What is a Learnerships in South Africa

A learnerships in South Africa is a work-based learning program that leads to a qualification that is registered in the National Qualifications Framework. Learnerships aim to address the challenges of:

1. Decreasing employment

2. Unequal access to education training, and employment opportunities

3. Skills shortages in South Africa

4. The effects of gender, race, and geographical location on educational advancement

Who Qualifies for Learnerships in South Africa?

Learnerships are available for those who have completed school, college, or learning at other training institutions, or for those who are studying part-time. Unemployed South Africans can participate in a learnership programs if there is an employer who is prepared to provide the required work experience.

What does a Learner Receive on Completion?

While undergoing Learnership, learners are supposed to write assignment, task, and practical test and projects. As stated earlier, they will be evaluated in the classroom setting and actual working environment. If all the tasks will be done effectively, they will be provided an NQF registered qualification and will be valid all over South Africa. Upon completion of the course, they get a certificate indicating the qualification as well as the area of academic skills.

What is required to enter into a Learnership?

If a learner is accepted, he/she will need to sign two legal documents:

1. Learnership Agreement: this is a legally binding document that learners, employer organizations of the learner and the education provider offering the theoretical part of the Learnership completes. It is not very complicated to understand the rights and duties of all three entities within this given agreement.

2. Employment contract: this is an agreement they enter into with the employer and this can only apply during the period of the Learnership.

What Learnerships are offered through the ICB?

The ICB offers the following learnerships around South Africa:

Junior Bookkeeper Learnership

National Certificate Bookkeeping – NQF 3

Duration – 1 year

Entry requirement – 16 years of age or NQF 2 qualification

Senior Bookkeeper Learnership

Further Education and Training Certificate: Bookkeeping – NQF 4

Duration – 1 year

Entry requirement – simultaneous completion of Junior Bookkeeper learnership

Technical Financial Accountant Learnership

National Diploma Technical Financial Accounting – NQF 5

Duration – 2 years

Entry requirements – simultaneous completion of the Junior and Senior Bookkeeper learnerships

Small Business Financial Management Learnership

National Certificate Small Business Financial Management – NQF 4

Duration – 1 year

Entry requirements – NQF 3 qualification

Office Administration Learnership

Certificate Office Administration – NQF 5

Duration – 1 year

Entry requirement – NQF 4 qualification

Senior Office Administration Learnership

Higher Certificate Office Administration – NQF 5

Duration - 2 years

Roles and Responsibilities

The following are the roles and responsibilities of each party.

Marketing of learnerships which are under the auspices of the ICB

Apply or advise on recognition of prior learning

Register learners for theory and practical assessments

Conduct national theory assessments of the qualifications

Administer the award of the registered qualification

Register learners on the National Learner Records Database via Fasset

SETAs

To register SETA learnerships agreements

Promote learnerships across all levels and sectors

Learners

Actively participate in induction programs

Adhere to all workplace policies and procedures

Work for the employer for the duration of the learnership agreement

Skills Development Provider

Ensure that they are accredited by the ICB to offer tuition towards the relevant qualification that underpins the learnership

Ensure that they meet the quality assurance criteria set by the ICB

Employer as a workplace provider

Implement a quality management system to manage

Learner induction

Learner support

Mentoring

Performance management

Enter employment contract with the learner

Comply with all applicable labour legislation

Schedule and provide learners with appropriate training and exposure to the practical outcomes of the learnership as stipulated in the workplace portfolio of evidence available from the SA Info Web.

Learnerships are positive programs that enhance the education opportunities and potential of those entering the workforce.

NB: The Knowledge Applied website does not offer learnerships directly to learners. Employers initiate and fund learnerships and then recruit their candidates.