21 SETAs Offering Learnerships in South Africa 2026
South Africans looking for learnerships in 2026 should know about the country’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities, commonly called SETAs.
SETAs play an important role in funding and supporting workplace-based learning in industries including banking, agriculture, construction, information technology, health, transport, mining, local government, manufacturing and wholesale and retail.
A SETA learnership can combine structured theoretical education with practical workplace experience and lead to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), learnerships are registered learning programmes containing both structured learning and practical workplace experience. Accredited training providers work with South Africa’s 21 SETAs to implement these programmes.
However, there is one important point applicants need to understand:
Not every SETA accepts applications directly from individual learners.
Some SETAs have learner-registration portals, while others provide funding to employers, municipalities or accredited training providers that then recruit the learners.
This guide explains which SETAs South Africans should monitor in 2026, what sectors they cover and where to find legitimate opportunities.
SETA Learnerships 2026: Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Number of SETAs | 21 |
| Programme | Learnerships and workplace-based learning |
| Applicants | Employed and unemployed learners depending on programme |
| Qualification | Depends on learnership |
| Duration | Often 12 months or longer |
| Workplace experience | Yes |
| Stipend | Usually available for qualifying unemployed learners |
| Fixed stipend | No universal amount |
| Application method | SETA portal, employer or accredited training provider |
| Application fee | Learners should not pay for guaranteed placement |
| Official oversight | DHET, QCTO and relevant SETA |
The Department of Higher Education and Training maintains the official list of South Africa’s SETAs and their contact information.
What Is a SETA?
SETA stands for:
Sector Education and Training Authority
Each SETA is responsible for skills development in a particular section of the South African economy.
For example:
- BANKSETA focuses on banking.
- MICT SETA covers media, information and communication technologies.
- merSETA covers manufacturing and engineering.
- HWSETA covers health and welfare.
- TETA covers transport.
- W&RSETA covers wholesale and retail.
SETAs help employers and training providers develop skills through programmes such as:
- Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Internships
- Work Integrated Learning
- Skills programmes
- Bursaries
- Artisan development
Do SETAs Employ Learners Directly?
Not always.
This is one of the most important things to understand when looking for a SETA learnership.
In many cases:
- The SETA provides funding.
- An employer or accredited training provider receives funding.
- That employer or provider recruits learners.
- Learners complete classroom and workplace training.
AgriSETA, for example, specifically states that it does not fund individuals directly and that learners must apply through an appropriate employer or accredited training provider.
Services SETA, on the other hand, operates a learner portal where unemployed people can create profiles so their information can be shared with employers and training providers offering funded programmes.
Always check how the particular SETA works before submitting an application.
The 21 SETAs in South Africa
South Africa currently has 21 SETAs covering different sectors of the economy.
Below are the SETAs young people should know about.
1. AgriSETA
Full name: Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority
AgriSETA covers agricultural industries.
Relevant learning areas can include:
- Crop production
- Animal production
- Farming
- Agricultural processing
- Horticulture
- Agricultural management
AgriSETA supports learnerships, artisan development, internships, bursaries and skills programmes.
Importantly, AgriSETA states that individuals do not apply directly for its discretionary funding. Learners normally need to apply through an accredited provider or employer.
Official website:
AgriSETA Official Website
2. BANKSETA
Full name: Banking Sector Education and Training Authority
BANKSETA is one of the most useful SETAs for young people interested in:
- Banking
- Financial services
- Credit
- Microfinance
- Customer service
- Financial technology
BANKSETA funds learnership programmes for both employed and unemployed people.
Its well-known youth programmes include:
Letsema Learnership
The Letsema programme is aimed at post-Matric learners.
BANKSETA currently describes the programme as a one-year learnership where registered employers host learners and provide workplace support.
Kuyasa Learnership
Kuyasa is aimed primarily at graduates and post-graduate learners.
BANKSETA’s 2026/27 funding programme also included substantial funding for unemployed learners enrolled in learnership programmes, including support for learner stipends and UIF.
Official website:
BANKSETA Official Website
Youth programmes:
BANKSETA Youth Programmes
3. CATHSSETA
Full name: Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority
CATHSSETA covers sectors including:
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Sport
- Recreation
- Fitness
- Arts
- Culture
- Heritage
- Conservation
- Gaming and lotteries
CATHSSETA supports learnerships, apprenticeships, internships and Work Integrated Learning.
Its official guidance confirms that unemployed as well as employed learners can participate in learnerships through employers.
CATHSSETA also has a dedicated Learner Portal.
Applicants can create profiles using their:
- ID number
- Name
- Mobile number
Official website:
CATHSSETA Official Website
Learner Portal:
CATHSSETA Learner Portal
4. CETA
Full name: Construction Education and Training Authority
CETA focuses on the construction sector.
Opportunities can be related to:
- Bricklaying
- Plumbing
- Carpentry
- Construction management
- Civil construction
- Building
- Electrical construction
- Artisan development
Candidates interested in building and infrastructure careers should regularly monitor CETA and construction-company career portals.
Official website:
CETA Official Website
5. CHIETA
Full name: Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority
CHIETA covers industries involving:
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Petroleum
- Glass
- Fertilisers
- Explosives manufacturing
- Speciality chemicals
Learning opportunities may include:
- Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Artisan programmes
- Internships
- Skills programmes
Official website:
CHIETA Official Website
Learning programme information:
CHIETA Apprenticeships and Learnerships
6. ETDP SETA
Full name: Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority
ETDP SETA supports skills development in areas including:
- Education
- Training
- Early childhood development
- Skills development
- Training facilitation
- Assessment
- Education support
People interested in careers related to training and education should monitor ETDP SETA opportunities.
Official website:
ETDP SETA Official Website
7. EWSETA
Full name: Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority
EWSETA covers energy and water.
Potential career areas include:
- Electrical work
- Renewable energy
- Water treatment
- Water infrastructure
- Energy management
- Engineering
- Artisan trades
Applicants should also monitor companies and municipalities operating in the energy and water sectors because SETA-funded opportunities may be advertised by employers.
Official website:
EWSETA Official Website
8. FASSET
Full name: Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority
FASSET is particularly useful for young people interested in:
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Tax
- Finance
- Bookkeeping
- Financial management
- Business consulting
One advantage of FASSET is that it maintains an official learner application form.
The current portal allows candidates to indicate that they are interested in:
- Unemployed learnerships
- Internships
- N6 workplace experience
- Skills programmes
- Other interventions
FASSET describes its unemployed learnership as a structured programme lasting at least 12 months and confirms that learners receive a monthly stipend for the programme duration.
Official website:
FASSET Official Website
Official learner application:
FASSET Learner Application Form
9. FoodBev SETA
Full name: Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority
FoodBev SETA covers food and beverage manufacturing.
Possible career areas include:
- Food processing
- Manufacturing
- Packaging
- Production
- Quality control
- Beverage production
- Supply chain
Applicants should monitor FoodBev SETA as well as major food and beverage manufacturing employers.
Official website:
FoodBev SETA Official Website
10. FP&M SETA
Full name: Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority
FP&M SETA covers industries including:
- Clothing
- Textiles
- Forestry
- Furniture
- Printing
- Packaging
- Publishing
- Pulp and paper
FP&M SETA officially supports:
- Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Skills programmes
Its learnership programmes must fall within the SETA’s scarce and critical skills and be linked to registered qualifications.
Official website:
FP&M SETA Official Website
11. HWSETA
Full name: Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority
HWSETA is relevant to people interested in:
- Healthcare
- Social development
- Community care
- Pharmacy support
- Social auxiliary work
- Child and youth care
- Health promotion
HWSETA has registered learnerships covering qualifications such as:
- Health Promotion Officer
- Social Auxiliary Worker
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Pharmacy Assistant
For 2026/27, HWSETA’s funding interventions included learnerships for both employed and unemployed people, internships, TVET WIL and artisan development.
The funding application itself was aimed at participating organisations rather than individual learners, so applicants should monitor implementing employers and training partners.
Official website:
HWSETA Official Website
12. INSETA
Full name: Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority
INSETA covers the insurance industry.
Relevant career areas include:
- Insurance
- Claims
- Underwriting
- Financial services
- Risk
- Client service
- Insurance administration
INSETA supports learnerships for employed and unemployed learners as well as internships and workplace-based programmes.
Many INSETA-funded learnerships are implemented through employers, which recruit the candidates.
Official website:
INSETA Official Website
13. LGSETA
Full name: Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority
LGSETA provides opportunities connected to municipalities and local government.
Programmes can include:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Workplace training
LGSETA’s 2026 youth guidance specifically encourages young people to check its portal and local municipalities, because many LGSETA-funded programmes are implemented through municipal offices.
Possible occupational areas include:
- Administration
- Municipal finance
- Water services
- Environmental management
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Infrastructure
Official website:
LGSETA Official Website
14. merSETA
Full name: Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority
merSETA is one of the most important SETAs for technical and engineering careers.
Sectors include:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Engineering
- Metal
- Motor retail
- Components
- Plastics
Programmes can include:
- Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Artisan training
- Skills programmes
This SETA is particularly useful for applicants with:
- Matric
- Technical Matric
- N2
- N3
- N4–N6 engineering qualifications
Official website:
merSETA Official Website
15. MICT SETA
Full name: Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority
MICT SETA is an important choice for young people interested in digital careers.
Sectors include:
- Information technology
- Telecommunications
- Film
- Television
- Advertising
- Electronics
- Media
MICT SETA currently lists registered occupational learnerships including:
- Software Engineer
- Software Tester
- Computer Technician
- Advertiser
- ICT Business Development Consultant
- Sound Operator
MICT SETA also states that learnerships can provide unemployed learners with a monthly stipend while they complete training.
Official website:
MICT SETA Official Website
Learnership information:
MICT SETA Learnerships
16. MQA
Full name: Mining Qualifications Authority
MQA supports skills development in the mining and minerals sector.
Potential fields include:
- Mining
- Engineering
- Electrical trades
- Fitting
- Boilermaking
- Mining operations
- Mineral processing
- Artisan development
Most mining learnerships funded or supported through MQA are advertised by participating mining companies.
Candidates should therefore monitor:
- MQA
- Mining-company careers pages
- Official company social channels
Official website:
Mining Qualifications Authority
17. PSETA
Full name: Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority
PSETA focuses on skills needed in South Africa’s public service.
PSETA supports learnerships and workplace programmes related to government.
Its official website describes a learnership as workplace-based learning leading to an occupational qualification or part qualification.
PSETA’s 2026/27 discretionary-grant information also includes a learnership funding stream.
Applicants should monitor:
- PSETA
- Government departments
- DPSA vacancy circulars
Official website:
PSETA Official Website
18. SASSETA
Full name: Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority
SASSETA covers skills development in the safety, legal and security sectors.
It facilitates learnership programmes that combine workplace experience with structured education.
SASSETA confirms that unemployed learners selected for learnerships should receive a learner allowance from the employer and that learners themselves should not be charged a fee for participating in a learnership.
Applicants should note that safety and security occupations can have additional regulatory, fitness, qualification and background requirements depending on the specific programme.
Official website:
SASSETA Official Website
19. Services SETA
Services SETA covers a very wide range of industries.
Career areas include:
- Business services
- Management
- Marketing
- Real estate
- Cleaning services
- Personal care
- Hairdressing
- Labour relations
Services SETA provides one of the most useful resources for unemployed applicants: an official Learner Portal.
The SETA states that registering allows a learner’s profile to be made available to training providers, employers and partners implementing Services SETA-funded programmes.
The Services SETA also funded learnerships and other workplace-based programmes during its 2026/27 discretionary-grant cycle.
Official website:
Services SETA Official Website
Learner information and registration:
Services SETA Learner Portal Information
20. TETA
Full name: Transport Education and Training Authority
TETA focuses on transport industries.
Its official learning-programme list includes qualifications such as:
- Bus Driver
- Truck Driver
- Freight Handler
- Clearing and Forwarding Agent
- Supply Chain Practitioner
- Shipping Agent
- Road Transport Manager
- Railway Signal Operator
Other opportunities can be associated with:
- Aviation
- Maritime
- Rail
- Road transport
- Freight
- Logistics
Official website:
TETA Official Website
Learning programmes:
TETA Learning Programmes
21. W&RSETA
Full name: Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority
W&RSETA is particularly relevant to young people interested in retail.
Career areas include:
- Retail operations
- Wholesale
- Merchandising
- Store operations
- Supply chain
- Customer service
- Retail management
Major retailers may recruit learners through W&RSETA-funded programmes.
Candidates should monitor W&RSETA as well as official careers pages of large retail employers.
Official website:
W&RSETA Official Website
Best SETA Portals for Unemployed Applicants to Register On
Some SETAs provide particularly useful learner-registration options.
FASSET Learner Portal
Applicants interested in finance and accounting can register here:
The application allows candidates to register interest in unemployed learnerships and several other workplace programmes.
CATHSSETA Learner Portal
Applicants interested in hospitality, tourism, sport, arts and related fields can register here:
The portal allows candidates to create an individual profile.
Services SETA Learner Portal
Applicants interested in the broad services sector can start here:
Services SETA Learner Information
Services SETA says unemployed learners may register for placement through its learner portal or through an accredited provider.
LGSETA and Municipalities
LGSETA advises young South Africans to register through its relevant portal and monitor their local municipality.
Municipal careers pages and notice boards can also advertise LGSETA-funded opportunities.
Which SETA Should You Choose?
Choose the SETA that matches the career you want.
If You Want Banking
Monitor:
BANKSETA
Accounting and Finance
Monitor:
FASSET
Information Technology
Monitor:
MICT SETA
Engineering and Automotive
Monitor:
merSETA
Agriculture
Monitor:
AgriSETA
Health and Social Development
Monitor:
HWSETA
Mining
Monitor:
MQA
Retail
Monitor:
W&RSETA
Transport and Logistics
Monitor:
TETA
Tourism and Hospitality
Monitor:
CATHSSETA
Municipal or Local Government Careers
Monitor:
LGSETA
Government/Public Service
Monitor:
PSETA
What Qualifications Do You Need?
There is no single qualification required for all SETA learnerships.
Depending on the programme, applicants may need:
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Matric
- NCV
- N2
- N3
- N4–N6
- Diploma
- Degree
Some programmes may also require specific subjects.
For example:
- Banking may require Mathematics, Maths Literacy or Accounting.
- Engineering may require Mathematics and Physical Science.
- IT programmes may require computer-related skills.
- Technical trades may require N2 or N3.
Always read the specific advertisement.
Can You Apply With Grade 10?
Yes, for some learnerships.
However, many programmes require Grade 12.
The qualification requirement depends on the registered qualification and employer.
Never assume that Grade 10 qualifies you for every SETA programme.
Can Matriculants Apply?
Yes.
Many learnership programmes are designed specifically for unemployed matriculants.
BANKSETA’s Letsema programme, for example, is aimed at post-Matric learners.
Are SETA Learnerships Free?
Learners should generally not be charged a fee simply to obtain a learnership placement.
SASSETA specifically confirms that learners are not charged a fee to participate in a learnership.
Be cautious if someone asks you to pay for:
- Guaranteed placement
- Shortlisting
- An interview
- A learnership application form
- Guaranteed employment
Always verify the programme with the employer, SETA or training provider.
Do SETA Learnerships Pay a Stipend?
Qualifying unemployed learners generally receive an allowance or stipend during workplace-based training.
However:
There is no one fixed SETA stipend amount that applies to every learnership in South Africa.
The amount can depend on:
- Programme
- SETA
- Employer
- Qualification
- Funding agreement
- NQF level
- Duration
For example, FASSET confirms a monthly stipend for learners registered on its unemployed learnership intervention, but does not publish one universal amount on the learner form.
MICT SETA also identifies a monthly stipend as a benefit of its learnership programmes.
Do not trust a social-media advert simply because it claims “R5,000 SETA stipend” without identifying the specific programme.
How Long Is a SETA Learnership?
Many learnerships run for approximately:
12 months
But this is not a universal rule.
Some programmes can run longer depending on:
- Qualification credits
- Occupational requirements
- Workplace training
- Assessment requirements
BANKSETA’s Letsema programme, for example, runs for one year.
Documents to Prepare
Before searching for SETA opportunities, prepare:
- Updated CV
- Certified South African ID
- Matric certificate or school report
- Highest qualification
- Academic record where applicable
- Proof of residence if requested
- Disability documentation where applicable
- Working cellphone number
- Professional email address
Do not upload unnecessary personal information to unofficial websites.
How to Apply for SETA Learnership Opportunities
Step 1: Choose Your Sector
Decide what kind of career interests you.
For example:
IT → MICT SETA
Banking → BANKSETA
Retail → W&RSETA
Engineering → merSETA
Step 2: Visit the Official SETA Website
Check:
- News
- Opportunities
- Learners
- Funding programmes
- Career pages
Step 3: Register on Learner Portals Where Available
Services SETA, CATHSSETA and FASSET provide useful learner-registration systems.
Step 4: Monitor Employers
Many SETA-funded learnerships are advertised by employers rather than the SETA itself.
Check official employer websites.
Step 5: Check Accredited Training Providers
Where appropriate, use accredited providers implementing SETA-funded programmes.
SAQA explains that accredited training providers work with the 21 SETAs to provide learnerships.
Step 6: Check the Qualification
Confirm:
- NQF level
- Qualification name
- Duration
- Requirements
- Workplace component
Step 7: Apply Before the Deadline
Do not wait until the last day.
Important Difference: Funding Application vs Learner Application
Applicants often make this mistake.
A page saying:
“Discretionary Grant Applications Open”
does not necessarily mean unemployed people can submit CVs.
Discretionary-grant windows are commonly aimed at:
- Employers
- Training providers
- Municipalities
- Organisations
For example, Services SETA’s 2026/27 funding window was directed at eligible organisations that wanted funding to implement learning programmes.
HWSETA’s 2026/27 Expression of Interest similarly included unemployed learnerships but invited participating organisations to seek programme funding.
Applicants should then look for the employer or provider that recruits learners for the funded programme.
How to Avoid Fake SETA Learnerships
Before applying, check:
- Does the SETA exist?
- Is the training provider identifiable?
- Is the employer named?
- Is there a qualification?
- Is the application website legitimate?
- Are they asking for payment?
- Is the stipend claim supported?
Be especially cautious when an advert says:
“Guaranteed SETA placement”
or
“Pay registration fee to secure your space.”
Verify the programme before submitting your ID or banking information.
Official Government List of SETAs
Applicants who want to verify a SETA can use the Department of Higher Education and Training’s official list.
Department of Higher Education and Training SETA List
The government list provides the names, official websites and contact details for South Africa’s SETAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SETAs are there in South Africa?
There are 21 SETAs covering different sectors.
Are SETA learnerships available in 2026?
Yes. SETAs continue to fund and facilitate learnerships and other workplace-based programmes during the 2026 financial cycle.
However, availability depends on individual funding projects, employers and training providers.
Does every SETA have an application form?
No.
Some have learner portals, while others require applicants to apply through employers or training providers.
Which SETA allows unemployed learners to register directly?
Examples include FASSET and Services SETA, which currently provide learner-registration options.
CATHSSETA also operates a learner portal.
Do I need Matric?
Not for every programme, but many learnerships require Grade 12.
Check the individual qualification.
Can graduates apply?
Yes.
Some SETAs also support programmes specifically for graduates.
Can TVET students apply?
Yes.
Several SETAs support TVET Work Integrated Learning, internships and workplace placement.
Do learners get paid?
Qualifying unemployed learners generally receive an agreed stipend or learner allowance, but the amount varies.
Are SETA learnerships guaranteed to lead to employment?
No.
Completing a learnership provides training, a qualification and workplace exposure, but permanent employment is not guaranteed.
Can I apply through Linkinn.co.za?
No.
Linkinn.co.za provides independent information and application guidance only.
Applications must be submitted through the official SETA, employer or training-provider channel.
Useful Official Links
Applicants should bookmark the following:
Official DHET SETA Directory
View All Official SETAs
FASSET Learner Application
Register With FASSET
CATHSSETA Learner Portal
Register With CATHSSETA
Services SETA Learner Information
Services SETA Learner Portal Information
MICT SETA Learnerships
MICT SETA Learnership Information
BANKSETA Youth Programmes
BANKSETA Youth Programmes
Final Advice
The 21 SETAs offering and supporting learnership opportunities in South Africa in 2026 cover almost every major sector of the economy.
The best SETA for you depends on the career you want.
Do not register randomly with every programme.
Instead:
- Choose your career sector.
- Identify the correct SETA.
- Visit its official website.
- Register on the learner portal if one exists.
- Monitor employers and accredited providers.
- Prepare your CV and qualifications.
- Verify every opportunity.
- Apply before the deadline.
For unemployed applicants, FASSET, Services SETA and CATHSSETA are particularly useful starting points because they provide learner-registration systems.
However, many opportunities will still be advertised directly by employers and accredited providers.
Always remember that SETAs fund and facilitate skills development, but they are not necessarily the organisation employing the learner.
About the Author
Mr Josh writes practical employment, learnership, apprenticeship, internship, TVET, bursary and career-guidance content for Linkinn.co.za.
His work focuses on helping South African young people understand opportunity requirements, locate legitimate official application channels and distinguish employers from independent information websites.
Articles published under Mr Josh’s name aim to use authoritative government, SETA and employer sources wherever available.
Article reviewed and updated: September 2026.
Editorial and Verification Note
This article was checked against official information from:
- Department of Higher Education and Training
- South African Qualifications Authority
- AgriSETA
- BANKSETA
- CATHSSETA
- FASSET
- HWSETA
- LGSETA
- MICT SETA
- PSETA
- SASSETA
- Services SETA
- TETA
Learner recruitment cycles change throughout the year. Being listed in this guide does not mean every SETA currently has an open learner application window.
Readers should check official websites regularly for current recruitment opportunities.
Disclaimer
Linkinn.co.za is an independent information and application-guidance website.
Linkinn.co.za is not a SETA, employer, recruitment agency or training provider and does not recruit, shortlist or employ candidates for the programmes discussed in this article.
Requirements, stipend amounts, qualifications, locations and application dates can change. Always verify the latest details through the official SETA, employer or accredited training-provider website before applying.