📘 SETA Learnership Programmes 2026 in South Africa – Apply for Paid Skills Training

Are you looking for learnership opportunities in South Africa for 2026? SETA learnership programmes offer one of the most practical ways for unemployed youth and job seekers to gain recognized qualifications, workplace experience, and a monthly stipend.

For 2026, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) will continue rolling out government-funded learnerships aimed at addressing skills shortages and reducing unemployment across multiple industries. These programmes are ideal for individuals who want to learn, work, and earn at the same time.

✅ What Is a SETA Learnership?

A SETA learnership is a structured learning programme that combines:

Theoretical training (classroom or online learning)
Practical workplace experience (on-the-job training)

Learnerships are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and lead to a nationally recognised qualification. Unlike internships, learnerships are open to both employed and unemployed individuals and focus strongly on skills development.

Most learnerships last 12 months, although some technical programmes may run longer.

🎓 SETA Learnership Fields Available for 2026

In 2026, learnership opportunities are expected across many sectors, including:

Business Administration & Office Support
Human Resources & Management
Information Technology & Digital Skills
Finance, Accounting & Banking
Health Care & Social Services
Education & Early Childhood Development
Tourism, Hospitality & Travel
Retail, Wholesale & Supply Chain
Construction, Engineering & Technical Trades
Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Each SETA focuses on specific industries to ensure learners gain relevant and in-demand skills.

👩‍🎓 Who Can Apply for SETA Learnerships 2026?

Although requirements may vary, most SETA learnership programmes require applicants to:

Be a South African citizen
Be aged 18 to 35 years
Be unemployed (for unemployed learnerships)
Have a Grade 10, Grade 12, or relevant qualification
Be willing to commit to the full programme duration
Have good communication and basic computer skills

SETAs strongly encourage applications from youth, women, and people living with disabilities.

💰 Benefits of SETA Learnerships

Participating in a SETA learnership offers many advantages:

✔ Monthly stipend provided
✔ Work experience with real employers
✔ Nationally recognised qualification
✔ Improved employability
✔ Practical and theoretical training combined
✔ Career pathways into permanent employment

Many learners are absorbed into full-time roles after completing their learnerships.

📄 Documents Required to Apply

Prepare the following documents before applying:

Updated CV
Certified copy of South African ID
Certified copies of highest qualification
Academic transcripts (if applicable)
Proof of residence (if required)
Motivational letter (recommended)

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

🌐 Where to Apply for SETA Learnerships 2026

Apply only through official SETA and partner websites:

ETDP SETA – https://www.etdpseta.org.za
MICT SETA – https://www.mict.org.za
FASSET – https://www.fasset.org.za
HWSETA – https://www.hwseta.org.za
PSETA – https://www.pseta.org.za
CETA – https://www.ceta.org.za
CATHSSETA – https://www.cathsseta.org.za
AgriSETA – https://www.agriseta.co.za

⚠️ SETA learnerships are free to apply for. Never pay anyone to secure placement.

📅 When Do Applications Open?

Most SETA learnership vacancies for 2026 will open between October 2025 and March 2026. Availability depends on funding cycles and employer participation, so early applications are advised.