Learnerships 2026 · Part of the R149 toolkit
How to find and apply for learnerships in 2026.
A learnership combines training with work experience and leads to a registered qualification. Most are for unemployed youth, and a good one never charges you to apply.
- Where real learnerships are advertised
- Typical requirements and documents
- CV and motivation letter examples
- Tracker for closing dates
Where to find real learnerships
Check SETA websites, SA Youth (sayouth.mobi), ESSA, and the official careers pages of employers. Be careful of social media posts that ask for money or your banking details.
Common requirements
- South African ID
- Matric certificate or Grade 12 results (some accept lower)
- Usually aged 18 to 35 and unemployed
- A short CV and motivation letter
What makes an application stand out
A one-page CV that shows reliability (school roles, volunteering, informal work) and a short motivation saying why this field and this employer.
Common questions
Do I have to pay to apply for a learnership?
No. Real learnerships do not charge application fees. Treat any request for money as a scam warning sign.
Do learnerships pay?
Most pay a monthly stipend. The amount is stated in the advert.