What are Learnerships Without Matric in South Africa?

Learnerships are a unique work-based programme for South African citizens that allows them to gain critical skills to join the workforce. They offer a combination of theoretical learning and practical training that helps candidates gain an occupational qualification. They essentially serve to bridge a gap between in-demand skills and the individuals willing to master them. While most learnerships require students to hold a matric certificate, it is possible to gain learnerships without a matric in South Africa.

To promote job opportunities for such individuals, the South African government, with the help of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), has developed learnerships without matric.

Continue reading to find out more about these learnerships, how you can apply, and the career opportunities available at the end.

Introduction: Learnerships Without Matric in South Africa

A matric certificate is required for higher education and many entry-level jobs in South Africa. However, a person might have to leave school for several reasons, resulting in them not receiving their matric certificate. 

These learnerships were initiated to help reduce unemployment and provide equal access to learning and jobs. They help train participants in skills and allow them to gain the knowledge that they require to be proficient in a particular role. Learnerships help individuals gain a certified qualification as well as work experience. It can lead to better job opportunities in the future.

What are No Matric Learnerships?

Learnerships help individuals gain a certified qualification as well as work experience. They were initiated to help reduce unemployment and provide equal access to learning and jobs. Learnerships offer a combination of classes and practical experience to help train individuals for high-demand skills. 

Learnerships without matric are programmes that accept applications from candidates who did not pass the matric certificate. It can also include people who had to leave school due to unforeseen circumstances and have NQF level 3 or lower. Matric is deemed to be an NQF level 4 qualification.

A no-matric learnership requires the presence of four parties:

• SETA: There are 21 different SETAs in South Africa, each representing a different industry, such as agriculture, construction, banking, etc. They help to organise and fund the learnerships through industry players. 
• Learner: This is the participant who has been selected for a learnership.
• Training Provider: They organise the classes and teach the theoretical portion of the learnership on behalf of the employer. In some cases, the employer might provide classroom training themselves.
• Employer: This is the company or firm that allows the learner to be employed while completing the training part of the learnership.

While learnerships are present in all SETA industries, learnerships without matric are more common in the following industries:

• Transport: The companies that allow learnerships in this sector fall under the guidance of the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA). Learnerships in this industry can prepare candidates to repair transport vehicles, manage warehouses, manage freight, etc. Transnet learnership without matric is one option in this industry.
• Mining: Companies in this sector include mining, mineral, and jewellery manufacturing firms. Learnerships in this sector can train individuals to work as pickers, packers, cashiers, etc. Mining firms that offer learnerships work under MQA.
• Safety and Security: Companies in this sector help provide security and keep thousands of South Africans safe. Learnerships without matric in this sector can help applicants find employment in a private security company.
• Energy: These companies are in charge of supplying water and electricity to the homes and workplaces of millions of South Africans. Many public sector companies, such as Eskom, offer learnerships without matric.

Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Learnership Without Matric

The ICB is an independent examination body that helps accredit colleges offering its courses. Furthermore, the programmes offered by the ICB are internationally recognised. It also accredits employers that fall under the Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and other Financial Services Sector (FASSET) SETA who are offering learnerships.

Some learnerships without matric that are available at (ICB) for FASSET are:

Junior Bookkeeper Learnership

Eligibility: NQF level 2

Duration: 1 year

Certification level: NQF level 3

Senior Bookkeeper Learnership

Eligibility: Completion of Junior Bookeeper Learnership

Duration: 1 year

Certification level: NQF level 4

Small Business Financial Management Learnership

Eligibility: NQF level 3

Duration: 1 year

Certification level: NQF level 4

What are the Benefits of Learnerships Without Matric?

Learnerships without matric help provide irreplaceable skills to the candidates and improve their chances at steady employment. They help to build skills by working as a bridge programme that leads unemployed people towards qualifications and employment opportunities. 

They teach participants on-the-job skills needed to succeed in particular job profiles. It trains them to become efficient in high-demand skills they could not access through the open job market. Finally, learnerships also allow candidates to adapt themselves to a work environment and learn proper conduct.

These are some of the benefits of applying for a learnership without matric.

• Skill development: Learnerships teach technical skills that can only be learned on the job. This allows applicants to hone their skills under the guidance of a trainer.
• Financial Support: Many learnerships include a stipend that makes it possible for the learners to support themselves while completing their programme.
• Networking: It allows learners to build a network with other learners or trainers, who could recommend their name for vacancies or recommend them to other companies.
• Pathway to Further Education: After a learnership is completed, candidates are awarded a certificate, which can be used to gain advanced training in the field. 

How to Apply for No Matric Learnerships?

While learnerships without matric are available, they are fewer than the ones with matric. Therefore candidates need to prepare strong applications that highlight their skills and how they can benefit the company. Those that are currently employed can search for learnerships without matric in their field or industry. This can help them build on the knowledge they have already gained. 

In general, people can follow these steps when applying for a learnership without matric: 

• Research: Candidates can check job portals and company websites online or in newspapers for a listing of learnerships without matric.
• Prepare your Application: Applicants should complete the form completely with correct and updated information and include all the required documents. It could be beneficial to include a cover letter explaining how the applicant’s current skills can help them succeed in the learnship. If they are pursuing a matric equivalent certification, that should also be mentioned to boost their chances.
• Keep track of the application deadline: While working on the application, learners should keep track of the deadline and give themselves enough time to complete the application and the cover letter.
• Get in touch with HR: The best person to answer any questions is the HR at the company offering the learnership. They can help guide the applicants through the process.

Career Opportunities After No Matric Learnerships

Since learnerships are a pathway to gain required and in-demand skills, learners can be sure to have multiple opportunities available. The learnerships help equip the candidates with strong theoretical knowledge in classroom settings tested with exams and projects. This is supported by on-the-job training where they can apply their theory in practical scenarios.

This combined knowledge is beneficial when they enter the job market. Some of the roles available after completing a learnership without matric are:

• Junior Bookkeeper: They are responsible for noting daily transactions, and helping with taxes and payroll. Junior bookkeepers can find employment in small to medium size companies and family-run businesses.
• Financial Manager for a small business: They help manage a small business’s finances. The role would include generating an income statement, managing a budget, filing for taxes, and helping forecast future expenses and profits.
• Freight Managers: They help ensure that goods are delivered on time using the least expensive mode of transport. 

Learnerships lead to a skills qualification equivalent to a particular NQF level. These certifications can be used to build on the earned skills and apply for an advanced programme.

Some learnerships can also help applicants earn NQF level 4, which is equivalent to a matric. This matric equivalent qualification can be used to earn a degree, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Conclusion

Learnerships can help individuals earn skills and seek long-term employment in various industries. SETA recognises these programmes and ensures that they comply with all regulations. This means that the certification is recognised across South Africa. Learnerships without matric can also allow individuals to gain a matric equivalent qualification that allows them to apply for higher education.

Visit the Regenesys website to learn about our various accredited programmes.

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