SETA Learnerships could be the key to launching your career and acquiring practical job experience if you’re a young person in South Africa. The best part about these structured learning programs is that they frequently include a monthly stipend, which helps to close the gap between theoretical education and practical abilities.
Everything you need to know about applying for a SETA Learnership in South Africa will be covered in this post, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and advice on how to make your application stand out.
What is a SETA Learnership?
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. Each SETA is responsible for creating learnerships in a specific industry, such as finance, IT, agriculture, construction, and more.
A learnership is a work-based learning programme that leads to an NQF-registered qualification. It includes both classroom-based learning and on-the-job training at a company, so you get real-world experience while studying.
Who Can Apply for SETA Learnerships?
To apply for a SETA learnership in South Africa, you typically need to:
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Be between 18 and 35 years old
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Have a South African ID
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Hold a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent (some learnerships require only Grade 10, others may need tertiary qualifications)
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Be unemployed at the time of application
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Not currently be enrolled in another learnership or internship
How to Apply for a SETA Learnership
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for SETA learnerships:
1. Identify the Right SETA for Your Industry
There are 21 SETAs in South Africa, each focusing on different sectors. Some examples include:
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MICT SETA (Media, Information & Communication)
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FASSET SETA (Finance and Accounting)
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CETA (Construction)
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AGRISETA (Agriculture)
Visit www.seta.org.za or the specific SETA’s website to find available learnerships in your field.
2. Search for Open Learnerships
Each SETA advertises available learnerships on their website, social media pages, and through partner companies. Also check platforms like:
3. Prepare Your Application Documents
Make sure you have the following ready:
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Certified copy of your South African ID
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Certified copies of your matric or tertiary certificates
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A well-written CV
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A cover letter (tailored to the learnership)
4. Submit Your Application
Follow the instructions provided in the learnership advert. Some require email applications, while others use online portals or postal delivery.
5. Follow Up
Don’t be afraid to follow up a week or two after applying – it shows enthusiasm and professionalism.
Tips to Boost Your Learnership Application
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Tailor your CV to match the industry you’re applying to.
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Write a clear, confident cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the learnership.
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Keep your documents neat, error-free, and in PDF format if submitting online.
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Apply early – many learnerships have limited spots and fill up fast.
Why Apply for a SETA Learnership?
✅ You gain valuable work experience
✅ You earn a stipend while learning
✅ You receive a nationally recognized qualification
✅ You improve your job prospects after completion