Learnerships...

So what about them?!

A learnership is a structured learning process for gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the workplace leading to a qualification registered on the NQF. A learnership is outcomes-based and not time-based and allows for recognition of prior learning. Learnership duration varies but the average is about 18 months.

It is a work-based learning programme that leads to a nationally recognised qualification that is directly related to an occupation,for example an accountant, construction worker, health care worker, IT technician or motor mechanic. Learnerships combine a structured learning component with practical work experience that is acquired while being employed in a company, government department or small business. Learners in learnerships have to attend classes at a college or training centre to complete the classroom-based learning, and they also have to complete on-the-job training in a workplace. This means that unemployed people can only participate in a learnership if there is an employer that is prepared to provide the required work experience.

 
More or less in practice, to attain a qualification for example (NQF level 4) four separate learnerships will have to be completed i.e. qualifications at NQF levels 1, 2, 3 and then 4 will have to be attained. Remember, Learners must meet the entry requirements for the particular learnership as determined by the qualification requirements on which the learnership is based and learners must meet the selection criteria determined by the organisation taking on the learner plus Learners may be existing employees or new entrants. Download (PDF) document from Department of Labour regarding Learnerships in detail from their website.

Now that, that is cleared, a list of learnerships can set your employment opportunities free! It broadens a career path, boost your curriculum vitae and your value to the potential employer with experience. And below is a list of a few to peruse:

• Current Learnerships
  
  • The list is from various companies and changes regularly.