The McDonald’s Learnership Programme 2026 closes on 26 May 2026. If you are between 18 and 26 years old and live near Pinetown or Seshego, this is your chance to gain a recognised qualification while working in a real restaurant. You will earn a National Certificate in Fast Food Services at NQF Level 3 accredited by CATHSSETA. The programme gives you practical experience in customer service, food preparation and restaurant operations.
What is this learnership?
This is a fixed-term programme that mixes workplace training with classroom learning. You will work in a McDonald’s restaurant while completing your studies. The qualification is the National Certificate: Fast Food Services at NQF Level 3.
You will learn how a busy restaurant runs. This includes food preparation, serving customers, handling payments and working with a team during fast-paced shifts. The training is accredited by CATHSSETA, which means your certificate is recognised across South Africa.
Who can apply?
You must meet these requirements:
- You have a Grade 12 certificate.
- You are between 18 and 26 years old.
- You are a South African citizen.
- You have a clear criminal record.
- You are willing to work shifts, including day and night.
- You can travel safely to and from the restaurant for all shifts.
- You can stand for long periods while working.
Location rules are specific. For Pinetown, you must live within 0 to 5 kilometres of the workplace. The listing was posted on 14 May 2026.
For Seshego, you must live in or near these areas: Fauna Park, Serala, Flora Park, Nobody, Mankweng or Turfloop, Seshego, Seshego Extension Emdo, Madiba Park, Luthuli, or the Mmotong area. This listing was posted on 15 May 2026.
What skills will you gain?
By the end of the programme, you will be able to:
- Deliver excellent customer service.
- Communicate clearly with customers and colleagues.
- Operate payment points and process transactions.
- Maintain health, hygiene, safety and security standards.
- Prepare and handle food safely.
- Build effective workplace relationships.
- Perform basic administrative and communication tasks.
- Maintain stock and receive deliveries.
- Support take-away and counter service operations.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and professionalism.
- Apply basic computer and numeracy skills.
- Maintain customer satisfaction.
- Understand the hospitality and tourism sectors.
- Participate in workplace coaching and self-development.
- Apply first aid and workplace safety principles.
These skills can help you in many industries, not just fast food. Customer service, teamwork and workplace discipline are valued everywhere.
How to apply step by step
Follow these steps carefully to submit your application:
- Check that you meet the age, education and location requirements.
- Prepare your documents. You need a certified copy of your South African ID (not older than three months), a certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate or latest results (not older than three months), an updated CV, and proof of residence.
- Visit the correct online portal for your location.
- Fill in all your profile details and contact information accurately.
- Upload your certified documents.
- Submit your application before 26 May 2026.
For Pinetown, submit through the official Pinetown online application portal.
For Seshego, submit through the official Seshego online application portal.
If you are shortlisted, you will need to undergo criminal and vetting checks. Make sure your documents are certified now to avoid delays.
Tips to improve your chances
Many young people worry that they lack experience. You can strengthen your CV by showing reliability and people skills. Include any volunteer work, school events you helped organise, or times you handled cash or worked with customers.
Check your application twice before submitting. Small mistakes in your contact details or document uploads can cost you the opportunity. Apply early rather than waiting until 26 May 2026. If you wait until the last day and your documents need recertification, you might miss the deadline.
What happens next?
If you live near Pinetown or Seshego and meet the requirements, start your application today. This learnership offers you a recognised certificate, monthly workplace experience and skills you can use for years.
Prepare your certified documents, check your location eligibility, and submit through the correct portal before 26 May 2026. Your first step into the hospitality industry could start here.