The Top 10 Tips for your learnership application. These 10 Tips Will Supercharge Your Learnership Application and Let You Stand Out from the Crowd!
Completing Successful Learnership Application
Understand the Learnership Qualification You are Applying for
Learnerships are occupational qualifications that allow youth to earn and learn at the same time. You end the experience with a full industry-based occupational certificate. Your time is spent completing on-the-job tasks which allow you to engage with workplaces and learn the do’s and don’t’s of working.
SETA Learnership Application: Carefully Select Opportunities
Learnerships occur in most sectors, from business to health to teaching and community development. The range is incredible! Even if your goal was to study conventionally, spending a year on a learnership of your choice will be an invaluable second or even third option.
But here’s the truth. You have great learnership providers and you have those who cheat you out of a great learning experience. Make sure you follow Keep Climbing to keep abreast of the good, the bad and the downright ugly.
Related to Learnership Application:
Learnership Applications: Applying for Learnerships is Competitive
See our list of SETA websites and check their sites for available funded learnership qualifications.
WHEN YOU APPLY FOR A LEARNERSHIP, YOU’RE IN A COMPETITION
Only those who stand out enough will be interviewed. You will compete against many other youths in the same unemployed situation as yourself. You need to separate yourself from them and stand out.
10 Tips for Successful Learnership Applications
- Follow potential employer companies, SETAs, training organisations and recruiters on social media, especially LinkedIn.
- Check relevant hashtags on social media such as #learnerships #internships #apprenticeships #training etc.
- Identify SETA sectors relevant to your career goals and if you want to do specialist work such as an electrician or learn business administration and enter any sector. If you are interested in Banking, follow the BankSETA etc. SETAs post alerts to opportunities, especially ones for the youth and unemployed.
- Scan your copies of certificates, accomplishments, identity documents and any other items you want to attach to your applications and have them ready to use.
- Write up a current generic CV, and use the free templates available online for a modern structure. You can also get creative and use cv infographic templates designed in MS Word and PowerPoint, also available for free online. Just google for tools and they’ll pop up.
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Learn the Next 5 Genius Tips for Crafting an Exceptional Learnership Application!
- For each sector you are interested in, customise your CV to suit that specific job or industry. Write a relevant cover letter to match your CV. Your Banking learnership cover letter and CV will be different to the set you prepared for learning to start your own business on a Services SETA learnership.
- Use AI-Artificial Intelligence. Search for ‘AI writing tools’ and use free tools to help you write. They will save you time and make you feel like a ninja that knows how to use the latest tech. Use these new tools to be better than your best. If you don’t write well, use the help available. see our range of cover letter templates to help you along.
- Collect testimonials, references and recommendations. If you have none, start to use your social media profiles to share interesting information about the sectors you’re interested in. Talk about banking, share your own experiences to teach others and attract opportunities in that sector. Contribute to the sectors you’re interested in, share information to get noticed. Read more on social media strategies.
- Do something every day that improves how you find opportunities and apply for them. Keep your career plan updated as you grow and improve your career decision-making.
- See our examples of cover letter templates and more advice.
The more you fill out applications and submit them, the closer you get to your dream!!! Practice makes perfect!
Write Your Learnership Application Cover Letter
A simple, well-structured cover letter is your advert. It’s a summary of what you believe separates you from everyone else.
Don’t lie about details! Emphasize the best about you without being airy-fairy.
Say real things that show you know what you are talking about. Example: I was never a very fit person. But playing sports taught me to push myself and conquer physical and mental challenges.
Why Apply? Learnerships Offer Job Training
Learnerships range from 12 – 18 months and you’ll complete training requirements mostly while working. Actual training days vary from employer to employer. Some allow for 1 day a month, others up to 5. You know you have a genuine employer when they don’t cut training days to a low number or if they do, they provide amazing workplace support to replace the training room experience.
When applying, you must show an understanding of the qualification and the job you will be doing.
The Learnership Experience: Good and Bad
Many learners have great experiences because they immerse themselves fully in the experience.
This means they take full disadvantage of the opportunity. Working for a low stipend and being treated as juniors will pay off in the end. Turn negatives into positives so that the disadvantages hardly matter.
The learnership qualifications are designed to be completed in 8-12 months, a motivated student can complete the coursework components much faster. Note we said motivated, not brightest. School-smart and workplace-smart can be very different. If you get along well with people and make yourself helpful to everyone, organisations will be welcoming. If you take what you learn at work and apply it to your course, you’ll find completing the modules is easy-going. Line managers get to weigh in heavily on learner progress
Unfortunately, the pressure is usually on learners to put in extra time on their training requirements after hours and to prioritise their employer’s expectations. The biggest benefit of just sucking up the bad is that candidates earn an industry-relevant qualification and work experience to add to their CV.
Learnerships for the Unemployed
Not much happiness to report as learnerships for marginalised youth appears to be decreasing in 2023.
The government incentivised learnerships with employers in order to get them to train unemployed youth and adults. However, trends over the last few years show that there are fewer opportunities for unemployed youth via SETAs. There is more done to upskill the current labour force. When employers do accept unemployed youth, it can be difficult to gain entry to recruitment circles unless candidates are already following providers or SETAs online and invited to apply.
Find Learnership Application Opportunities
Before you even get to apply you must know where to locate the opportunities.
Companies advertise for learners on social media, particularly LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Recruiters are active on LinkedIn so you want to follow as many of them as possible and try to establish a meaningful connection with a few.
You must also pursue opportunities associated with critical and scarce skills as this is where opportunities can be found. Critical skill areas often receive funding for training and development.
FAQs: Top 10 Tips for Your Learnership Application
Q2: How important is the learnership application process?
A: The learnership application process is crucial as it determines whether you will be considered for the program. A well-prepared application increases your chance of being selected for an interview and ultimately secure a learnership opportunity.
Q3: How can I find learnership opportunities?
Q4: What should I include in my learnership application?
A: Your learnership application should include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and any additional documents specified in the application requirements, such as certificates or academic transcripts. Tailor your application to highlight your skills, experiences, and motivation for the specific learnership.
Q5: Is it necessary to have previous work experience for a learnership application?
A: Although previous work experience can be beneficial, learnerships are often aimed at youth with limited or no work experience. Focus on highlighting your relevant skills, educational background, and any volunteer or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your potential.
Q6: Should I provide references in my learnership application?
Q7: How important is it to proofread my learnership application?
A: Proofreading is extremely important as it ensures your application is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Take the time to carefully review your application to make it professional and polished. Ask a trusted friend or family member to proofread it as well.
Q8: Can I apply for multiple learnerships simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple learnerships but you can’t register for more than one learnership at a time. However, ensure that you customize each application to the specific learnership and organization. Tailor your application to highlight how you meet the requirements and objectives of each program.
Q9: Should I follow up after submitting my learnership application?
A: It is acceptable to follow up after submitting your learnership application, particularly if there is no specified timeline for the selection process. Send a polite and concise email to inquire about the status of your application or express your continued interest in the opportunity.
Q10: What can I do if I am not selected for a learnership?
A: If you are not selected for a learnership, don’t get discouraged. Use it as an opportunity to reflect on your application and identify areas for improvement. Consider seeking feedback from the organization, and continue searching for other learnership opportunities that align with your goals and interests.
