Looking for learnerships in 2026? South Africa offers hundreds of learnership programmes across government departments, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector. Whether you are a recent matriculant or an experienced professional looking to upskill, this guide covers everything you need to know about finding and applying for learnerships in 2026.
What Is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured work-based learning programme that combines theoretical education with practical workplace experience. Learnerships are registered with a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and lead to a nationally recognised qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Unlike internships, learnerships include a monthly stipend and result in a formal qualification upon completion.
Government Learnerships 2026
Government learnerships are among the most sought-after programmes in South Africa. They offer job security, competitive stipends, and the opportunity to gain experience in public administration. Key government departments offering learnerships in 2026 include:
- Department of Health — nursing assistants, pharmacy assistants, community health workers, and environmental health practitioners
- Department of Public Works (EPWP) — construction, maintenance, and project management learnerships
- South African Police Service (SAPS) — administration, forensic science, and IT support learnerships
- Department of Agriculture — agricultural management, animal production, and food processing learnerships
- Department of Social Development — social auxiliary work and child and youth care learnerships
- Municipal learnerships — available through metros and district municipalities in finance, water services, and waste management
Government learnerships typically open between January and March each year. Visit the relevant department’s website or check the government jobs portal for the latest openings.
Eskom Learnerships 2026
Eskom is one of South Africa’s largest employers and offers a range of technical and non-technical learnerships each year. Eskom learnerships are highly competitive and offer excellent stipends (typically R5,000–R8,000 per month) along with world-class training facilities.
Available Eskom Learnership Programmes
- Electrical Engineering — power systems, distribution, and generation
- Mechanical Engineering — plant maintenance and operations
- Civil Engineering — construction and infrastructure development
- Information Technology — systems support and network administration
- Finance and Administration — accounting, HR, and supply chain management
How to Apply for Eskom Learnerships
Applications are made through the Eskom careers portal. You will need your matric certificate (with Mathematics and Physical Sciences for technical programmes), certified ID copy, and updated CV. Applications typically open in the second quarter of the year.
Sasol Learnerships 2026
Sasol offers some of the best-paid learnerships in South Africa, particularly in chemical engineering, process operations, and instrumentation. Based primarily in Secunda (Mpumalanga) and Sasolburg (Free State), Sasol learnerships provide accommodation and transport allowances in addition to monthly stipends.
Sasol Learnership Requirements
- Grade 12 with Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) and Physical Sciences
- Minimum 50% in both Mathematics and Physical Sciences
- South African citizen
- No prior formal qualification in the field (for entry-level programmes)
Apply through Sasol’s career page when applications open (usually between March and June).
Transnet Learnerships 2026
Transnet operates South Africa’s rail, port, and pipeline infrastructure and offers learnerships in engineering, logistics, and maritime operations. Transnet learnerships are 12–24 months and provide practical training at some of the country’s busiest ports and rail depots.
Key programmes include diesel mechanics, electrical engineering, welding, freight logistics, and port operations. Applications are typically made through the Transnet careers website.
Engineering Learnerships 2026
Engineering remains one of the most in-demand fields for learnerships in South Africa. If you have matric with Mathematics and Physical Sciences, you can apply for engineering learnerships in these disciplines:
- Electrical Engineering — offered by Eskom, Transnet, municipalities, and private contractors
- Mechanical Engineering — manufacturing plants, mining companies, and SOEs
- Civil Engineering — construction companies and government departments
- Chemical Engineering — Sasol, PetroSA, and chemical manufacturing firms
- Mechatronics — automotive manufacturers like BMW SA, Toyota SA, and Volkswagen SA
Engineering learnerships are registered with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) and typically lead to NQF Level 2–4 qualifications.
IT Learnerships 2026
With South Africa’s growing digital economy, IT learnerships are in high demand. These programmes cover areas such as software development, network support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics.
IT learnerships are registered with the Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA (MICT SETA). Major employers offering IT learnerships include Vodacom, MTN, Dimension Data, Accenture SA, and various banks. Requirements typically include matric with Mathematics, though some accept Mathematical Literacy for non-technical IT roles.
How to Apply for Learnerships in 2026
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, gather the following documents: certified copy of your ID, certified matric certificate or latest results, updated CV, proof of address, and any additional certificates or transcripts.
Step 2: Search for Open Learnerships
Check these sources regularly for new learnership postings:
- Company career portals (Eskom, Sasol, Transnet, etc.)
- SETA websites (merSETA, MICT SETA, HWSETA, etc.)
- Government job portals (dpsa.gov.za, gov.za)
- FundiConnect’s learnership directory
Step 3: Apply Before the Deadline
Most learnerships have strict closing dates. Apply early and ensure your application is complete — incomplete applications are automatically rejected. Follow up on your application after 2–4 weeks if you have not received a response.
Learnership Stipends: How Much Will You Earn?
All learnerships in South Africa must pay a minimum stipend as set by the relevant SETA. Typical monthly stipends range from:
- Government learnerships: R3,500 – R6,000 per month
- Eskom: R5,000 – R8,000 per month
- Sasol: R6,000 – R10,000 per month (plus accommodation)
- Banking sector: R4,000 – R7,000 per month
- Retail and hospitality: R2,500 – R4,500 per month
Related Resources on FundiConnect
Explore more guides to help you plan your education and career:
- Bursaries for 2026 — Funza Lushaka, Eskom, Sasol, and government bursary applications
- Career Guidance South Africa — How to choose the right career path
- APS Score Calculator — Calculate your Admission Point Score for university
- University Application Dates 2027 — Opening and closing dates for all SA universities
- NSFAS Application Guide — How to apply for NSFAS funding step by step
- Student Accommodation Guide — Find affordable accommodation in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban
Frequently Asked Questions About Learnerships
Most learnerships require a matric certificate (NSC). However, some NQF Level 1–2 learnerships accept candidates without matric, particularly in agriculture, hospitality, and general operations.
A learnership leads to a formal NQF-registered qualification and includes structured theoretical learning. An internship is workplace exposure only and does not result in a qualification. Learnerships also guarantee a monthly stipend by law.
Most learnerships last 12 months, though some technical and engineering learnerships can extend to 18–24 months depending on the NQF level and SETA requirements.
Yes — you are encouraged to apply for multiple learnerships to increase your chances. However, you can only accept and participate in one learnership at a time.
No — while many learnerships target youth (18–35), there are programmes available for all ages. Some SETAs specifically fund learnerships for unemployed adults over 35.
