Finding Real Learnerships or Apprenticeships

Finding Real Learnerships or Apprenticeships. Unveiling Genuine Learnerships and Apprenticeships: Tips for Success – Discover the key to finding real learnerships and apprenticeships with our expert advice. How to differentiate between genuine opportunities and deceptive schemes. Stay one step ahead of opportunistic operators with our carefully curated tips for success. Don’t miss out on valuable learning and skill-building experiences – optimize your search for learnerships and apprenticeships today!

Finding Real Learnerships and Apprenticeships

Companies offer learnerships and apprenticeships and receive tax rebates and BEE points in return.  Although this system targets mainly Black youth, these youngsters often find it difficult to find and access legitimate opportunities. 

Learnerships and apprenticeships are both occupational training programmes supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training. These interventions were constructed to encourage companies to create opportunities for the unemployed, largely youth beneficiaries.

Complaints About Learnerships And Apprenticeships

Not all companies advertising these opportunities can be trusted. The DHET, DoL, QCTO and SETAs depend on the public to report cases.

Complaints Include The Following:

• no contracts
• low or no stipend
• no structured learning components
• no work experience, learners signed each other’s logbooks
• unfair dismissals
• learners are encouraged to submit medical certificates claiming fake disabilities

Beware of Bogus Learnership and Apprenticeship Operators

Find Real Learnerships and Apprenticeships for Yourself

Candidates must check if the training provider is registered, and contact the relevant SETA or DHET to confirm. 

Reasons why young people applying for learnerships and apprenticeships must be aware of bogus operators:

1. Fraudulent activities: Bogus operators are often involved in fraudulent activities, such as misrepresenting the nature of the program, using fake websites or fake companies, or collecting money in exchange for fake offers of employment.
2. No actual training: In many cases, the training and apprenticeships offered by these bogus operators are not legitimate, and they provide no actual training or experience. This means that those who participate in these programs will not receive the skills and education that they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
3. Financial loss: Bogus operators may ask for money in exchange for a learnership or apprenticeship, which can result in financial loss for the young person.
4. Wasted time: Participating in a bogus program can also be a waste of time for young people, as they will not receive the benefits and opportunities that come with a legitimate learnership or apprenticeship.

Carefully research the companies and programs you are interested in. Always use caution when providing personal information and especially if paying any fees. Verify the legitimacy of the program through reliable sources, such as government websites or professional organizations in the field.

Related: Youth Warning: PSG And Fake Insurance Learnerships

Real Learnerships and Apprenticeships Have Formal Structures

Learnerships and apprenticeships are formal qualification programmes. You are required to spend time training and working. Employers can claim back money they pay candidates, yet they often pay low, extremely low.

Training providers and employers can be the same organisation, these usually focus on providing education and training as their core business. They usually depend on funding or charge fees. Their limited budgets can mean low, but fair stipends.

Unfortunately, business takes advantage of the model and uses black youth in particular as cheap labour while claiming rebates, BEE points and other incentives. Learnerships and apprenticeships are great for business, but click this link to check out what learners have to say.

The policy concepts behind learnerships and apprenticeships are solid, don’t be discouraged! Just work hard to find real opportunities that will benefit your development without abusing you.

How to Find a Real Learnership or Apprenticeship

This list of suggestions is not comprehensive, you will find additional routes to opportunity by asking around, tapping into different networks and doing your own research about the specific career path you want to pursue.

5 Steps To Finding Real Learnerships And Apprenticeships

1. Identify Potential Employers Who May Offer Learnerships

• Identify companies that you want to work at, if you can see that they already offer opportunities – that’s great! But even if you can’t find this evidence, contact them anyway. “You don’t stand a chance unless you take a chance.”

• Contact the HR department at a company you would like to work for. Ask if they have a learnership / apprenticeship program that you could apply to.

• Get the details, and send them an awesome cover letter introducing your magnificent self!

2. Contact a SETA About Finding Real Learnerships

• Identify two or three qualifications you want to pursue (make an effort)

• Contact the relevant SETA (Sectoral Education and Training Authority).

• Ask to be put through to the Learnerships department (expect to be on hold for a long time. Don’t use your cell phone unless you have lots of airtime.)

• Ask who’s recruiting for the qualifications. Also, remember that SETA websites can be very useful (when they update them.)

3. Look for Private Providers and TVET Colleges: Finding Real Learnerships

• Training organisations usually manage the learning programme for learnerships and apprenticeships. They often recruit candidates on behalf of employers.

• Search for the relevant qualification online and check which training companies pop up. Contact them directly, create a great impression and don’t beg. Flatter them. This means you’re charming them to get them on your side. “I found your website and compared you to other companies. I’m really impressed with what you do. I’m wondering if you’re recruiting for x qualification or if there are any other opportunities?”
• When you contact private training companies, ask to speak to a salesperson or project manager dealing with learnerships / apprenticeships. Call and tell the receptionist you’ve heard great things about their programmes and require more information. Don’t sound like a hustler to the receptionist – she won’t put you through! Don’t specifically say you’re a potential learner, just that you require more information about their programmes. Avoid saying more than you need to before you are put through to the right person. 😉
• You can also find people at the company to contact directly by researching their website. Email or call them directly.
• TVET Colleges offer learnerships and apprenticeships, contact your nearest college.

4. Follow these instructions to register on the Department of Labour Website for learnerships.

5. Occupational Qualifications to Research for Learnership Opportunities

Many new occupational qualifications have emerged. Research the qualifications, find providers advertising them and then make contact. Qualifications always lead to providers, if they exist.

• Current learnership qualifications (2023)

• NQF L1-2 Occupational Certificates

• NQF L3 Occupational Certificates

• Awesome list of NQF L4 Occupational Certificates

• NQF L5 Occupational Certificates

• NQF L6 Occupational Certificates

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