top learnerships with the highest employment rate in 2025: best 10
top learnerships South Africa’s job market is becoming more competitive every year, and for many young people, learnerships are the best pathway into stable employment. Unlike traditional study routes, learnerships combine theory with workplace experience while paying learners a monthly stipend. The best part? Many learners secure full-time employment immediately after completing their programs.
Here’s a look at the top 10 learnerships in South Africa with the highest chances of leading to permanent jobs.
1. Banking and Financial Services top Learnerships
Funded by: BANKSETA & FASSET
Industries: Banking, accounting, insurance, auditing.
👉 With South Africa’s growing financial sector, banking and finance learnerships consistently produce graduates who are absorbed into major institutions such as Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, and ABSA.
Employment rate: Very high, especially for roles like tellers, clerks, and junior accountants.
2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) top Learnerships
Funded by: MICT SETA
Industries: Software development, IT support, cybersecurity, data analysis.
With the rapid digital transformation, ICT is one of the fastest-growing career fields. Companies like Microsoft, Vodacom, MTN, and Dimension Data recruit learners directly after completion.
Employment rate: Extremely high — demand for ICT professionals keeps rising.
3. Engineering top learnerships
Funded by: MERSETA
Industries: Mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and industrial engineering.
South Africa’s infrastructure and manufacturing industries create constant demand for skilled engineers and technicians. Mining, energy, and construction companies hire many graduates from engineering learnerships.
Employment rate: Very high, especially in mining and manufacturing.
4. Health and Nursing top Learnerships
Funded by: HWSETA
Industries: Nursing, caregiving, pharmacy, and community health.
Healthcare will always be essential. Hospitals, clinics, and NGOs continuously employ learners who complete accredited health-related learnerships.
Employment rate: High, with permanent contracts available in both public and private healthcare.
5. Retail and Wholesale Learnerships
Funded by: W&RSETA
Industries: Sales, store management, merchandising, logistics.
Retail is one of the largest employers in South Africa. Companies like Shoprite, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, and Massmart often retain learners as permanent employees after training.
Employment rate: Very high in customer service and retail management.
6. Call Centre Learnerships
Funded by: Services SETA
Industries: Customer support, telemarketing, business process outsourcing.
South Africa is a global hub for call centres, servicing international clients. Learners often get absorbed into companies like Teleperformance, Webhelp, and WNS Global Services.
Employment rate: High, especially in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.
7. Mining and Mineral Processing Learnerships
Funded by: MQA (Mining Qualifications Authority)
Industries: Mining, metallurgy, drilling, and geology.
Mining remains one of the biggest industries in South Africa. Mining companies like Anglo American, Exxaro, and Sibanye Stillwater frequently offer learnerships that lead to permanent employment.
Employment rate: High, especially for technical and operator positions.
8. Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships
Funded by: CATHSSETA
Industries: Hotels, restaurants, travel, and event management.
South Africa’s tourism industry continues to recover and grow, creating opportunities for learners in hospitality, food services, and travel agencies.
Employment rate: Moderate to high, especially in urban and tourist-heavy areas.
9. Supply Chain and Logistics Learnerships
Funded by: TETA (Transport Education and Training Authority) & W&RSETA www.teta.org.za
Industries: Transport, freight, warehousing, supply chain management.
With e-commerce and international trade booming, logistics careers are in demand. Learners are often absorbed by companies like Transnet, DHL, and Imperial Logistics.
Employment rate: High, particularly in logistics hubs like Johannesburg and Durban.
10. Agriculture and Agri-Business top Learnerships
Funded by: AgriSETA
Industries: Farming, food processing, agribusiness management.
South Africa’s agricultural industry is essential for food security and exports. Learnerships prepare young people for roles in modern farming and agri-technology.
Employment rate: Moderate to high, especially in rural provinces.
🌟 top learnerships Final Thoughts
Not all learnerships lead to the same employment opportunities. If your goal is to quickly enter the workforce, the top learnerships with the highest employment rates are in finance, ICT, engineering, healthcare, and retail.
By choosing wisely and committing fully, you can turn your learnership into a stepping stone toward a stable and rewarding career.
