WHAT IS A LEARNERSHIP?
A learnership is a work-based learning program that leads to a registered NQF qualification. Learnerships are directly related to an occupation or field of work, for example electrical engineering, hairdressing or project management.
The Learnerships are administered by the Sectorial Education and Training Authorities (SETA). They were introduced by the government to assist skill learnerships and prepare them for the workplace.
Learnerships programs can help you acquire the necessary skills and workplace experience that will provide you with better employment or self-employment opportunities.
Learnerships are based on a legally binding agreement between an employer, a trainee, and a training provider. This agreement is intended to detail the tasks and duties of the employer, student, and training provider. It is designed to ensure the quality of training and protect the interests of each of the parties.
A training requires a student to sign a fixed-term employment contract with the company while studying to obtain a qualification registered in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which is in line with the training (the cost of the qualification falls on the Business). Once the qualification is completed, the learning will also end.
WHY ARE THE LEARNERSHIPS IMPORTANT?
Learnerships promote access to education and training by allowing you to work and start your career while also studying for an educational degree.
SETAs monitor learnerships and ensure that they offer qualifications related to a specific occupation or sector of the economy. All 21 SETAs have developed NQF aligned programs that will help you earn recognized qualifications while gaining on-the-job experience.
SETAs manage the learning record to meet skill development needs in all sectors.
HOW DO THE LEARNERSHIPS WORK?
Learnerships require you to complete a theoretical course and practical training, which takes place in a workplace, in order to graduate. The workplace component of the qualification involves hands-on, hands-on learning under the guidance of a mentor, while the theoretical component is provided by an education and training provider. Together they form a comprehensive and integrated learning program.
Tip: The number of credits required to graduate varies from learning level to learnership, so make sure you understand the minimum requirements if you want to complete an learnership. Inform yourself at the corresponding SETA.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BE APPOINTMENT?
Learnerships programs are available to young people who have completed school, university, or apprenticeship at other training institutions. You must be over 16 and under 35 to be eligible for a scholarship.
Unemployed South Africans can only participate in an learnership if there is an employer prepared to provide the required work experience.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN A LEARNERSHIP?
By now you have given some thought to your career path, and as a result, you will be able to identify learnership that will support your career goals.
Your career path should be influenced by your interests, skills, and strengths. The onus is on you to research and research the different learning options. You should find out as much as you can, including information about the criteria and requirements for entering a learnership.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Different learnership have different entry requirements. We recommend that you contact the learning provider for full details on the specific requirements for the learning of your choice.
For many learnerships, the minimum entry requirement is a Senior National Certificate or National Certificate: Vocational, but there may be more specific subject requirements or even skill requirements, such as computer literacy.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A LEARNERSHIP?
You may have better employment opportunities after completing a learnership
Has a fixed-term employment contract during the learnership period;
Learnerships improve job performance so you can do things relevant to the job;
Obtain a nationally recognized qualification that is relevant to the sector;
You get a learning allowance during the learneship period.
HOW MUCH DOES LEARNERSHIP COST?
Learnerships are generally funded by a relevant SETA. Since the cost of scholarships varies between SETAs and grade levels / types, you should contact the appropriate SETA for more information.
WILL THE LEARNER BE PAID?
There is a specific minimum learnership allowance to be paid to unemployed students in one apprenticeship period. This is not a salary, but it covers expenses such as travel and meals. Again, you should contact the appropriate SETA for more information.
Note: The amount paid as a learnership grant depends on the SETA, the type of learnership, and the qualification level. Assignments and conditions are agreed with each student prior to the start of learning.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A LEARNERSHIP ?
The learnership will last as long as necessary to complete the qualification. This means that if the duration of the qualification is two years, then the learnership will last for that period of time.
WHAT DOES A LEARNER RECEIVE UPON COMPLETION?
During learning, students will complete assignments, homework, and practical projects and tests. They will be formally assessed in the classroom and in the workplace.
If all of these assignments are successfully completed, they will be awarded a NQF-registered grade, which is nationally recognized. They will receive a certificate indicating qualification and area of ​​skill development.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ENTER A LEARNERSHIP?
If accepted, you will need to sign two legal documents:
(1) Learnership Agreement – This is an agreement signed by you, your employing organization, and the education and provider offering the theoretical training component of Learnership. This agreement clearly describes the rights and responsibilities of all three parties.
(2) Employment Contract – This is a contract that you will sign with the employer, which is only valid during the learnership period.
WILL I GET A JOB AFTER I COMPLETED THE LEARNERSHIP?
Employment is not guaranteed, but once you have successfully completed your Learnership, you will be in a much better position to promote yourself, as you will now have work experience and theoretical training. You may also be in a better position to start your own business and generate income that way.
CAN A LEARNERSHIP BE TERMINATED?
Yes, a learnership can be cancelled under certain circumstances:
An employer can terminate the apprenticeship contract if the duration specified in the learneship agreement has expired.
The employer and the student have agreed in writing to terminate the learning agreement, or if no such agreement exists, the SETA that registered the agreement approves the termination; or the student is terminated just for a reason related to her conduct or ability as an employee.
I HOPE THIS SHALL HELP SOMEBODY OUT THERE!!
