How To Avoid Dangerous Learnership Hopping

Learnership hopping, resigning and registering for more than one learnership is dangerous. This post explains double-dipping and why you must be responsible in selecting your best opportunities.

Dangerous Learnership Hopping: The Pitfalls of Casual Dropouts and the Importance of Commitment

Double-dipping is when you want to earn the same rewards after already having received those rewards. So if you have already completed a Business Administration Learnership at NQF Level 4, you cannot enrol for the same qualification at the same level again. An employer is accused of double-dipping if they try to claim rewards twice when they are only entitled to claim rewards once. In other words, it’s being paid twice for the same thing.

If you register on the same learnership you make the employer look bad and you look irresponsible and selfish. It’s selfish because you’re taking an opportunity away from someone who hasn’t yet had one. But if you want to apply for a different learnership on NQF level 4, such as tourism, for example, you may do so. Repeating an NQF level is generally not considered a problem if you wish to pursue that particular career option and especially if you can combine the skills from your last learnership.

Are You Learnership Hopping? Drop outs and resignations

Learnership hopping is when you start a learnership with one employer and then hop to another programme with a different employer. Resigning and registering for more than one learnership is dangerous as learnerships are registered with SARS and are traceable.

Is learnership hopping wrong?

There’s no harm in pursuing a better opportunity but you should not be casual about doing so. Carefully weigh out the options and discuss them with your current learnership employer.

If you Hop: Don’t be a Learnership Dropout

A learnership dropout is when you just disappear from the programme without any warning to your employer. This will label you as unreliable, especially if you avoid taking calls and don’t respond to their emails. The employer might assume you have a health or some other personal problem to deal with. They might therefore maintain your learnership registration in the hope that you will return.

Employer Administration: Learnerships are registered with SARS

Employers obtain rewards for hosting your learnership and patiently supporting your growth at their premises. Each learner is carefully selected for a learnership. They are absorbed into the business so they must show commitment, industry potential and the ability to fit in at work.

Dropout Disadvantage: Break the learner paper trail

If you drop out and disappear, you break your paper trail and lose out on documentation to support future opportunities. If you wish to resign, the employer is legally required to provide you with documentation to reflect the work and training you received. If they don’t, you can report them to the relevant SETA and the Department of Labour.

Learnership Hopping: Potential Consequences

Embarking on a learnership is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge while kickstarting your career. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential dangers of learnership hopping – the act of casually dropping out of one learnership and registering for another without due consideration. We encourage learners to adopt a more responsible and committed approach for their own benefit and that of their employers.

The Lack of Commitment: Learnership Hopping

Commitment is a fundamental aspect of any successful learnership. Hopping from one learnership to another without valid reasons can reflect poorly on your dedication and work ethic. Employers value learners who demonstrate perseverance and commitment to completing the program, indicating their reliability and willingness to grow within the organization.

Stunted Skill Development: Drop Outs

Learnerships provide a structured learning environment designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in a specific field. Constantly switching learnerships can slow down your skill development as each program offers a unique curriculum and workplace experience. By staying committed to a single learnership, you have the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter and gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Limited Networking Opportunities:

One significant advantage of participating in a learnership is the networking potential it offers. Building professional relationships with mentors, colleagues, and industry experts can open doors to future opportunities. However, learnership hopping can severely restrict your networking opportunities as you fail to establish lasting connections and build a strong professional network.

Negative Impact on Employers:

Learnership hopping doesn’t just affect the learners; it can also have adverse consequences for employers. When learners frequently drop out without valid reasons, employers face financial losses, operational disruptions, and wasted resources. By understanding the impact on employers, learners can appreciate the importance of honouring their commitments and completing the learnership program they have initially chosen.

Reputation and Future Opportunities:

Consistently hopping between learnerships can tarnish your professional reputation. Employers may view your track record of incomplete learnerships as a lack of commitment and reliability. This can make it difficult to secure future learnerships or employment opportunities as potential employers may question your dedication and willingness to stick with a program or role long-term.

Personal Growth and Long-Term Goals:

Learnerships are not solely about acquiring technical skills; they also provide an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. By committing to a learnership, you can challenge yourself, overcome obstacles, and develop the resilience needed for a successful career. Additionally, staying the course aligns with your long-term goals, allowing you to build a solid foundation of expertise and experience in a specific field.

Final Words on Dangerous Learnership Hopping

Learnership hopping may seem tempting when faced with challenges or the allure of something new, but it comes with significant risks. Committing to a learnership and seeing it through to completion demonstrates your dedication, professionalism, and willingness to learn and grow. By adopting a responsible and committed approach, you not only benefit yourself by maximizing your skill development and networking opportunities but also contribute to a positive and productive learning environment for your employers. Remember, true success comes from staying the course and embracing the journey of continuous learning and growth.

FAQ: Learnership Hopping: Casual Makes Casualties

Q1: What is learnership hopping?

A: Learnership hopping refers to the practice of casually dropping out of one learnership program and registering for another without following proper procedures or considering the consequences. It involves frequently switching learnerships without valid reasons or a genuine commitment to completing the program.

Q2: Why is learnership hopping risky?

A: Learnership hopping poses several risks. It reflects a lack of commitment and can hinder your skill development, networking opportunities, and overall professional growth. It can also have negative implications for employers, resulting in financial losses and operational disruptions. Additionally, it can damage your reputation and limit future career prospects.

Q3: What are the correct procedures for resigning from a learnership?

A: Resigning from a learnership should be done responsibly and professionally. Here are the correct procedures to follow:

1. Review the learnership agreement: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions outlined in your learnership agreement, including the notice period and resignation process.
2. Notify your employer: Inform your employer or the designated contact person about your intention to resign from the learnership program. Provide a written resignation letter, clearly stating your reasons for resigning.
3. Complete any required paperwork: If there are specific forms or documents that need to be completed, ensure you fulfil those requirements as per the learnership agreement.
4. Hand over responsibilities: If applicable, ensure a smooth transition of your tasks and responsibilities to a suitable replacement, if one has been identified.
5. Seek guidance from your training provider: Consult your training provider or the relevant authorities to ensure you follow any additional procedures specific to your learnership program.

Q4: How can learners ensure a responsible approach to their learnership commitment?

A: Learners can adopt the following strategies:

1. Consider long-term goals: Evaluate the learnership program in relation to your long-term career goals before committing.
2. Assess compatibility: Ensure the learnership aligns with your interests, skills, and aspirations to reduce the likelihood of wanting to drop out.
3. Seek guidance and support: If facing challenges, reach out to mentors, trainers, or fellow learners for guidance and support before making hasty decisions.
4. Reflect and communicate: If you are genuinely unsatisfied or facing significant challenges, reflect on the reasons for your dissatisfaction and communicate openly with your employer or training provider.
5. Complete due diligence: Before enrolling in a learnership, thoroughly research the program, the employer’s reputation, and the potential for growth and development.

Remember, commitment and responsible decision-making are key to maximizing the benefits.

Read More

• Resigning And Registering For Learnerships: Learner Warning

• What Information Is In A Learnership Contract?

• How to Resign from a Learnership Professionally

• What Is In The Learnership Pay Slip?

• How to Write A Learnership Complaint Letter

• How to Write a Learnership CV to Stand Out