Dlamini BlessingLearnerships represent a vital bridge between education and employment in South Africa, offering structured training that combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience, culminating in a nationally recognised qualification. In Johannesburg, the economic hub of the country, learnership opportunities are abundant across high-growth and critical sectors.
For this year, the most sought-after learnerships are those that address skills shortages, offer clear paths to employment, and provide qualifications in fields with strong career prospects. This guide highlights ten of the top learnership programmes available in Johannesburg, detailing their focus, typical entry requirements, and the value they offer to participants.
Top 10 Learnerships in Johannesburg: A Guide for This Year
1. Banking and Financial Services Learnerships (NQF Level 5)
Major banks and insurance companies run extensive learnership programmes to develop a pipeline of talent for the financial sector.
* Providers: ABSA, Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, Old Mutual, and Santam.
* Focus Areas: Banking (Client Services, Wealth Management), Insurance (Short-term and Long-term), Financial Advisory, and Digital Banking.
* Qualification & Value: Typically leads to a Certificate in Banking or Insurance (NQF 5). Participants gain exposure to core banking operations, regulatory frameworks (FAIS), customer relationship management, and financial products. High potential for permanent absorption into roles like Tellers, Customer Service Consultants, or Junior Financial Advisors.
* Requirements: Matric (with Maths/Maths Literacy and English). Strong communication skills and numerical aptitude are key. Often targets youth (18-35) with no prior tertiary qualifications in finance.
2. Information Technology (IT) Support and Systems Development Learnerships
Designed to build critical digital skills, from technical support to software development.
* Providers: Major corporations (like Vodacom, MTN), IT service firms (EOH, Dimension Data), and sector-specific SETAs (like MICT SETA).
* Focus Areas: IT Technical Support (A+ N+), Systems Development (Software Engineering), Network Support, and Data Analytics.
* Qualification & Value: Leads to qualifications such as a Higher Certificate in IT Support Services or Systems Development (NQF 5). Provides hands-on experience with hardware, software, coding languages, and IT project lifecycles. This sector has a high demand for skilled entrants.
* Requirements: Matric, often with Maths and Physical Science. A natural aptitude for technology, problem-solving skills, and logical thinking are essential. Some programmes may require a basic coding test.
3. Business Administration (NQF Level 4/5)
A foundational learnership that develops versatile office administration and management skills applicable to any industry.
* Providers: Virtually all large corporations, government departments, and parastatals (e.g., City of Johannesburg, Eskom, Transnet).
* Focus Areas: Office Administration, Business Management, Project Administration, and Customer Service.
* Qualification & Value: Results in a Certificate in Business Administration (NQF 4 or 5). Learners acquire skills in document processing, financial administration, communication, and office technology, making them highly employable in any corporate or government office.
* Requirements: Matric (English is crucial). Computer literacy (MS Office) is a major advantage. Organisational skills and professionalism are key selection criteria.
4. Wholesale and Retail Operations Learnership
The retail sector, a massive employer, uses learnerships to train staff in everything from sales to supply chain management.
* Providers: Major retailers (Shoprite, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Mr Price, Dis-Chem) and the W&R SETA.
* Focus Areas: Retail Sales, Merchandising, Pharmacy Assistance, Supply Chain, and Retail Supervision.
* Qualification & Value: A Certificate in Wholesale and Retail Operations (NQF 3-4). Provides practical floor experience, product knowledge, customer engagement skills, and insight into inventory and visual merchandising. Direct path to permanent employment as a sales consultant, cashier, or department supervisor.
* Requirements: Matric. A customer-centric attitude, energy, and numerical skill are important. For pharmacy, Life Sciences is beneficial.
5. Automotive Mechanics and Repair Learnership
A hands-on, technical learnership for those passionate about vehicles and machinery.
* Providers: Automotive manufacturers (Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz), dealership groups (Imperial, Motus), and the merSETA.
* Focus Areas: Motor Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Automotive Electrician, Panel Beating, and Spray Painting.
* Qualification & Value: Leads to a trade test and an Artisan qualification (e.g., Motor Mechanic NQF 4). Involves apprenticeship-style training in state-of-the-art workshops, leading to a highly skilled, in-demand trade with excellent earning potential.
* Requirements: Matric with Maths and Physical Science (often at Level 4 or higher). Technical aptitude, manual dexterity, and problem-solving skills are critical.
6. Contact Centre and Sales Learnership
Develops core competencies for the fast-paced business process outsourcing (BPO) and sales industry.
* Providers: Large BPO companies (iContact, Merchants, Webhelp), telecommunications firms (Vodacom, Telkom), and the BPO SETA.
* Focus Areas: Contact Centre Operations, Telesales, Customer Relationship Management, and Debt Collection.
* Qualification & Value: A Certificate in Contact Centre Support (NQF 4). Builds resilience, communication, sales techniques, and computer system navigation skills. Johannesburg is a major BPO hub, ensuring good employment prospects.
* Requirements: Matric with good English verbal and written skills. Clear speech, patience, and a persuasive telephone manner are essential.
7. Human Resources (HR) Administration Learnership
An entry point into the strategic field of human capital management.
* Providers: Large corporations across all sectors (mining, finance, retail) and the SABPP.
* Focus Areas: HR Administration, Recruitment Support, Payroll Administration, and Training Coordination.
* Qualification & Value: Leads to a Certificate in Human Resources Management or Practices (NQF 5). Provides insight into recruitment processes, employee records management, labour law basics, and HR systems. A stepping stone to an HR career.
* Requirements: Matric, often with a pass in English and a second language. Discretion, strong interpersonal skills, and administrative competence are vital.
8. Electrical Engineering Learnership
A heavy-current engineering path for infrastructure development and maintenance.
* Providers: Eskom, City Power, large mining houses, engineering contractors (like Murray & Roberts), and the EWSETA.
* Focus Areas: Electrical Fitting, Power Plant Operations, and Renewable Energy Systems.
* Qualification & Value: A route to becoming a qualified Electrician or Electrical Fitter (NQF 4 with a trade test). Training includes working on generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Critical for the energy sector with stable, long-term career prospects.
* Requirements: Matric with strong passes in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English. Technical drawing is advantageous. Safety consciousness is paramount.
9. Hospitality and Professional Cookery Learnership
For those passionate about food, service, and the dynamic tourism sector.
* Providers: Hotel groups (Marriott, Sun International), restaurant chains, and the CATHSSETA.
* Focus Areas: Professional Cookery, Food and Beverage Service, Guest House Operations, and Front Office.
* Qualification & Value: A Certificate in Professional Cookery or Food and Beverage Services (NQF 4). Offers practical training in commercial kitchens or hotel front desks, developing culinary arts or customer service skills in a real-world environment.
* Requirements: Matric. A passion for service, creativity (for cookery), physical stamina, and a willingness to work irregular hours.
10. Supply Chain and Logistics Learnership
Focuses on the movement, storage, and management of goods from origin to consumer.
* Providers: Logistics giants (DHL, DSV, Unitrans), retailers, manufacturers, and the TETA.
* Focus Areas: Warehouse Operations, Freight Handling, Inventory Control, and Dispatch.
* Qualification & Value: Leads to a Certificate in Supply Chain Management or Logistics (NQF 4). Provides experience in warehouse management systems (WMS), inventory audits, dispatch procedures, and health & safety standards. Essential for Johannesburg’s role as a continental logistics node.
* Requirements: Matric. Organisational skills, attention to detail, and basic numerical ability are important. A driver’s license (especially Code 10) is a major advantage.
How to Find and Apply for Learnerships This Year
1. Monitor Official Channels: Regularly check the career portals of major companies listed above, as well as the websites of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) like BANKSETA, MICT SETA, W&R SETA, and merSETA.
2. Use Reputable Job Portals: Sites like SA Youth.mobi, Puff and Pass, Career Junction, and Government Jobs actively list learnership opportunities.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Have a professional CV, certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate, and any other qualifications ready.
4. Understand the Contract: A learnership is a formal contract between you, the employer, and a training provider. Understand your stipend, obligations, and the qualification you will receive.
5. Apply Early and Widely: Competition is fierce. Tailor your application for each learnership, highlighting the relevant skills and motivation mentioned in the advert.
In summary, the top learnerships in Johannesburg for this year are concentrated in financial services, IT, business administration, and technical trades—sectors with clear skills needs and strong employment pathways. Success requires proactive searching, a well-prepared application, and a commitment to the 12–24-month programme. A successfully completed learnership provides more than a certificate; it provides proven workplace experience, a critical advantage in the South African job market.