For South Africans needing work experience, occupational training or a path to employment, Services SETA work-based learning programmes may help individuals acquire essential skills for the services sector. However, there are multiple requirements in addition to visiting a website and submitting a CV.
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) facilitates skills development by providing relevant learning opportunities and funding agreements between employers and training providers. Learners may register for learnerships, internships, skills programmes or work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities depending on the particular programme.
For applicants in 2027, it is important to understand the recruitment procedures, eligibility rules, stipend conditions and employer expectations for each organisation offering work-based learning. Services SETA does not fund or hire all applicants, and not all programmes guarantee a stipend or job offer.
This guide covers the principles of work-based learning, options for finding opportunities and essential considerations before accepting an offer.
What Is Services SETA Work-Based Learning?
Work-based learning describes a combination of training and experience that enables participants to acquire occupational competencies through practice or a learning programme that includes work experience.
While the Services SETA provides funding and skills development support for the services sector, the organisation that recruits and manages training for a specific vacancy can be an employer or a training provider.
Work-based learning may take several forms, and each has particular entry requirements.
- Learnerships
A learnership combines workplace experience with theoretical learning to develop occupational knowledge. This type of work-based learning opportunity provides a nationally recognised qualification or learning programme.
Applicants must meet the entry requirements specified by the particular learnership. Some are only open to unemployed people while others may recruit employees who need further training.
- Internships
An internship can provide work experience for graduates or other eligible applicants. Entry requirements depend on the organisation, the nature of the vacancy and the funding agreement.
A job vacancy advertised by an employer does not necessarily reflect a Services SETA-funded opportunity unless the advertisement specifies this information.
- Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Work-integrated learning (WIL) enables students to acquire work experience as part of a learning programme. Some courses require candidates to complete WIL before graduation or registration as a professional.
Learners must confirm whether the work placement, qualification, institution and WIL agreement comply with the requirements of the particular programme.
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- Skills Programmes
Skills programmes are designed to develop particular occupational competencies. The entry requirements, assessment criteria, duration and funding agreements vary between training providers.
Participants should confirm whether the programme leads to a recognised qualification and what documentation is provided on completion of the course.
Who Can Apply for Services SETA Work-Based Learning in 2027?
Potential applicants must review the eligibility criteria for a particular programme because there is not a universal set of entry requirements for all work-based learning opportunities.
Jobseekers, employees and students should consider the following factors before applying:
Unemployed Applicants
Unemployed learners should search for advertised opportunities that specify they are open to people without a job.
General requirements for such programmes may include:
- Meeting the citizenship or residency requirements of the organisation
- Completing the specified Matric or post-school qualification
- Being within the stated age range
- Being available for the duration of the programme
- Submitting the required supporting documents
- Meeting the conditions of any previous learnership or funded training
The above list is not exhaustive, and the exact entry criteria for any vacancy will be specified in the advertisement.
Employed Applicants
People who are already employed may be eligible for some workplace-based training opportunities depending on the funding agreement.
In the South African learnership system, organisations use the terms 18.1 and 18.2 to distinguish between employees and unemployed jobseekers.
Applicants should consult their Human Resources department or Skills Development Facilitator to determine whether their current employer offers or participates in relevant training programmes.
An employee should not resign to pursue a learnership unless they are certain about the entry requirements, have received a formal offer and understand the implications of leaving their current job.
Students Requiring Workplace Experience
Learners who need to complete a work-integrated learning (WIL) component as part of a degree or similar course should consult their university or TVET college regarding the requirements for WIL. The educational institution may specify the duration of the placement, the nature of tasks and the required assessments. Students must ensure that the proposed work experience will comply with the WIL requirements of their course because not all general internships are suitable.
How to Apply for Services SETA Work-Based Learning
There is no single application form or process for all Services SETA work-based learning programmes. The requirements for submission and approval depend on the specific vacancy and the organisation that manages the application process.
Step 1: Find a Relevant Opportunity
The most reliable source of information is the official Services SETA website.
Vacancies can also be found on the Services SETA Learner page and the advertisements of participating employers and training providers. People should always confirm whether the advertised vacancy is currently open and whether the employment advertisement specifies the organisation that will manage the application.
Step 2: Read the Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting an application, thoroughly review the entry requirements for the specified vacancy.
Consider the following:
- Educational qualification: Does the jobseeker need to have completed a specific Matric subject?
- Acceptance criteria: Can employed people apply for this vacancy?
- Age: Is there a minimum or maximum age?
- Location and duration: Does the applicant need to be based in a particular area for the stated length of time?
- Previous learnerships: Will the application be accepted if the jobseeker has completed another learnership or similar training?
- Other documents: Does the applicant need to submit additional supporting documentation?
It is important to remember that entry requirements vary between different vacancies and training providers. A person with a Grade 10 qualification is unlikely to meet the entry requirements for a learnership that specifies Matric, a diploma or a degree as the minimum.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Depending on the application requirements, documents such as the following may be necessary:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- South African ID
- Qualifications and academic transcripts
- Proof of residence
- Proof of employment or unemployment status (if applicable)
- Additional documents that the application form specifies
Only the documents requested by the application should be submitted to the specified portal or email address. Always follow the application instructions for a particular vacancy.
Step 4: Apply Through the Correct Organisation
Follow the application instructions for the specified vacancy. An application may need to be submitted to an employer, a training provider or an organisation that facilitates vacancy management on behalf of the training organisation.
Creating an account on a recruitment portal or contacting Services SETA directly does not guarantee an interview or offer of employment.
Step 5: Prepare for Assessments or Interviews
Some employers conduct shortlisting interviews, aptitude assessments or screening of academic records.
Make sure to thoroughly research the application and understand the requirements of the particular vacancy. If an interview is required, prepare notes to explain why the applicant is suitable for the position and what career goals they hope to achieve through the training.
Step 6: Review the Agreement Before Starting the Programme
If an applicant is accepted onto a learnership, internship or similar training programme, they should request a copy of the relevant agreement and carefully review the terms and conditions before signing. The contract should specify the duration of the programme, the assessment requirements, the workplace location and any stipend or remuneration conditions.
How Much Is the Services SETA Stipend in 2027?
The amount of a stipend depends on the training provider and the particular learnership or work-based learning agreement.
Some programmes will specify a stipend amount, but this can vary depending on the funding arrangement and the terms of the learnership contract.
Before accepting an offer, confirm the following conditions with the employer or training provider:
- Monthly stipend: What amount will be paid?
- Gross or net amount: Will the stipend be specified as gross or net?
- Payment date: When will the stipend be paid?
- Payment duration: For how many months will a stipend be paid?
- Deductions: Will any amounts be deducted?
- Attendance and reporting: What attendance and reporting requirements apply?
- Reports: How should missing or incorrect stipend amounts be reported?
An employee who has been hired for a learnership continues to receive the same remuneration as they would under their existing employment contract. Employers and training providers do not pay an additional stipend unless the contract specifies this.
Note: The stipend for a learnership that was advertised in 2026 should not be used as a reference for an offer that is advertised in 2027.
What Are the Rights and Responsibilities of Learners?
The responsibilities and rights of a learner depend on the type of work-based learning programme and the applicable employment conditions.
Before accepting a learnership, internship or work-integrated learning placement, ensure that you understand your obligations and that the employer and training provider will fulfil their responsibilities.
A Clear Learning Agreement
A learnership requires a formal agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both the learner and the employer.
For internships and other work-based learning programmes, it is important to confirm the exact nature of the agreement. Do not assume that the same agreement applies to all types of work-based learning.
Training and Support
A learner should understand where and how training will take place and what tasks they are expected to complete as part of the work experience.
Ask the employer or training provider about the provision of learning materials, equipment and access to facilities that may be necessary to complete the programme.
Assessment and Feedback
A formal assessment process may be used to measure the progress of the learner. Ask about the nature of the assessments and how results will be reported.
If additional training is required, ensure that you understand the process for requesting further instruction.
Certification
At the end of the programme, a learner may need to complete an assessment to receive a qualification, certificate or other form of accreditation.
Ask the training provider or employer about the process for completing assessments and submitting applications for certification. Remember that successful completion of all requirements is necessary to receive accreditation.
Attendance and Conduct
A learner who participates in a work-based learning programme must generally comply with the attendance and conduct requirements of the training provider or employer.
Before accepting a learnership or similar opportunity, confirm the attendance requirements, leave application process and consequences of failing to complete the programme.
How to Avoid Services SETA Learnership Scams
People who are desperate for employment can be targeted by individuals or organisations that create fake advertisements for learnerships. Before submitting an application or personal documents, verify that the vacancy is legitimate.
Use the following checklist when researching a potential vacancy:
Verify the Training Provider
Ask for verification of the training provider, including whether the organisation is authorised to offer the advertised learnership or internship.
Confirm the Host Employer
Ask for verification of the host employer, including whether they are able to provide the work experience component of the vacancy.
Check the Application Portal
Ensure that applications are submitted through the correct portal or website.
Confirm the Stipend Amount
Request a written stipend agreement before revealing any personal or financial information.
Protect Your Documents
Never provide personal or financial information to an unverified organisation.
Beware of Fake Offers
No legitimate organisation will ask for payment in exchange for a learnership or an interview. Do not transfer money to an individual or organisation that claims to have insider access to a learnership.
If an advertisement seems suspicious, always verify the claims by contacting the training provider or employer through an independent website or telephone number.
Where to Find Official Services SETA Information
The following websites can be used as a starting point when searching for Services SETA work-based learning vacancies:
Services SETA Work-Based Learning Vacancies
Learner Information
Employer Information
Use the above links to understand the function of the organisation and the application process for a particular vacancy. Always confirm with the training provider or employer if the vacancy is currently open for applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Services SETA employ learners directly?
Services SETA facilitates skills development and funding agreements, but recruitment for work-based learning opportunities depends on the host employer or training provider.
- Can unemployed people apply for Services SETA work-based learning?
Unemployed people may apply if they meet the entry requirements for a particular vacancy that accepts applications from unemployed jobseekers.
- Can employed people participate?
It depends on the work-based learning opportunity and the requirements of the host employer.
- Do all Services SETA programmes pay a stipend?
Not all programmes pay a stipend, and the stipend amount varies between training providers and employers.
- What qualifications are required?
The required skills and academic qualifications depend on the vacancy.
- Will I receive a certificate after training?
The completion of a work-based learning programme depends on the training provider and the requirements of the programme. In some cases, an assessment is necessary to receive a certificate.
- Can I apply directly through the Services SETA website?
An application must be submitted to the training provider or employer that advertised the vacancy, but the Services SETA website can be used to research potential employers and learnerships.
- How can I confirm that a programme is legitimate?
Verify the host organisation, the training provider, the stipend agreement, the application portal and the eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Final Advice for 2027 Applicants
South Africans who are interested in work-based learning with Services SETA should ensure that they understand the requirements for each vacancy and the responsibilities of the training provider and host employer. Learners should always request a stipend agreement, and employed individuals should confirm the nature of the work-based learning programme before leaving their current job.
The most reliable way to find a legitimate vacancy is to research advertised learnerships and to confirm the requirements with the training provider or employer.
Sources and Verification
Services SETA official website
Services SETA Learner Information
Services SETA Employers
Services SETA Discretionary Grant Funding Window 2026/27
Editorial note: This article does not confirm the availability of any work-based learning programme. Anyone who is interested in a vacancy should contact the host organisation to request information about the stipend, eligibility requirements and application process.
