The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA), commonly known as Services SETA, has officially opened applications for the 2026 Learnership Programme. This is one of the most valuable opportunities for South African youth who want to gain recognised skills, earn a stipend, and improve their chances of finding employment in 2026 and beyond.
If you are an unemployed young person hoping to build a career in business, administration, finance, customer service, human resources, marketing, management, or call-centre operations, this is a programme you should not miss. The closing date for applications is 10 December 2025, so applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline.
What Is SSETA?
Services SETA is one of the Sector Education and Training Authorities in South Africa responsible for skills development within the services industry. The services sector includes a wide range of professions such as:
- Administration
- Financial services
- Retail
- Marketing and advertising
- Business management
- Real estate
- Contact centre operations
- Cleaning services
- Labour recruitment
- Wholesale and distribution
Because the services industry is one of the most important sectors in the South African job market, the SETA plays a major role in ensuring that youth gain relevant training and access to real career opportunities. The SETA works with training providers, colleges, employers, and government to promote accredited training opportunities that lead to formal qualifications.
About the SSETA Learnership 2026
The SSETA Learnership 2026 is a 12-month structured learning programme designed to combine theoretical training with practical workplace experience. This means that participants will attend classes (virtual or physical, depending on the training provider) and also work at a company where they gain real job experience.
Learnerships offered through SSETA are fully accredited, meaning they lead to a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Successful learners receive a recognised certificate that can be used for employment or further studies.
Because the programme is funded by SSETA, learners do not pay for the training. Instead, they receive:
- Free training and materials
- A monthly stipend to cover basic transport and meals
- Accredited qualifications once they complete all requirements
This makes the SSETA Learnership 2026 one of the best opportunities for unemployed youth who want to enter the services sector.
Fields Available in the SSETA Learnership 2026
The SETA supports many qualifications within the services industry. Some of the most common learnership fields that may be included in the 2026 intake are:
✔ Business Administration NQF 3 & 4
For individuals wanting to work in office administration, reception, filing, scheduling, and general support roles.
✔ Customer Service / Contact Centre Support NQF 2 & 3
Ideal for careers in call centres, customer care departments, retail customer desks, and service operations.
✔ Human Resources Management Support
For youth interested in HR administration, recruitment support, performance management, and workplace relations.
✔ Marketing and Sales
A great fit for those who want to work in sales, promotions, advertising, branding, or digital marketing.
✔ Real Estate (Property Practitioner Support)
For learners who want to enter the real estate industry by supporting property agents and administrators.
✔ Wholesale and Retail Learnerships
Focused on store operations, merchandising, stock control, cashier duties, and store management assistance.
✔ Cleaning and Hygiene Services
Training for individuals who want to work as professional cleaners in corporate, industrial, or hospitality environments.
These are only examples; each training provider partnering with SSETA may offer additional qualifications depending on funding allocations and employer needs.
Who Can Apply? (Minimum Requirements)
To be eligible for the SSETA Learnership 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be South African citizens
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must be currently unemployed
- Must have a Grade 11 or Grade 12 certificate, depending on the specific programme
- Must be willing to commit to a full 12-month training period
- Must not be registered for any other learnership or internship
- Must be motivated to build a career in the services sector
Having basic computer skills and good communication abilities is an added advantage, especially for programmes involving administration and customer service.
Benefits of the SSETA Learnership 2026
The programme comes with many benefits that help young people develop professionally:
✔ Earn while you learn
Participants receive a monthly stipend, which helps cover basic costs during training.
✔ Gain real work experience
This makes your CV more competitive when applying for jobs in the future.
✔ Get a recognised qualification
All learnerships are accredited and appear on the National Learner Records Database (NLRD).
✔ Chance of full-time employment
Many learners are absorbed by companies after completing the programme.
✔ Open doors for further studies
Because the programmes are accredited, learners can upgrade their qualifications or advance to higher NQF levels.
How to Apply
To apply for the SSETA Learnership 2026, applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- A professional CV
- A certified copy of your ID
- A certified copy of your highest qualification
- Proof of residence
- Any additional documents required by the training provider
Applications must be submitted to the specific training provider or employer offering the learnership under SSETA funding. Make sure your documents are clear, scanned properly, and up to date.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is:
📌 10 December 2025
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the final week, as late submissions will not be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The SSETA Learnership 2026 is an excellent opportunity for unemployed South African youth to gain valuable skills, receive accredited qualifications, earn a stipend, and enter the workforce with confidence. Whether you are interested in business administration, customer service, marketing, HR, cleaning services, or retail operations, this programme provides a strong foundation for your career.
EMAIL ADDRESS
Services SETA office phone: 011 276 9600
Closing Date :10 December 2025