Learnerships for ECD, Youth Development, Environment Studies and Development Practice fall under ETDP SETA. These Learnerships can increase your career opportunities as they often target jobs that are difficult to fill.
Education, Training, and Development Practice (ETDP): Learnerships for ECD
The ETDP SETA is an important contact point for unemployed youth looking for learnerships, particularly for ECD. While the ECD sector is receiving a lot of government attention, ECD Learnerships are often difficult to find where they are most needed.
ETDP Sector Scarce And Critical Skills: Look for Learnerships
There are many job opportunities waiting for career climbers like you! So read our post on hard-to-fill education vacancies at this link.
Learnerships Are Priority Qualifications: Scarce and Critical Skills
A learnership qualification can increase your career opportunities. They often target jobs that are difficult to fill (scarce skills). Therefore Learnerships are an example of an integrated skills development intervention. As a result, they aim to promote growth in employment and capacity building to address scarce and critical skills shortages in South Africa.
Read: Job Opportunities, Scarce Skills & What to Study.
New Learnership Qualifications
When new Occupational Certificates are introduced, Learnership qualifications change. As a result, please refer to the latest list of registered learnerships published in 2023. There are 149 qualifications to consider so we’re sure you’ll find something that interests you!
New job training qualifications are available, refer to the list of links below to see these exciting developments:
- NQF levels 1-2 occupational certificates
- Exciting NQF level 3 occupational certificates
- List of NQF Level 4 occupational certificates
- NQF Level 5 occupational certificates
- Professional NQF Level 6 occupational certificates.

Let’s Dive Into ETDP SETA Learnerships for ECD
ETDP SETA Learnerships for ECD, Youth Development, Environment Studies and Development Practice.
1. Learnerships for ECD: Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is the Focus of Government Attention.
1.1 Municipalities And The Department of Basic Education: Learnerships for ECD
Municipalities and the Department of Basic Education are important ECD Learnership Contact Points.
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector plays a vital role in shaping the educational journey of young children. Consequently, there is massive focus on the importance of early education. As a result, the ECD function has shifted to the Department of Education. Hopefully, this will improve the professionalism of the sector thus ensuring that every child receives quality early education.
However, many ECD centres, often run as non-profit organizations (NPOs), face various challenges in complying with regulations, meeting required standards, and accessing funding. Additionally, the shortage of qualified teachers hinders the optimal learning and development of children. Therefore innovative programmes are implemented to create job opportunities for youth and improve the quality of early education.
For purposes of the ETDP SETA Sector Skills Plan (SSP), ECD covers 0 – 4 years. Let’s dive in a little deeper now!
1.2 Government’s Strategic Interest In Learnerships for ECD
Firstly, it’s important to understand how the ECD sector is structured and provides ECD services. When you know how the sector is structured, it leads to a better understanding of how to obtain an ECD learnership.
- The Department of Basic Education (DBE): The curriculum for Grade R learners or 5-year-olds is part of the schooling constituency.
- The Department of Social Development (DSD) is responsible for providing services for children under school-going age.
- ETDP SETA: The ECD human resource development component is led by education. Almost all ECD practitioner training falls under the ETDP SETA
- Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA): includes ECD practitioners in the social development workforce and has identified them as a scarce skill. The HWSETA has also supported ECD learnerships in all provinces.
Click the link below to see the ECD Learnership qualifications that are available.
Read more about the specific ECD qualifications at this link: How to Find ECD Training in South Africa
1.3 The ETDP SETA ECD Strategy
The ETDP SETA has put the following into place to support ECD development:
- A research chair for ECD now exists.
- The ECD Chamber advises the Accounting Authority on issues of policy development and implementation in the ECD sub-sector.
1.4 ECD Training and Development Plans: Learnerships for ECD
The ‘Human Resources Development Strategy for Early Childhood Development,’ stresses the training and growth of Early Childhood Development (ECD) personnel. When we consider the outlined objectives of the NIECD Policy alongside the current state of the sector, it becomes evident that there is a pressing need for a substantial increase in both the quantity and quality of ECD professionals across all service delivery platforms. Therefore these professionals must possess the necessary skills and competencies to provide a comprehensive range of services, extending beyond early learning programs. Also, this need underscores the critical importance of action strategies aimed at the training and development of ECD personnel within the broader framework of the ECD Human Resources Development (HRD) Strategy.

Profiles of ECD Practitioners: Learnerships for ECD
The document also provides insights into the composition of the ECD workforce. According to the data presented in the 2013 ECD Audit:
- 27,360 individuals identified as ECD professionals,
- 3,024 as assistant practitioners,
- and 11,380 in roles such as principals or supervisors.
Another notable characteristic of the ECD sector is its strong female representation. Women are approximately 99% of all ECD professionals in South Africa.
Furthermore, the racial diversity of ECD professionals mirrors the broader demographics of South Africa. Approximately 80% are of Black ethnicity, 12% Coloured, and the remaining 8% encompass White, Indian, and Asian professionals.
Interestingly, there appears to be some level of integration among racial groups in teaching positions. With 31% of White and 63% of Indian professionals teaching in ECD centres where the majority of learners are Black. Nevertheless, Black and Coloured professionals are more likely to teach children of the same racial background.
Why Learnerships for ECD Are Vital: Practitioner qualifications and specialisations
An ECD practitioner is employed as an assistant practitioner, a practitioner, or as the principal or matron of an ECD centre.
Only about 12% of practitioners and assistant practitioners have any qualification above that of a Grade 12. But note that the Grade 12 requirements were only set in 2013. In addition, principals and supervisors are less likely to have a qualification below Grade 12. However, almost 80% still do not have any qualification above that of Grade 12.
The number of practitioners with qualifications specialising in ECD, shows that the minimum Norms and Standards do not apply in practice. One would expect to see the majority of practitioners with at least the NQF Basic Certificate. However, 87% of assistant practitioners and 74% of practitioners do not have any qualification in Early Childhood Development. Once again, Principals and Supervisors seem to have received slightly more training, with at least 34% of Principals and 40% of Supervisors having at least a Certificate in ECD.
2. Development Practice Learnerships
The Development Practice Learnership is a critical Learnership in the ETD field because practitioners can provide professional support directly to individuals and communities. In addition, they are able to empower people to achieve specific outcomes.
The qualification also enables you to provide short learning programmes to community groups and to assist in assessing the community groups’ learning or development.
The Learnership is directed at both adults and youth (employed and unemployed) with sufficient experience in general community development work and the development practice field. Especially those employed as auxiliary social workers, community development workers, youth workers and NGO and CBO field activists. The learnership is implemented across all provinces.
3. The Youth Development Practice Learnership
The Development Practice qualification is closely linked to the Youth Development Practice NQF Level 5. Youth Development targets young people to become youth work practitioners.
This learnership helps you to facilitate enabling processes for youth development work within public and private contexts. It also empowers young people with skills to work with communities in implementing community-based projects.
Youth development work is a proactive social mechanism for managing change in the economy and society.
4. The National Diploma in Environment Studies Learnership
The National Diploma in Environment Studies NQF Level 5 Learnership will prepare learners to function independently as entry-level environmental education practitioners.
It will apply in particular to unqualified environmental education practitioners working in environmental education centres (e.g. volunteers, interns and part-time guides). This programme also applies to people employed in fields other than education, but who may develop an environmental education role in the workplace, e.g. field rangers, outreach officers, interpretative officers.
The learners qualified at this level will make a meaningful contribution to environmental change. They do this through an educational response to environmental issues and risks in a range of contexts and workplaces. They may also be able to function as teachers` aides or environmental education specialists in formal education settings like schools.
Check out this paper I co-wrote on stakeholder engagement strategy for the climate sector.
ECD, Youth Development, Environment Studies and Development Practice Learnerships
Check with the ETDP SETA and SAQA to see if these ETDP SETA qualifications are still registered and take a look at the new qualifications for learnerships.
1. Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) in ECD NQF Level 4;
2. National Diploma in ECD Practice NQF Level 5;
3. Development Practice NQF Level 5;
4. Youth Development Practice NQF Level 5 and
5. National Diploma in Environment Studies NQF Level 5.
Read More on Keep Climbing!
Posts Related to Learnerships
- How to find Learnerships in the Industry of Your Choice
Hi my name is hlengiwe Ncama I like to a part of ECD training I want to learn more about the child please contact me my contact No is 0735414542
Hi my is Zandile SKOSANA, I’m in this leanership, I have done this course online with PLAYSA,I have certificates of it from birth to grade R,so will you please give an opportunity on this leanership.
My name is Dorah Shabalala am looking for a leanership programme in any department am from Lydenburg mpumalanga
Hi name nondumiso i am interested for this learnreship please last
year l was doing ecd level 4 i am unemployed women
Hi my Name is Nonhlanhla i am really interested in this learnership i really love working with kid’s and i really need to bring change in my community.
Thank you.
I am interested in this ECD learnership what to do to reach it
good day
i am interested in part-taking in the ECD learnership. may i please have more information on how to do so.
Hi I’m interested in this learnership plzzzz
Please I really need it
Hi my Name is Khanyisa I am interested for this leanership and I need help what can I do to get it i have NQF Level 4 in community development Practitioner and ECD training
I am interested for this learnership.I would be glad if my application could be approved.
I will be very glad once my application is taken into consideration
Yorfaithfully
MERRIC
I’ll email you Lebo.
Leo
Hi
I’m interested to this learnership
Dear sir/madam
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERNSHIP/IN-SERVICE TRAINING/PRACTICAL/LEARNERSHIP AND VOLUNTARY
I am mahlogonolo Kenneth nkgoeng hereby requesting to be accepted in to the internship/in-service training/ practical /learner ship and voluntary for the year 2018/2019
I am self-motivated with excellent communication; Interpersonal and organisational skill
High moral individual eager to make a challenge and able to set effective priorities to achieve immediate and long term goal
After completing with a national certificate in financial management n6
I am seeking to expand my knowledge and professional skills by securing a position that will help utilise my skills and gain experience to the fullest potential within the field of finance after being offered 18 months of room for improvement my n6 financial management national certificate will be converted into a national diploma as an individual, I am willing to grow and adjust to a fast-paced environment that look at challenge as opportunities to continuously learn and grow therefore , I assume that I can learn to be an asset in your organisation
I am willing to relocate and work for free in order to gain experience and opportunity for advancement
Below this letter I have attaché my document to back up my statement
I will be very glad once my application is taken into consideration
I am looking forward to working with your team
Yorfaithfully
M.K NKGOENG
I am interested for this learnership.I would be glad if my application could be approved.
I am a lady of 24 years old i am interested for this Learnership.I would be glad if my application can be succesfully
Good morning!!
Did u know anything about Boinahatso Elective Training and Enterprise? Cause i register with mentioned above and i pay monthly premium of R660.00.
i want to that BOINAHATSO is part of learnership?
Hi am interested for this learneship plz reply my email nomfusimqhwayo@gmail.com
Hi my name is Dipuo Matshediso I have level 1 certificate ECD….i would love a learnership to complete my levels
I will be glad if my application is successful so that I can study for early childhood development .
My name is KHANYISA NONKOTHAMA a female of 32 years old ,I was graduated at Rhodes university for level 4 last year November 2017 .I am doing ECD & CDP practitioner so now I am interested for level 5 and I’m at Mount ayliff.I need advice to get leanership.
Your comment goes here. I will be much glad if my application will be approved for stunding the national diploma in environment studies learnership
I’m looking for a free learnerships
I m looking for NQF level 5 in Early childhood development learnership please help
I will be glad if my application is successful.
Hi Palesa
Please apply to recruitment adverts that are still valid ok. Always check the details or you’ll be wasting your time. Best of luck!
hi I would like to participate in yhe ecd leanership I was a volunteer fir 3 years @ an NGO I was volunteering as a psychosocial child care worker
so I believe that I have the skills to work with children and I do have other qualifications such as matric (Grade 12).
my number is:061 351 5996
Hi , I am doing Education and Development (ECD) this year of 2018 , I want to apply or get a learner ship for 2019 , please any help!.
Hi Matlou
Look for learnerships for NQF L3 qualifications as most NQF L4 learnership providers require a Matric.
I would like to study the grade R course and would like to know more about the lea
nership iv got grade 11.
I’m interested in a ecd learnership
I want to study for early child development, I need information on how can I apply
Hi my name is Lindiwe I like to study with learnership in ealychild development .I have Grade 12 and work exprience with Grade R at Aftercare. Can you please help me to find the learnership in ealy child development.
Your comment goes here.I want to do a grade R courses I have an abet level4 and grade11.and why does the college say the level4 is grade 7?
Hi’ I have completed my N6 EDC course, and I want to further my studies on Foundation Phase distance learning course, any possibilities that I can be considered as one of the learners
I’m interested in this leadership l have educate n6 my number is 0738914178
Your comment goes here.HI my name is trudy i have level 4 in ecd please i need learnership in level 5 please inform me if there are any oppotunities. Thank you
Your comment goes here.lhave ECD level 5 diploma and need learnership for level6pls
I have level 4 eCD an my problem i have no money to continue with course so pls I need leadership bcos I love work with children please
Hi madam my name is Engela I have Ecd Level 1 & 4 and I have done with practical in grade R class.I would be happy happy to be part of Learnership
Hi Ntombi
You would need to find the organisation that you want to train at and apply to them directly.
Good luck!
Leonie
where in rustenburg
I have an aftercare service and a creche and wish to teach youth in lifeskills. How can I benefit from the seats or learnerships?
Nomsa
I’m currently doing my level 4 in education and development ..do I qualify for leadership??
Hi my name is Ntombi i have level 4 ecd and working in a creche for 5yrs, can you pls help me to study level 5 pls.
Yes
Hi, I am currently studying a Diploma in Grade R at a private intstitution, and this is my first year, do i qualify for a learnership.
Hi Thully
Please follow the instructions in the post and make it happen! 🙂 Good luck!!!
hy my name is Thully .i have 6 years in ecd centre .i nee a learnership in youth development or child care leranership
I did ECD and I need learnership
Your comment goes here. I would like to be informed about learnerships for child and youth care workers, social auxiliary.I’m a people’s person I like working with children I’m also a hard worker,for now I’m volunteering at a nearby non government organization I’m a community care giver.I hope to hear from you soon
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