run. These programmes can train candidates in essential programming languages, digital marketing skills, and network architecture.
- Torque IT Learnership
Torque IT offers multiple 12-month learnership programmes where candidates can learn system development, end-user computing, and systems support.
- Edge Training Learnerships
This accredited learnership aims to teach candidates how to design websites, learn to use computer applications, and develop problem-solving skills. It prepares individuals for a career in IT and allows them to apply for entry-level positions in software testing and systems development.
Types of Available Learnerships in 2024
All companies operating in South Africa are not required to offer learnerships. However, many are required to meet developmental skill targets set forth by Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE). When exploring available learnerships for 2024, candidates can search prominent local firms and multinationals for learnership opportunities. Learnerships allow them to contribute towards developing required skills in the youth and harnessing talent from a qualified pool of workers.
Those looking to apply for available learnerships for 2024 have three main avenues.
Industry-Specific Learnerships
These learning programmes incorporate a specific curriculum that aims to meet the needs of a particular industry. Participants who enrol in these can be trained to perform in top industries such as healthcare, banking, or tourism.
The training institute offering these learnerships has ties to companies where the candidates gain on-the-job training.
Private Sector Learnerships
The best way to enter a specific industry is by applying for a private-sector learnership. Applicants will find that most large firms across sectors offer this option when searching for available learnerships in 2024. Each private sector firm has an individual application process and criteria for admission into these sought-out programmes.
2024 Available Learnership Requirements
While many learnership roles are available each year, candidates must meet basic eligibility criteria to be considered for roles. These are the qualifications that are required for most 2024 learnerships in South Africa:
- Be of South African nationality with a valid ID
- Aged between 16 – 35 years
- School, college, or vocational training graduate
- Facing unemployment
- Have an employer willing to pay your allowance
- Sign a learnership agreement and an employment contract
While these are the basic requirements, specific industries require additional training to accept an application. For example, learnerships in technology will require candidates to demonstrate basic computer literacy.
How to Find 2024 Available Learnerships
Since all learnerships must be registered with the Department of Labour, visiting the labour centre or the closest provincial office is an excellent place to start when searching for available learnerships for 2024. However, if you have internet access to a smartphone or computer, there are faster methods for searching, acquiring details of the available learnership application process, and then submitting your form.
- Online Job Portals and Websites
Online job portals such as Glassdoor and Linkedin regularly post upcoming learnership roles and are one of the top choices for learning about available learnerships for 2024. If you are interested in joining a particular industry or company, you could also interact in forums where you will learn tips on how to make your application stand out.
- Company Career Pages
Many large firms run full-scale learning programmes, where they are in charge of providing practical skill training as well as classroom-based theoretical concepts. Companies usually have specific qualification requirements for each advertised position. Some require additional skills such as computer proficiency or fluency in English.
- Recruitment Agencies
While many of the larger recruitment agencies have an online presence, smaller local agencies can be an excellent source of information. They usually help hire for small and medium firms and would be privy to their learnership roles.
- Networking and Professional Associations
Industry events and interacting with professionals in your field of interest can be another great opportunity to come across learnership opportunities. A referral from a company employee will help increase your chances of getting hired.
Available Learnerships Application Process
So far, we have learned about the importance of learnership, some of the top industries to work for in South Africa, and the eligibility requirements. Let us now take a quick overview of the available learnership application process.
How to Apply for a Learnership
The first step in applying for a learnership is registering at your closest labour centre, so prospective employers know you are available. Alternatively, you can also apply directly to companies and trade organisations. Each will require a separate application and might have specific criteria that need to be met for eligibility.
Required Documentation
Candidates must be South African and possess a valid national ID card. They must also sign a learnership agreement and an employment contract.
Tips for a Successful Application
One of the best ways to stand apart from the crowd is to include a cover letter highlighting your skills and how they can benefit the organisation. You should also include reference letters or a list of referees who can vouch for your credibility.
If you are shortlisted, remember to prepare well by reading more about the company and its industry. Finally, be confident and communicate your thoughts well.
Conclusion
Gainful employment by South African youth will pave the way for growth and prosperity in the future. Learnership is a successful program launched by the government to help empower the youth and provide them with the skill sets required to compete in the global market. There is still time to sign up for available learnerships for 2024 and launch your growth.
FAQs on Available Learnerships for 2024 in South Africa
What is a learnership?
Learnership is a programme launched by the South African government in 1998 that helps to bridge the gap between education and skills required for the job market.
Who can apply for a learnership?
South African youth between the ages of 16 to 35 can apply for a learnership if they hold a school, college or vocational training certificate.
What is the benefit of a learnership?
A learnership combines classroom-based theoretical learning and on-the-job practical skills training. It allows companies to teach candidates specific skills essential to succeed in their industry.
Will I earn a salary while working on my learnership certification?
Yes, learnerships are paid programmes that allow participants to make a living wage while completing their certification.
How will the learnership help me in the future?
After completing the learnership, candidates are awarded a certificate and work experience that puts them in a comfortable position when searching for full-term employment. Some learnership roles can lead to permanent placements.
