Right now, South Africa’s safety and security sector is looking for fresh talent, and SASSETA is opening a number of funded spots. SASSETA supports learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, bursaries, short‑skill programmes and workplace‑integrated learning, each with its own deadlines, allowances and locations.
What SASSETA provides
SASSETA funds and coordinates development pathways that give you a recognised qualification or real‑world experience. Every intake is advertised separately by the host employer, training provider or education institution, so you must read each notice carefully before you apply.
Who can apply
Eligibility varies by programme, but common requirements include:
- South African citizenship and a valid ID
- Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification (or a relevant diploma, degree, TVET certificate)
- Specific school subjects or prior work exposure, depending on the occupation
- Unemployed status or a need for up‑skilling
- Residence in the province or municipality named in the advert
- Availability for the full training period
- Not having participated in the same funded programme before
Always match your current qualification to the pathway advertised.
What you gain
Each route offers different benefits:
Learnerships
- Classroom theory linked to a workplace placement
- National Qualifications Framework (NQF)‑registered certificate
- Learner allowance paid by the employer (amount varies)
- Typical duration: about 12 months
Graduate internships
- Practical experience for holders of a diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification
- Exposure to areas such as finance, HR, ICT, law, supply‑chain, communications, public administration, monitoring & evaluation, and safety‑security management
- Stipend or allowance set by the host organisation
- Duration set by the employer, often 3–6 months
Apprenticeships
- Hands‑on training for artisan trades
- Technical school subjects or National Certificate Vocational (NCV) / National Accredited Technical Education Diploma may be required
- Completion leads to a trade test and recognised trade qualification
- Training can span several years
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
- Designed for TVET college learners who have finished the classroom component
- Builds communication, teamwork, time‑management and problem‑solving skills
- Placement must align with your field of study
- Length follows the college’s programme schedule
Short skills programmes
- Focused training on specific occupational abilities
- Credits earned can be applied towards a full NQF qualification
- Duration ranges from a few weeks to a few months
Bursaries
- Funding for qualifying students at public universities or universities of technology
- Eligibility may include academic performance, household income, age, field of study and available programme funds
- Application windows are fixed; they do not stay open year‑round
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Visit the official SASSETA learner portal and locate the intake that matches your qualification.
- Read the full eligibility criteria and note the required documents.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID, Grade 12 certificate, tertiary qualifications, TVET results, proof of residence and any programme‑specific certificates.
- Prepare a concise CV that highlights relevant study and work experience.
- Follow the host organisation’s submission instructions – some use their own online portal, others accept documents through the training provider.
- Submit before the advertised deadline. Keep your phone and email active for follow‑up.
- Do not pay anyone to secure a placement; legitimate processes are free.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to the exact occupation mentioned in the advert.
- Check that every document is recently certified and clearly named (e.g., “ID_Surname.pdf”).
- Double‑check the location – some placements do not include transport or accommodation.
- If you have gaps in your education, highlight any volunteer work or short courses that relate to the role.
- Respond promptly to any email or call from the recruiting entity.
Next steps
Start by visiting the SASSETA learner portal and bookmarking any intakes that fit your profile. Prepare your documents now so you can apply the moment an opportunity opens. Remember, completing a programme gives you valuable experience and a recognised qualification, even though it does not guarantee permanent employment.
Take action today, and you could be on your way to a rewarding career in South Africa’s safety and security sector.