Top 10 Learnerships in Johannesburg (2025)

Learnerships in Johannesburg offer a powerful pathway for young South Africans to gain practical skills, workplace experience, and nationally recognized qualifications. These structured programs combine theoretical learning with hands-on training, making them ideal for unemployed youth, recent graduates, or those seeking career advancement. Johannesburg, as South Africa’s economic hub, hosts a variety of learnerships across industries like finance, engineering, IT, healthcare, and retail. With opportunities supported by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) and leading companies, learners can earn a stipend while preparing for sustainable careers. This article explores the top 10 learnerships in Johannesburg for 2025, providing detailed insights into eligibility, benefits, and application processes. Whether you’re a school leaver or a professional looking to upskill, these programs are designed to enhance employability and meet the demands of today’s job market.

Top 10 Learnerships in Johannesburg

1. Standard Bank Group Learnerships

Industry: Banking and Finance
Standard Bank offers SAQA-accredited learnerships in areas like Corporate Investment Banking Operations, Compliance, and Client Management. These 12- to 24-month programs provide a monthly stipend, mentorship, and access to digital learning platforms. They are ideal for matriculants or graduates with a 3-year qualification.

Eligibility: Grade 12 or tertiary qualification; aged 18–30; no prior work experience required.
Benefits: Practical banking experience, potential for permanent employment, and a nationally recognized qualification (NQF 4–5).
How to Apply: Applications open November 15–December 15, 2025, via Standard Bank’s careers portal.
Why It Ranks High: Standard Bank’s reputation and focus on youth development ensure strong career prospects.

2. Sasol Artisan Learnership Programme

Industry: Engineering and Chemical Operations
Sasol’s learnerships in Johannesburg (and nearby Secunda) target fields like Mechanical Fitter, Electrician, and Chemical Plant Operator. These 12-month programs combine classroom learning with on-site training at Sasol’s facilities.

Eligibility: N2–N3 certificate with Mathematics and Physical Science; aged 18–34; unemployed.
Benefits: Fixed-term contract, stipend, and artisan qualification (NQF 4).
How to Apply: Apply by April 9, 2025, through Sasol’s careers website.
Why It Ranks High: Sasol’s focus on technical skills addresses South Africa’s artisan shortage, offering clear career progression.

3. Momentum Insure Learnership Opportunities

Industry: Insurance
Momentum Insure, in partnership with INSETA, offers a Short-Term Insurance Learnership in Johannesburg. This 12-month program equips learners with skills in client management and policy administration.

Eligibility: Matric with Mathematics; aged 18–28; unemployed or no prior learnerships.
Benefits: NQF 4 qualification, workplace experience, and networking opportunities.
How to Apply: Check Momentum’s careers page for openings (typically March 2025).
Why It Ranks High: The insurance sector’s growth ensures demand for skilled professionals, and Momentum’s structured support enhances employability.

4. New Concept Mining Learnership Programme

Industry: Mining and Engineering
New Concept Mining (NCM) provides learnerships in HR, Finance, Supply Chain, and Engineering for matriculants and graduates. Based in Johannesburg, this 12-month program emphasizes practical workplace exposure.

Eligibility: Matric or relevant diploma; aged 18–35; strong academic record.
Benefits: Stipend, mentorship, and potential absorption into NCM’s workforce.
How to Apply: Apply by December 14, 2024, via NCM’s website.
Why It Ranks High: Mining remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, and NCM’s diverse offerings cater to multiple career paths.

5. Guardrisk Insurance Learnership Programme

Industry: Insurance
Guardrisk’s learnership focuses on insurance operations, offering theoretical and practical training over 12 months. It’s designed for unemployed youth seeking entry into the financial services sector.

Eligibility: Matric with English and Mathematics; aged 18–30; no prior qualifications needed.
Benefits: NQF 4 qualification, stipend, and exposure to insurance processes.
How to Apply: Applications close December 2024; visit Guardrisk’s careers portal.
Why It Ranks High: Guardrisk’s affiliation with INSETA ensures credibility, and the program’s accessibility appeals to beginners.

(menu) 6. Tracker Connect System Support Learnership

Industry: IT and Systems Support
Tracker Connect’s NQF 5 System Support Learnership, based in Johannesburg, trains eight unemployed youth annually in IT troubleshooting and service delivery. The 12-month program starts February 1, 2025.

Eligibility: Matric with IT-related subjects; aged 18–28; unemployed.
Benefits: 147 credits toward a full qualification, practical IT experience, and a stipend.
How to Apply: Apply via Tracker’s careers page by January 2025.
Why It Ranks High: IT skills are in high demand, and Tracker’s small cohort size ensures personalized training.

7. Sasria Learnerships

Industry: Short-Term Insurance
Sasria offers learnerships in Claims, Stakeholder Management, and Learning & Development. Based in Illovo, Johannesburg, these 12-month programs provide a Short-Term Insurance Qualification (NQF 4).

Eligibility: Matric or equivalent; aged 18–35; unemployed or no prior learnerships.
Benefits: Skills in claims processing, stakeholder engagement, and a stipend.
How to Apply: Apply by April 1, 2025, via Sasria’s online portal.
Why It Ranks High: Sasria’s niche in special-risk insurance offers unique expertise, and its state-owned status adds credibility.

8. Anglo American Platinum Learnerships

Industry: Mining and Engineering
Anglo American Platinum’s learnerships in Johannesburg focus on engineering disciplines like Fitter, Electrician, and Rigger. These 12-month programs target unemployed youth for artisan development.

Eligibility: N2 certificate with relevant trade subjects; aged 18–34; unemployed.
Benefits: Artisan qualification, stipend, and potential for permanent roles.
How to Apply: Apply by April 4, 2025, through Anglo American’s careers site.
Why It Ranks High: The mining sector’s stability and Anglo American’s global reputation make this a top choice.

9. Clicks Youth Employment Programme

Industry: Retail and Healthcare
Clicks’ learnerships combine retail operations and healthcare training, focusing on customer service and pharmacy support. This 12-month program is ideal for youth seeking careers in health and beauty retail.

Eligibility: Matric with Mathematics and English; aged 18–28; unemployed.
Benefits: NQF 3–4 qualification, workplace experience, and retail skills.
How to Apply: Check Clicks’ careers page for 2025 openings.
Why It Ranks High: Clicks’ widespread presence and focus on youth empowerment ensure strong career opportunities.

10. MiWay Learnerships

Industry: Insurance
MiWay’s 12-month learnerships in Johannesburg and Midrand cover short-term insurance products like motor and household insurance. They target enthusiastic youth with no prior experience.

Eligibility: Matric; aged 18–30; unemployed; basic computer skills.
Benefits: NQF 4 qualification, stipend, and insurance industry exposure.
How to Apply: Apply by November 17, 2025, via MiWay’s contact page.
Why It Ranks High: MiWay’s online application process and focus on digital insurance align with modern career trends.

What Are Learnerships and Why Are They Important?

Learnerships are work-based learning programs that lead to nationally recognized qualifications, typically at NQF levels 1–5. They combine theoretical classroom training with practical workplace experience, lasting 12–24 months. In Johannesburg, learnerships are vital for addressing youth unemployment, which exceeds 40% in South Africa. They provide:

Skills Development: Learners gain industry-specific skills, from banking to engineering.
Employability: Practical experience enhances job prospects, with many programs leading to permanent roles.
Stipends: Learners earn allowances, supporting financial independence.
Inclusivity: Programs prioritize designated groups, including Black youth, women, and people with disabilities (85%, 54%, and 4% targets, respectively).

Johannesburg’s economic diversity makes it a hub for learnerships, with SETAs like MERSETA, INSETA, and W&RSETA ensuring quality and relevance.

Eligibility Criteria for Learnerships in Johannesburg

Most learnerships share common requirements, though specifics vary by program:

Age: 16–35 years, with some programs capping at 28 or 30.
Education: Minimum Grade 12 (matric) or N2–N3 for technical fields; some require diplomas or degrees.
Employment Status: Must be unemployed or not enrolled in another learnership.
Citizenship: South African citizenship is typically required.
Additional Requirements: Basic computer literacy, Mathematics, or English proficiency for certain programs.
Applicants must submit certified copies of ID, qualifications, and a CV. Check program-specific criteria on company websites to avoid disqualification.

How to Apply for Learnerships in Johannesburg

Securing a learnership requires proactive steps:

Research Opportunities: Visit company websites (e.g., Standard Bank, Sasol) or platforms like Pnet, Graduates24, or Puff and Pass for listings.
Prepare Documents: Ensure your CV, ID, and qualifications are certified and up-to-date.
Apply Online: Most programs use online portals; follow instructions carefully and meet deadlines.
Follow Up: Contact the company’s HR department if you don’t hear back within a month.
Prepare for Interviews: Demonstrate enthusiasm, career goals, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
Applications typically open between November and April; monitor closing dates closely to avoid missing out.

Benefits of Completing a Learnership

Completing a learnership in Johannesburg offers long-term advantages:

Qualifications: Earn NQF-aligned certificates recognized nationwide.
Career Opportunities: Many learners secure permanent roles with the host company or elsewhere.
Networking: Build professional relationships with mentors and industry leaders.
Personal Growth: Develop confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Financial Support: Stipends, regulated by the National Minimum Wage Act, cover living expenses during training. For example, Standard Bank’s learnerships often lead to roles in banking operations, while Sasol’s artisan graduates are highly sought after in engineering.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Learnerships are rewarding but not without challenges:

Competitive Applications: Stand out by tailoring your CV and preparing for interviews.
Balancing Theory and Practice: Manage time effectively to meet classroom and workplace demands.
Financial Strain: Stipends may be modest; budget carefully or seek additional support from family or grants.
Limited Placements: Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances.
Engage with SETA offices or career counselors in Johannesburg for guidance and additional resources.

Why Johannesburg Is Ideal for Learnerships

Johannesburg’s status as South Africa’s economic powerhouse makes it a prime location for learnerships. The city hosts:

Diverse Industries: From finance (Standard Bank, Sasria) to mining (Anglo American, NCM) and IT (Tracker Connect).
Corporate Hubs: Major companies with robust training programs are based here.
SETA Support: MERSETA, INSETA, and others fund and accredit programs, ensuring quality.
Accessibility: Urban infrastructure supports learners attending training centers and workplaces.
This diversity ensures opportunities for various skill levels and career aspirations.

Tips for Success in a Learnership

To maximize your learnership experience:

Be Proactive: Seek feedback from mentors and take initiative in tasks.
Network: Build relationships with colleagues and trainers for future opportunities.
Stay Organized: Track deadlines for assignments and assessments.
Upskill Continuously: Use online resources like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to complement your training.
Document Achievements: Keep a portfolio of your work to showcase during job applications.
These habits enhance your learning and position you for post-learnership success.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 10 learnerships for 2025 offer unparalleled opportunities for skill development and career growth. From Standard Bank’s banking programs to Sasol’s artisan training, these initiatives empower unemployed youth and graduates to build sustainable futures. By meeting eligibility criteria, applying strategically, and committing to the process, learners can unlock doors to rewarding careers. Start exploring these programs today, and take the first step toward a brighter professional journey in South Africa’s economic heart.