Looking for a learnership in South Africa in 2026? SETA programmes can give you workplace training and a recognised qualification, and you can start exploring them right now through Student Office.
What a SETA learnership is
SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) are part of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s skills‑development system. They fund and support structured, workplace‑based learning in fields such as ICT, engineering, construction, hospitality, health and agriculture.
Important: there is no single national deadline for all SETA learnerships. Each employer, training provider or SETA posts its own opening dates.
Who can apply
Eligibility differs from one programme to another. Common factors include:
- Age (sometimes a minimum)
- South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification
- Specific subjects or technical certificates (if required)
- Location of the workplace or training centre
- Unemployed status (many programmes favour job‑seekers)
- Any previous participation limits set by the SETA
Always read the original advert for the exact requirements.
What you gain
A successful learnership gives you:
- A recognised qualification or certificate
- Practical, on‑the‑job experience
- Potential stipends or allowances (the amount is set by each programme)
- Better chances of permanent employment in the sector
How to apply – step by step
- Find the official advert – it will be published by the SETA, an accredited training provider or the hiring employer.
- Check the closing date and make sure you submit before it expires.
- Gather the required documents (see list below).
- Follow the advertised method – usually an online portal, a specific email address, or a submission form on the employer’s website.
- Keep a copy of your application and any reference number you receive.
20 SETA learnership fields to explore in 2026
This list shows the sectors that often have SETA‑supported opportunities. It is not a list of currently open vacancies.
- Systems Development – MICT SETA
- Digital Marketing – MICT SETA
- Business Administration – Services SETA
- Contact Centre Support – Services SETA
- Accounting Technician – FASSET
- Bookkeeping – FASSET
- Construction and Roadworks – CETA
- Electrical Engineering – merSETA
- Welding and Fabrication – merSETA
- Community Health Work – HWSETA
- Social Auxiliary Work – HWSETA
- Tourism and Hospitality – CATHSSETA
- Banking Services – BANKSETA
- Insurance Administration – INSETA
- Freight and Logistics – TETA
- Professional Driving – TETA
- Food Processing – FoodBev SETA
- Textile and Clothing Production – FP&M SETA
- Agriculture – AgriSETA
- Municipal Administration – LGSETA
The DHET website holds a directory of all SETAs with their official contact details. Use it to verify that any advertised programme is linked to the correct sector authority.
Tips to improve your chances
- Read the full advert – do not rely on social‑media posts or third‑party lists.
- Match your CV to the exact skills and qualifications requested.
- Submit all required documents in the format asked for (PDF, certified copies, etc.).
- If a stipend is mentioned, note the amount and any conditions (e.g., attendance, performance).
- Register as a work‑seeker at your nearest Labour Centre and inform the relevant SETA of your interest.
Documents you may need
- Updated CV
- Certified ID document
- Matric certificate or equivalent qualification
- Proof of address
- Academic transcripts
- Any other papers listed in the advert
Things to verify before you hit “send”
- Official source: Is the advert from the SETA, an accredited provider or the hiring employer?
- Closing date: Has the deadline been confirmed and is it still open?
- Requirements: Do you meet every criterion listed?
- Stipend: Is an allowance stated? What amount and for how long?
- Application method: Does the advert tell you exactly how to apply?
Final thoughts
This guide is a starting point for researching SETA learnership fields. It does not guarantee that any of the 20 programmes are currently accepting applications. Dates, locations, requirements, numbers of places and stipends can change with each new advert.
Take the next step: check the DHET SETA directory, find an official advert that fits your profile, and submit a complete, well‑prepared application. Good luck on your learning journey!