Several young individuals in South Africa still struggle when it comes to gaining access to education and jobs. Many of them cannot complete their schooling and hence do not possess a matric certificate.
This comes at a time when South Africa needs skilled individuals. This situation is challenging for South African youth, but there is a way out.
This is where the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) learnerships without matric come in.
Considering this, it is important to know about this learnership programme. This article will inform you about the various details related to this.
Table of Contents
About Learnerships Without Matric
SETA runs multiple learnerships that do not require a matric. These are paid learning programmes that help individuals to develop skills, gain work experience, and earn money. Individuals searching for “skills programmes in South Africa” must take note of this.
You can consider learnerships as on-the-job training in combination with formal education. These programmes provide you with practical skills and help you earn an income.
These are unlike traditional schooling and focus on real-world experience. You become job-ready faster through these programmes. Learnerships often result in a nationally recognised part-qualification or qualification and help boost your employability.
Basically, you get to learn on the job by working for an organisation at the beginner’s level. At the same time, you study for an NQF qualification in that job.
Suppose someone wants a career in the health and wellness industry but did not get any science education. In this case, learnerships can help them earn the required NQF credits.

Learnerships You Can Apply For Without Matric
Learnerships provide an opportunity for education to those who struggled in the past. It is essential to be aware of the learnerships that you can apply for without matric. Have a look at them here:
1. Tourism and Hospitality
South Africa has a booming tourism industry. Interested candidates do not need a matric to get into this sector.
Hospitality learnerships from SETA teach you about event planning, tourism services, and hotel management. These are ideal for those who want a career in the hospitality industry and love interacting with people.
2. Customer Service Skills
Services SETA provides learnerships in this field, and these do not require a matric. These programmes focus on problem-solving, client management, and communication. This helps give you a head start in the fast-paced customer service sector.
3. Sales and Retail
The massive retail industry is always in search of skilled, friendly, and energetic individuals.
The SETA programmes in sales and retail focus on customer interaction, basic business skills, and stock management. Many of them do not require a matric.
Read: What is a Graduate Degree? A Simple Guide for South African Students.

How to Apply for These Learnerships?
Individuals who are interested in learnerships must know the process to apply for these. Below is a step-by-step approach to the same. Have a look:
Step 1: Research Current Learnership Opportunities
Go through the official Services SETA website. It lists the current learnerships available. These also include the ones that do not require matric. You must also regularly look out for updates and notices.
Step 2: Keep Your Documents Ready
Individuals searching for “how to study without matric” must note that they still need an ID, a CV, and maybe a police clearance.
You must highlight any volunteer work, skills, or work experience to be a strong candidate.
Step 3: Apply
You should take note of all the official application guidelines and follow them carefully while applying for learnerships. Learn How to Set Education Goals for the New Year?
Tips to be Successful in Learnerships
You can be successful in learnerships by simply keeping certain things in mind. Given below are some tips to help you in this regard. Have a look at them here:
- Be eager to learn: You should be eager to learn and grow. The right attitude will help you get noticed by employers. They value motivated candidates who are willing to adapt.
- Build your network: Networking can help you gain industry insights and future job opportunities. For that purpose, connect with trainers, fellow learners, and mentors.
- Be committed: You may face challenges in completing a learnership. But remember, perseverance pays off. You must stay committed to the process, attend every session, and put in your best effort daily.
Know How to Choose a Career That is Right For You?

Conclusion
Many South Africans think that the non-completion of matric is a dead end. But it isn’t. The job market is evolving with employers focusing more on skills instead of certificates.
Learnerships without matric have helped many individuals in South Africa to change their lives. There are individuals who started in hospitality or retail and later climbed up to managerial roles.
These programmes can be a stepping stone to a brighter future.
For a brighter future, students in South Africa can also look forward to gaining skills at a reputable institution like Regenesys Education.
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FAQs
What is the duration of a learnership?
The duration of a learnership depends on what individuals need to learn. If the duration of the NQF qualification that you are working towards is 2 years, then the length of the learnership will also be 2 years.
Can I apply for learnerships without a matric?
Yes, you can apply for learnerships without matric. There are multiple learnerships run by SETA that do not require a matric.
Is there a cost to participate in or apply for learnerships?
There is generally no cost to apply for or participate in learnerships. A majority of them are funded by industry stakeholders and SETA. This makes them free for learners.
Is a learnership beneficial?
Yes, a learnership is beneficial for both candidates and organisations. Candidates get work and training, and organisations fulfil contracts and do business.
Can I achieve further growth after completing a learnership?
Yes, you can achieve growth after completing a learnership. For instance, there are individuals who started in hospitality or retail and progressed towards managerial roles.
