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Resigning and Registering for Learnerships Warning

Resigning and Registering for Learnerships. If you’re on a learnership, don’t be random about resigning and registering. This post explains why dropping out, particularly if your employer has already uploaded assessment results. It could cause complications for your future.

How Many Learnerships Can You Register for?

Apply for many Learnerships but only be registered on one Learnership at a time.

Resigning and Registering for Learnerships Warning

Employers cannot register learners for learnership qualifications they have already completed. Learners cannot apply for learnership qualifications they have already been certified for.

Don’t Spoil Your Chances By Randomly Resigning and Registering for Multiple Learnerships

As learnerships have been slotted into the tax system to reward employers’ participation, they are very popular in the industry. This allows registered employers to receive lucrative tax benefits when they employ unemployed youth on learnerships. Also, the employer rewards will increase if learnership candidates are disabled. So if you have a disability make sure you negotiate for a higher stipend because you are more than worth it!

However, learnerships are also popular because they are often the only means available for many youths to enter the labour and skills development markets. As a result, learnership youth shouldn’t burn bridges.

learnership stipend

Resigning and Registering for Learnerships: The Complications

Information related to registering and resigning for learnerships can be stored in two ways:

1. SARS Stores Registering and Resigning for Learnerships Information

The SARS paper trail begins when a learnership is registered by the employer and with the SETA. If this doesn’t happen, employers can’t receive tax rebates and BEE points. That is why learnerships are always carefully tracked within the tax system.

Did you know?! Registering For Learnerships

Youth and the unemployed can register for learnerships with the Department of Labour and Employment.

2. The NLRD Stores Learner Certification Details

Resigning and Registering for Learnerships: Qualification Trail

Your learner details and results are entered into the National Learner Records Database (NLRD). This will happen each time you are assessed for a unit standard, skills programme or full learnership qualification. So if you repeat training you have already been certified for, your new employer will not be able to claim back via the Skills Development Levy.

Read More: Dangerous Learnership Hopping: Casual Makes Casualties

The Implications of Resigning And Registering For Learnerships Multiple Times

Avoid creating complications. Employers must do the correct checks and learners must ensure their resignations were correctly processed.

1. Learners Registering and Resigning from a Learnership: An Employer’s Story

A learner has been registered on a learnership for the past year and has completed their portfolio and has been employed for the duration of the learnership. When we wanted to upload their results it was rejected as the system picked up that they had already completed the same programme previously.

The interview records may prove that the learner lied during the application process and purposefully failed to declare that they had completed this program elsewhere. Remember that the company is not allowed to claim rebates and earn BEE points for a programme that the learner already completed. Can a learner be sued for misrepresentation and fraud? Who knows where this could lead? 🙁

Or perhaps the employer was sloppy and didn’t complete background checks. If the training provider recruited learners for employers and failed to check the details, then perhaps the employer can claim back the cost of the training from the provider.

Problems with Multiple Learnership Registrations and Resignations

It’s important to note that there are problems when learnership registration information is not reported correctly. Learners and employers can experience negative consequences. Always ensure that your learnership resignations and dropouts are dealt with correctly.

  • Learners don’t officially resign but simply drop off (attrition).
  • Companies don’t declare this attrition in the hope that they can find a replacement before it’s too late.
  • Some companies don’t declare and appear to forge learner details in order to claim rebates and earn points.

2. A Learner’s Story: Resigning from a Learnership

How do I know that I still belong to a relevant SETA

I was on a learnership but it ended so badly that I ended up getting a new learnership ahead of the old one … I heard that the SETA won’t approve my new learnership under EWSETA since the contract with MERSETA on the previous learnership is still not terminated. So how do I cancel my previous agreement with MERSETA.

Answer: Follow the procedure for resigning from learnerships


I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you faced with your previous learnership. You can resolve the situation and ensure that you are still connected to a relevant SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). This will require proper communication and following the necessary procedures.

Resigning and Registering for Learnerships: Resolving Issues

Here’s what you can do to address your learnership resignation issue with MERSETA:

1. Contact MERSETA: Transfer and Complete Your Learnership Resignation

Reach out to the MERSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services SETA) to discuss the termination of your previous learnership agreement. Explain the circumstances and reasons why you are seeking to cancel the agreement. They will provide guidance on the steps you need to take and the required documentation.

2. Review Your Learnership Agreement Before Resigning and Registering For Learnerships

Take the time to thoroughly review your learnership agreement with MERSETA. Look for any clauses or provisions that outline the process for termination or cancellation of the agreement. Familiarize yourself with the notice period, documentation requirements, and any obligations that may be associated with termination.

3. When Resigning and Registering For Learnerships Formalize your request:

Prepare a formal written request addressed to MERSETA, clearly stating your intention to terminate the learnership agreement. Include the reasons for your request, supporting documents if necessary, and any relevant information that may aid in the process. It is crucial to be professional and respectful in your communication. Explain that you experienced challenges while on the previous programme and had to leave. Do not start a war with anyone!

4. Seek guidance from your new employer and SETA About Resigning and Registering For Learnerships

While dealing with the termination of your previous learnership, inform your new employer and the relevant SETA (in this case, EWSETA) about the situation. They may be able to provide assistance and guidance on how to navigate the process and ensure that your new learnership can be approved without complications. Don’t add any drama to the situation, if you do, you won’t be helped. Don’t bad mouth your former employer!

5. Follow MERSETA’s instructions: Resigning and Registering for Learnerships

Once you have submitted your termination request, follow any instructions or requirements provided by MERSETA. They may require additional documentation or steps to complete the process. Cooperate with them promptly to ensure a smooth resolution.

Remember, each SETA may have its own specific procedures and requirements for termination or cancellation of learnership agreements. It is essential to engage with MERSETA directly and adhere to their instructions to ensure a proper resolution. By taking proactive steps and maintaining open communication with both MERSETA and your new employer, you can work towards resolving the situation and continue your learnership journey in a relevant SETA.

Resigning and Registering for Learnerships: Resign, Don’t just drop out!

Disappearing and dropping out is very unprofessional and can count against you. Please follow the correct procedure of informing an employer of your intention to resign and hand them a letter of resignation.

Resign from your learnership if you are unhappy: Think it Through First

However, sadly, we have first-hand experience with rogue training providers and unscrupulous employers. They exist and they are horrible.  If you are a learner who believes their rights are being ignored use the contact details in How to Check Training Provider Credentials. Read the post on checking credentials to find contacts for reporting training providers.

Read Learnership Contract of Employment and Termination as this post explains what happens when it all ends unhappily.

Learners, employers and training providers must remember that learnership agreements entered into are legally binding.

Resigning and Registering For Learnerships: Multiple Registrations

Preventative Advice for Learnership Employers

  1. If you are recruiting for learnerships – ask the right questions and perform the NLRD check.
  2. Training providers should upload learner details to the NLRD from the beginning of the programme, not at the end.
  3. If you are a Learner – you wouldn’t go and redo Matric more than once after passing the first time. You cannot register for the same qualification. You will get into serious trouble, don’t attract trouble okay?

When a learnership goes bad: Resignation Procedure

We get it. Some situations become so bad you need to find a diplomatic way out. These templates are sure to help you quit if you’re at a loss for words. If you’re not keen to resign but want to raise issues with your training provider or employer, then adapt this template.

learnership regulations

Final Word: Resigning and Registering for Learnerships

SETAs, Training providers and employers are responsible for assisting learners with opportunities for employment once the learnership is completed.

Training providers should include a policy on vocational guidance and career support in their QMS and SETAs and the QCTO should include this as an accreditation requirement. These types of hidden rules and regulations can be discussed and hopefully avoided.

Don’t Be Casual When Resigning and Registering for Learnerships!

Related Posts

FAQ: Resigning and Registering for Learnerships

Q1: How do I resign from my current job before registering for a learnership?

A: To resign from your current job before registering for a learnership, you should follow these steps:

  1. Notify your employer. Inform your employer about your decision to resign in person or in writing. Follow the proper protocol outlined in your employment contract or company policy.
  2. Provide notice. Give your employer the required notice period as per your employment agreement, allowing them enough time to find a replacement.
  3. Hand in a formal resignation letter. Write a professional resignation letter stating your intention to resign, your last working day, and any other necessary details. Keep a copy for your records.
  4. Tie up loose ends. Before leaving, complete any pending tasks or projects. Do your best to ensure a smooth transition by documenting your work and sharing important information with colleagues.
  5. Obtain a reference letter: Future employers will want to see references from your former employers. That’s why it’s always good to end on a positive note. Ask a manager that you were on good terms with to write this letter.

Q2: If my employer can’t afford to offer me a learnership, can I register for a learnership and remain employed?

A: Yes, you can register for a learnership while still employed because learnerships take place at work. So you have an opportunity to complete a learnership, but your employer says they can’t afford to do it? Consider the following:

  1. Time commitment: Learnerships often require a significant time investment, including attending classes or training sessions. Ensure you can balance your current job responsibilities with the demands of the learnership.
  2. Employer’s approval: Seek permission from your current employer to participate in a learnership. Discuss how it will benefit your professional development and how it won’t interfere with your job responsibilities.
  3. Flexibility: Choose a learnership program that offers flexible scheduling or learning options. Look for evening or weekend classes, online modules, or part-time arrangements. Many private providers offer competitive learning opportunities for individuals at companies.
  4. Benefits to Employer: In addition to upskilling advantages, learnerships offer rewards to employers. To win employers over, ask the learnership training company to meet with them to explain the lucrative tax benefits and BEE Point rewards.

Q3: Can I resign from a learnership?

A: Yes, you can resign from a learnership if you find it necessary. However, it’s crucial to consider the implications before making this decision:

  1. Contractual obligations: Review the terms of your learnership agreement or contract to understand any obligations or penalties associated with resigning.
  2. Future opportunities: Consider how resigning from the learnership may impact your future prospects. Evaluate whether the learnership would significantly enhance your skills or qualifications, and weigh this against your reasons for resigning.

Q4: How do I register for a learnership?

A: To register for a learnership, follow these general steps:

  1. Research available learnerships. Look for learnership opportunities in your field of interest. Online job portals, company websites, and government agencies often advertise learnership programs.
  2. Check eligibility criteria. Review the requirements and eligibility criteria for each learnership program. Check that you meet the necessary qualifications, such as educational background, age, or work experience.
  3. Submit an application. Prepare all required documents, including your learnership CV, academic transcripts, and any additional forms specified by the learnership provider. Submit your application within the designated timeframe and follow any specific application instructions.
  4. Attend interviews or assessments. When you are shortlisted, you may be invited to a learnership interview or assessment to evaluate your suitability for the learnership.
  5. Acceptance and registration. If selected, you will receive an offer to join the learnership. Follow the instructions provided to accept the offer and complete the registration process. The process may include signing an agreement or attending an orientation session.

Remember that the specific registration process may vary depending on the learnership program and institution. It’s essential to carefully review and follow their instructions.

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