How to Apply for Learnerships in South Africa Even If You Don’t Have Work Experienc

 

 Introduction: Your Hustle Starts Here

Let’s be honest it’s tough out there. You’ve just finished matric. You’ve applied for jobs, maybe even internships, but everyone wants experience you don’t have. How are you supposed to gain work experience when no one will give you a chance?

That’s where learnerships come in. A learnership is your foot in the door a government-recognized training program that combines real work with structured learning, and even pays you a monthly stipend while you gain skills.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to apply for learnerships in South Africa even if you have no work experience, and we’ll do it step by step, kasi-style, with examples, links, and tips.

What Is a Learnership?

“A learnership is a work-based learning programme that leads to an NQF-registered qualification.” – Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

In simple terms:
You study + work at the same time
You get a monthly stipend (usually between R2,500–R5,000)
You leave with a certificate  and often, a job offer

Key Features:

·        Accredited by the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)

·        Targets youth aged 18–35, especially unemployed matriculants

·        Focus areas include: IT, retail, admin, call centres, finance, security, construction

 

Why Learnerships Matter for Township Youth

Let’s look at the reality.

 According to StatsSA, over 60% of youth in South Africa are unemployed. Among them, the hardest hit are those without tertiary education or networks.

In places like Orange Farm, Katlehong, or Khayelitsha, you’re not just dealing with poverty  you’re often cut off from information. That’s why learnerships aren’t just career steps; they’re lifelines.

Many of these programs don’t require experience, just:

·        Grade 12 pass

·        Motivation

·        Documents (ID, CV, proof of address)

 

 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Learnerships in South Africa (Even Without Experience)

 Step 1: Know Where to Look

Start with the platforms that list verified learnerships:

·        Careers Portal

·        Indeed SA Learnerships

·        Youth Employment Service (YES)

·        Giraffe Jobs

·        Gov.za – DHET Portal

Tip: Always check application deadlines and avoid paid “registration” scams.

Step 2: Prepare a Simple, Clean CV

No experience? No problem.

Replace experience with strengths. List school achievements, leadership, or volunteering. You can also include family responsibilities (“managed household budget”) to show maturity.

Must-have sections:

·        Contact Info

·        Career Objective (brief, positive)

·        Education (Matric or Grade 11 pass)

·        Skills (communication, computer literacy, teamwork)

·        References (even if it’s a teacher or church leader)

Step 3: Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Think of this like your pitch.

“I may not have work experience, but I’m willing to learn, grow, and give 100% to any opportunity that helps me build a better future.”

Structure:

·        Who you are

·        What you’re applying for

·        Why you want the opportunity

·        Why you’re a good fit

·        Closing with gratitude and commitment

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Most learnerships require:

·        South African ID copy (certified)

·        Latest matric statement or school report

·        Proof of residence (even a letter from your ward councillor works)

·        Bank details (for stipend)

·        SARS tax number (register online if you don’t have one)

Step 5: Apply Smart, Not Just Hard

Don’t just apply to one place and hope.

Set a weekly goal: “I will apply to 5–10 learnerships every week.”

Use Google to search terms like:

·        “Retail learnerships 2025 South Africa”

·        “Call centre learnerships with matric”

·        “Free learnerships no experience Johannesburg”

Track everything in a notebook or phone  including deadlines and responses.

 

 Companies Offering Learnerships in 2025

Here are just a few that consistently offer matric-level learnerships:

Company	Field	Link
Capitec Bank	Banking, Admin	Careers
Clicks/Dis-Chem	Retail, Pharmacy Assistant	Clicks Jobs
Transnet	Logistics, Technical	Transnet Jobs
Shoprite	Retail, Finance	Shoprite Careers
Fidelity/G4S	Security	Fidelity Careers
PWC/KPMG/Old Mutual	Business, Finance, Tax	Old Mutual Careers

 

Real Stories: Township Youth Who Made It

Lerato from Vosloorus couldn’t afford university. She found a YES learnership at ABSA. “They paid R3,800/month and gave me office skills. Today I’m a full-time admin assistant. I started with nothing but a clean CV and courage.”

Siphiwe in Soweto got a Dis-Chem learnership in 2022. “I used my phone to apply. Today I’m studying Pharmacist Assistant Level 2.”

Your story could be next.

 

 Common Myths About Learnerships

 "You need connections to get one."
Nope. Many are open to all who meet basic requirements.

 "It’s just free labour."
False. SETA-accredited learnerships pay you, train you, and give a certificate.

"I need experience to apply."
Wrong. Learnerships are made for people without experience.

Quick Checklist Before You Apply

·        Matric certificate or latest report

·        Certified ID copy

·        Proof of address

·        Simple, clear CV

·        Short motivation letter

·        Data or Wi-Fi to submit online

·        Confidence 🔥

Final Word: Your Hustle Deserves a Chance

Learnerships aren’t handouts they’re investments in future leaders like you. Whether you’re from a township or a rural area, you have every right to apply, qualify, and grow.

If you have a Grade 12, the internet, and determination that’s enough to begin.

"You don’t need experience to have potential. You just need someone to see it. And sometimes, that someone has to be you