Free winter learnerships, As winter approaches, many free learnership programmes across South Africa are still open for applications. Learnerships combine workplace training, stipends (some up to R6 000/month), and national certification—making them an excellent gateway into the workforce.

Here are 9 current Free winter learnerships opportunities you can apply for today, including direct links:
1. Barloworld Equipment – Mechanical Assistant Learnership
- 📍 Location: Middelburg, Mpumalanga
- ⏳ Length: 12 months; Global Grade 03
- 🎯 Focus: Heavy earthmoving machinery
- 🎓 Requirements: Matric with ≥45% in Maths, English, Physical Science, or N3/N2 with relevant theory
- 📝 To Apply: Email your CV to BWELearningAcademyBD@barloworld‑equipment.com or use the [Careers Portal application link].
2. Coca‑Cola Peninsula Beverages – Operations Learnership
- 📍 Athlone, Paarl, Parow (Western Cape)
- 📋 Outcome: FET Certificate in Generic Management (NQF 4)
- 💰 Stipend: ±R5 500/month
- 📝 To Apply: Submit via LinkedIn job post (use code https://lnkd.in/ddbd8Kcy) or apply through CCBSA’s [Careers portal].
3. Canyon Coal – Auto Electrician Learnership
- 📍 Khanye Colliery, Gauteng
- ⚙️ Focus: Auto-electrical training in the mining sector
- 📝 To Apply: Visit recent Jobcare and StudentRoom posts under “Canyon Coal” (search learnerships; no direct link).
4. SAB – Packaging Learnership
- 📍 Nationwide
- 📜 Qualification: NQF 3; packaging line work
- 📝 To Apply: Check YouthApplications or Jobcare under “Packaging Learnership” listings—currently active.
5. Afrika Tikkun – YES Program
- 📍 Various Gauteng locations
- 🎓 Youth Employment Service (YES)—automotive and admin streams
- ⏳ 12‑month programme for 18–34 year-olds
- 📝 To Apply: Find YES program applications on YouthApplications under “YES Learnerships 2025”.
6. Marriott / Protea Hotels – Hospitality & Cookery Learnerships
- 📍 Nationwide hotel locations
- 🛎️ Tracks: Culinary or hospitality management
- 📝 To Apply: Search “Marriott learnership 2025” on YouthApplications or company site under internal careers.
7. Clover – Merchandising Learnership (YES)
- 📍 Nationwide
- 💼 Focus: Retail merchandising with NQF accreditation
- 📝 To Apply: See Clover and YES openings posted on YouthApplications or Jobcare listings.
8. Citi Bank – Graduate Learnership (Corporate Banking)
- 📍 Johannesburg
- 💵 Focus: Graduate training in corporate banking
- 📝 To Apply: Visit Citi Bank South Africa careers portal under “Graduate Learnership”.
9. ArcelorMittal – Production Learnership
- 📍 Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- 🔧 Focus: Accredited production training
- 📝 To Apply: Applications open via Jobcare under “ArcelorMittal Learnership”.
How to Choose the Right Winter Learnership
Define Your Goal
- Manufacturing & technical: Go for ArcelorMittal, Barloworld, Coca-Cola
- Hospitality/Culinary: Look at Marriott
- Retail & Admin: Check Clover and Afrika Tikkun YES
Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen, age 18–35
- Grade 12 or NQF-equivalent
- Preferably unemployed or entry-level
Application Tips
- Get certified ID and Matric copies
- Have a polished CV and customised cover letter
- Register with SETA portals (ServicesSETA, MICTSETA)
- Apply via links above—including email for Barloworld
Deadlines & Application Flow
While labeled “winter,” many roles stay open into mid-year:
- Barloworld and Coca‑Cola postings appeared early 2025
- ArcelorMittal and others updated late June—check Jobcare and YouthApplications often
- Use a tracker (Notion or Sheets) to manage applied positions and follow-ups
Today’s Action Plan
Task | Done? |
---|---|
Review each learnership above | ☐ |
Prepare certified documents & CV | ☐ |
Email or click to apply now | ☐ |
Register with SETA portals | ☐ |
Track applications & follow up in 2 weeks | ☐ |
Why Winter Learnerships are Worth It
- Free training + income (stipends ~R4 500–R6 000)
- Official NQF qualifications
- Valuable work experience for your CV
- Potential full-time employment post-learnership
🚀 Ready to Apply?
👉 Head to our Internships & Learnerships page now: RealisticJobs.com/internships