Top Learnerships for Matriculants in 2025, Leaving high school can be exciting — and overwhelming. If you’ve recently matriculated and want to gain work experience and a qualification, a learnership might be your perfect next step. In 2025, companies and government institutions across South Africa are once again offering thousands of learnerships to help young people gain real-world skills.
This guide breaks down the top learnership opportunities for matriculants in 2025, including how to apply and where to find them.
What is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured work-based learning programme that leads to an NQF-registered qualification. Learnerships are part of the South African government’s drive to upskill youth, reduce unemployment, and promote economic inclusion.
Learnerships typically include:
- Classroom learning
- Workplace experience
- Monthly stipend (learners get paid!)
To qualify, you must be:
- A South African citizen
- Between 18–35 years old
- Finished Grade 12 (or equivalent)
Top Learnerships for Matriculants in 2025
Here are some of the top learnerships you should consider applying for in 2025:
1. Retail Sector Learnerships – Clicks, Shoprite, Woolworths
Retail learnerships are ideal for matriculants who enjoy customer service, stock control, and working with people. These programmes can lead to full-time jobs in stores, warehouses, or head offices.
🔹 Companies offering 2025 retail learnerships:
- Clicks Group Learnerships – Pharmacist Assistant and Retail Sales
- Shoprite Learnerships – Bakery, Butchery, Retail Operations
- Woolworths Learnerships – Store Operations & Admin
Stipend: R2,500–R4,000 per month
NQF Level: 2–4
Duration: 12 months
💡 Tip: These learnerships are perfect if you want to build experience quickly in customer service or sales.
2. Banking and Finance Learnerships – Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA
If you’re good with numbers and enjoy solving problems, finance learnerships offer solid career paths.
🔹 Where to apply:
- Standard Bank Learnerships – For entry into banking, financial services, or insurance
- Nedbank YES Learnerships – Youth Employment Service
- ABSA Learnerships – Mainly in client services and admin
Stipend: R4,500–R7,000 per month
NQF Level: 4–5
Duration: 12–18 months
3. Information Technology (IT) Learnerships
The tech industry is booming — and they want young, trainable talent. IT learnerships are among the most in-demand, even for matriculants without prior experience.
🔹 Providers offering IT learnerships:
- Bytes Technology Group – Offers IT support and networking learnerships
- MANCOSA/ICT SETA – Learnerships in data science, coding, and cybersecurity
- BCX Learnerships – Entry-level IT support and programming
Stipend: R5,000–R7,000
NQF Level: 4–5
Duration: 12–24 months
🎓 IT learnerships often include internationally recognised certifications like CompTIA or Cisco.
4. Logistics and Transport Learnerships – Transnet, Imperial, DHL
South Africa’s supply chain industry needs drivers, clerks, and warehouse staff. These transport and logistics learnerships offer practical work and solid job prospects.
🔹 2025 logistics learnerships:
- Transnet Learnerships – Train driving, freight handling
- DHL Learnerships – Warehousing and logistics roles
- Imperial Logistics – Supply chain and inventory learnerships
Stipend: R3,500–R5,500
NQF Level: 2–4
Duration: 12 months
5. Government and Public Sector Learnerships – SETAs, Municipalities, SAPS
Government learnerships are often overlooked but offer excellent experience in admin, finance, policing, and public services.
🔹 Apply for:
- PSETA Learnerships – Public administration
- SAPS Learnerships – Police traineeships (for ages 18–30)
- Municipal Learnerships – Local government roles
Stipend: R3,000–R5,000
NQF Level: 3–5
Duration: 12–18 months
📌 NOTE: These programmes are highly competitive — apply early and follow all instructions carefully.
How to Apply for a Top Learnerships for Matriculants in 2025
- Update Your CV – Tailor it to the learnership (include subjects passed, any short courses).
- Get Certified Copies – Of your Matric certificate, ID, and any other qualifications.
- Apply Online – Many companies accept applications through their websites.
- Use SETAs and Job Portals:
- RealisticJobs.com – Updated learnership listings
- CareerJet
- Indeed SA
💡 Read our guide: How to Write a South African CV That Gets Interviews
When to Apply
Most companies open applications from January to June, with intakes starting from April to October 2025. Keep checking the company websites and job portals throughout the year.
Final Tips for Success
- Apply to multiple learnerships — don’t wait on just one.
- Prepare for online assessments or interviews.
- Be professional in your emails and follow all application instructions.
Remember, a learnership is more than just a job — it’s a stepping stone to a career. With hard work and the right attitude, you could land permanent employment or continue studying at higher levels.
SETAs That Fund Learnerships
Most learnerships are managed or funded by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Here’s a quick list of SETAs involved:
| SETA Name | Industry |
|---|---|
| MICT SETA | Media, Information & Tech |
| W&RSETA | Wholesale & Retail |
| BANKSETA | Banking & Finance |
| PSETA | Public Sector |
| FASSET | Accounting & Finance |
Visit their websites for annual learnership announcements.
Conclusion: Matriculants Top Learnerships
With the right approach, 2025 can be the year you start building your future. Whether you’re into retail, IT, finance, or logistics, there’s a learnership out there for you. Use the links and resources above to start applying today.
Don’t wait. Learnerships fill up fast!
