Will You Receive Payment During a Learnership in South Africa?
Do Learnerships Provide Pay? Understanding the Benefits of Learnerships
When participating in a learnership, you gain valuable experience in your chosen field while working towards a qualification. But do learnerships come with pay? The answer is yes—learnerships combine theoretical learning with practical work experience, and learners are compensated with a stipend during the program.
However, learnerships differ from full-time jobs. They typically last around 18 months and are designed to provide a pathway to both skills development and career advancement. Learners are not paid a full salary, but they do receive financial support.
How Are Learnerships Funded?
Employers fund learnerships through grants provided by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA). The Services SETA further explains that all unemployed individuals selected for a learnership will receive an allowance from the employer. This stipend is not a salary but is meant to cover expenses such as travel and meals that arise during the program.
How Is a Learnership Stipend Calculated?
The stipend a learner receives is determined by several factors, including the type of learnership and the qualification level. To calculate the monthly allowance, multiply the learner’s weekly remuneration by four and one-third. Additionally, the stipend must be a percentage of the wage for a qualified worker in that field, ensuring that no learner is paid below the minimum required allowance.
Types of Learnerships Available
Learnerships are structured work-based learning programs that lead to a nationally recognized qualification. They are available in various occupations, including accounting, construction, healthcare, IT, and motor mechanics. Popular learnerships include fields such as Business Administration, Welding, Sales, Finance, and many more.
For unemployed youth, learnerships offer a great starting point in a range of industries, providing both experience and qualifications that can open doors to future opportunities.
Check our Opportunities page to discover the latest learnerships available.
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