Learnerships You Can Apply for With Grade 10 or Grade 11 in 2026

Learnerships You Can Apply for With Grade 10

You do not always need Matric to apply for a learnership in South Africa. Several accredited training providers and government youth programmes accept applicants who have completed Grade 10 or Grade 11, depending on the qualification and available intake.

Current options worth checking in 2026 include Training Force, iLearn, SpecCon Holdings, the Western Cape Youth in Built Environment Programme, as well as national platforms such as Services SETA and SAYouth.mobi where unemployed young people can register for future learnership opportunities.

This Linkinn.co.za guide was updated in October 2026. Availability changes throughout the year, so applicants should always check the official provider’s page before submitting personal documents.

Grade 10 and Grade 11 Learnerships at a Glance

1. Training Force Learnerships 2026

One of the strongest options for applicants without Matric is Training Force.

Training Force’s current individual learner page states that its learnership applicant pool welcomes young South Africans with an education level ranging from Grade 10 to Grade 12.

Applicants must generally be South African citizens, unemployed, between 18 and 28, not studying full-time and not already registered on another learnership or internship. Training Force says successful learners receive a monthly stipend, although it does not publish one standard amount because allowances can differ by programme. (Training Force)

Training Force offers accredited programmes across sectors including agriculture, business services, construction, manufacturing and engineering, hospitality, information technology, wholesale and retail, and transport. Current qualifications on its programme list include Contact Centre Support NQF 2, New Venture Creation NQF 2, Business Administration NQF 3, Plant Production NQF 2, Wholesale and Retail Operations NQF 2 and Production Technology NQF 2. (Training Force)

Having Grade 10 does not automatically qualify you for every Training Force programme. The provider matches candidates to programmes according to the qualification requirements and available placements.

How to Apply

Training Force says applications must be submitted through its official online learner application form. Applications emailed directly to staff or the company’s general information address are not considered. (Training Force)

Apply through the official Training Force learner application page

There is no application fee.

2. iLearn Learnerships for Grade 10 Applicants

iLearn is another national training provider that specifically states that a minimum Grade 10 pass can qualify an applicant for its learnership candidate process.

Its current learnership information says applicants generally need to be unemployed South Africans, have at least Grade 10 and fall within its stated 18–34 age range, together with the other eligibility conditions for the particular intake. (iLearn)

iLearn provides accredited learnership qualifications across areas such as business administration, management, contact centres, IT, retail and entrepreneurship. Examples listed on its official training pages include Contact Centre Support, Business Administration, New Venture Creation, Management and various digital qualifications. (iLearn)

Applicants normally need documents such as a CV, proof of their highest qualification, certified ID, tax details and proof of residence. iLearn may request additional documents depending on the programme. (iLearn)

How to Apply

iLearn has an official online learnership application page where interested candidates can provide their information for available opportunities.

Open the official iLearn learnership application page

A Grade 11 applicant can also apply because Grade 11 is above the provider’s stated minimum Grade 10 requirement, subject to the requirements of the specific qualification.

3. SpecCon Contact Centre and BPO Learnership

Applicants with Grade 10 can also look at SpecCon Holdings and its Passport 2 Work recruitment system.

SpecCon’s Contact Centre and Business Process Outsourcing Support qualification is an NQF Level 3 programme lasting approximately 12 months.

The provider lists the entry requirements as:

Grade 10 and computer literacy.

The qualification develops skills relevant to customer service, data capture, helpdesk support and contact-centre environments. (SpecCon Holdings)

This can therefore be suitable for both Grade 10 and Grade 11 applicants.

How to Apply Through SpecCon

SpecCon has moved its learnership recruitment process to its Passport 2 Work platform powered by TAP.

Candidates first register, create a CV and then browse currently available learnerships and jobs.

SpecCon warns that opportunities change as new programmes become available, so registering does not guarantee immediate placement. It also states that it does not charge an application fee. (SpecCon Holdings)

Start at SpecCon’s official learnership application page

4. SpecCon Plant Production NQF Level 2

Young people interested in agriculture can also monitor Plant Production NQF Level 2 opportunities.

SpecCon’s qualification information lists:

Minimum education: Grade 10

and

Computer literacy

among its entry requirements. (Speccon)

The programme covers areas such as crop production, plant care, basic agricultural business activities, irrigation and sustainable farming.

The programme itself runs for approximately 12 months.

Applicants should not assume that a sponsored Plant Production intake is continuously open. Check Passport 2 Work for the currently advertised opportunities.

Check current SpecCon opportunities through Passport 2 Work

5. New Venture Creation Learnership

Applicants interested in business or entrepreneurship can check New Venture Creation NQF Level 2.

SpecCon lists this as a 12-month programme aimed at helping participants understand how to start and operate a small or medium business.

Entry requirements include communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1, which the provider describes as approximately Grade 10 level. (Speccon)

The programme can cover areas including business planning, marketing, finance, customer service and basic business operations.

A Grade 10 or Grade 11 learner may therefore meet the educational level for this qualification, but admission still depends on the funded intake and applicant screening.

6. Western Cape Youth in Built Environment Learnerships

Young people living in the Western Cape should also monitor the provincial government’s Youth in Built Environment Programme.

The Western Cape Government says the programme provides accredited skills programmes and 12-month learnership opportunities linked to active housing and built-environment projects.

Applicants generally need to be South African citizens, unemployed, between 18 and 34, and have at least Grade 10 or higher depending on the particular programme. (Western Cape Government)

Programme areas can include bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, residential repairs and safety-related training.

Recruitment does not necessarily remain open throughout the year because placements are linked to active projects and available training opportunities.

Check the official Western Cape Youth in Built Environment programme

Applicants living outside the Western Cape should not assume that they qualify for these provincial opportunities.

Grade 11 Applicants Should Also Check West Coast College

Grade 11 can open additional occupational-training routes.

For example, West Coast College currently lists its Early Childhood Development Practitioner NQF Level 4 occupational programme with an entry requirement of Grade 11, NC(V) Level 3 or another NQF Level 3 qualification. The college also lists some occupational programmes with Grade 10 or lower entry requirements. (West Coast College)

These programmes should not automatically be treated as currently funded learnership vacancies, so applicants should check intake and funding availability directly with the college.

View West Coast College occupational programmes

Register on the Services SETA Learner Portal

Another useful option is the Services SETA Learner Portal.

This is important because you do not always need to wait for a learnership advertisement before registering your interest.

Services SETA says unemployed candidates can create a profile on its learner portal. Their details may then be shared with training providers, employers and partner organisations when funded opportunities become available. (Services Seta)

The portal is particularly useful for people interested in areas such as business services, management, marketing, personal care, cleaning services and other occupations that fall under Services SETA.

Being registered does not guarantee placement, but it can put your information into the system used to identify potential learners.

Visit the official Services SETA learner information page

Register on SAYouth.mobi

Applicants with Grade 10 or Grade 11 should also have an active SAYouth.mobi profile.

SAYouth provides access to jobs, youth programmes, learning opportunities and other entry-level opportunities. The service is free for work seekers, and the platform can help users find opportunities near where they live. (SA Youth)

The South African government said in June 2026 that young job seekers can use SAYouth.mobi to access workplace experience and training opportunities and that registration is free and zero-rated. (SA News)

Not every learnership advertised on SAYouth accepts Grade 10, so always read the individual requirements before applying.

Register on the official SAYouth.mobi platform

What Learnerships Can You Do With Grade 10?

Your options depend on the training provider and available funding.

Common qualification areas that may have entry routes around Grade 10 include contact-centre support, new venture creation, wholesale and retail, plant production, construction, basic business services, production technology and selected built-environment programmes.

However, the NQF level alone does not automatically tell you whether you qualify.

Two programmes at the same NQF level can have different entry requirements.

Always read the individual advert.

Can You Apply With Grade 11 Even If the Advert Says Grade 10?

Usually, if an advert says minimum Grade 10, someone who has successfully completed Grade 11 meets that education minimum.

However, you must still meet every other requirement.

For example, a programme can require particular Mathematics or English results, a specific age range, residence in a particular province, unemployment or certain basic computer skills.

Do not assume that Grade 11 automatically guarantees eligibility.

Do Grade 10 Learnerships Pay a Stipend?

Many funded learnerships for unemployed learners include an allowance or stipend.

For example, Training Force confirms that its placed learners receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the learnership, although the amount is programme-specific. (Training Force)

Services SETA also states that unemployed learners enrolled in funded workplace-based learning programmes have the right to receive the agreed programme allowance. (Services Seta)

The amount can differ according to the programme, sponsor, qualification and funding agreement.

Be careful with websites that advertise one large stipend figure as though it applies to every learnership.

Documents to Prepare

Having your documents ready can make applications easier:

• Updated CV
• Certified South African ID
• Grade 10 or Grade 11 school report or certificate
• Proof of address
• SARS tax reference letter if requested
• Bank confirmation letter or bank details if requested after selection
• Proof of disability where applicable
• Any other document specifically requested by the provider

Do not submit unnecessary sensitive information to random social-media accounts.

What If You Dropped Out After Grade 10 or Grade 11?

You may still qualify for some learnerships if you successfully passed the minimum grade required by the programme.

For example, if you passed Grade 10 but did not complete Grade 11, programmes requiring a minimum Grade 10 may still be worth checking.

Keep your latest official school report because training providers may ask for proof of the highest grade you completed.

Can Someone Under 18 Apply?

Most funded workplace learnership programmes aimed at unemployed youth require applicants to be at least 18 years old.

For example, Training Force currently accepts applicants aged 18–28, while iLearn’s published criteria use an 18–34 age range. (Training Force)

If you are still younger than the minimum age, you can use the time to improve your CV, collect your school records and monitor future application periods.

How to Improve Your Chances

Apply only for programmes whose requirements you actually meet. Complete every application carefully, keep your contact information current, upload clear documents and regularly check your email and SMS messages after registering.

It is also useful to create profiles on more than one legitimate platform.

For example, someone with Grade 10 can register with Training Force, iLearn, Passport 2 Work, Services SETA and SAYouth.mobi rather than depending on one provider.

That does not guarantee selection, but it can give you access to more legitimate opportunities.

Important Scam Warning

A genuine learnership provider should not promise guaranteed placement in exchange for money.

Training Force and SpecCon both explicitly state that applicants should not pay to apply for their learnership opportunities. (Training Force)

Never share online banking passwords, PINs or one-time passwords with someone claiming to recruit learners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learnership with Grade 10 in 2026?

Yes. Training Force and iLearn currently state that applicants with a minimum Grade 10 can be considered for suitable learnerships. SpecCon also lists several qualifications with Grade 10-level entry requirements. (Training Force)

Can I apply with Grade 11?

Yes. If a programme requires a minimum Grade 10, a successful Grade 11 normally meets that education threshold, provided all the other requirements are satisfied.

Which learnership is suitable for Grade 10?

Options can include contact-centre support, new venture creation, plant production, wholesale and retail, construction and other entry-level qualifications, depending on current funded intakes.

Can Grade 10 applicants apply at Training Force?

Yes. Training Force’s current learner page accepts applicants with educational levels from Grade 10 to Grade 12. (Training Force)

Can Grade 10 applicants apply at iLearn?

Yes. iLearn lists minimum Grade 10 among its general learnership applicant criteria. (iLearn)

Where can I find new learnerships?

Useful places to monitor include SAYouth.mobi, the Services SETA Learner Portal and the official recruitment portals of accredited training providers.

Do I need Matric for every learnership?

No. Some programmes require Grade 12, but others accept Grade 10, Grade 11 or an equivalent qualification.

Final Reminder

Not completing Matric does not automatically mean you have no access to learnership opportunities.

In 2026, applicants with Grade 10 or Grade 11 can check legitimate routes through providers such as Training Force, iLearn and SpecCon, while provincial programmes such as Youth in Built Environment can provide additional options depending on where you live.

You should also register with SAYouth.mobi and the Services SETA Learner Portal so that you can continue checking for new opportunities.

Most importantly, always verify the education requirement of the specific learnership before applying.

About the Author

Mr Josh writes practical learnership, internship, bursary, TVET and employment guides for Linkinn.co.za. His content focuses on helping South African young people understand application requirements and locate legitimate official recruitment channels.

Editorial and Verification Note

This guide was updated on 1 October 2026 using current information from the official websites of Training Force, iLearn, SpecCon Holdings, the Western Cape Government, Services SETA and SAYouth.

Where a provider accepts registrations but does not have one guaranteed open placement, this article describes it as a candidate registration or opportunity platform rather than claiming that a vacancy is guaranteed.

Disclaimer

Linkinn.co.za is an independent careers and application-guidance website.

Linkinn.co.za is not any of the employers, SETAs or training providers mentioned in this article. It does not recruit learners, shortlist candidates or accept applications for these programmes.

Applicants must apply through the official application pages provided above.