A learnership is a work-based learning programme that leads to a nationally recognised qualification. Thus, learners in learnership programmes have to attend classes at a college or training centre to complete classroom-based learning, and they also have to complete on-the-job training in a workplace. This means that unemployed people can only participate in a learnership programme, if there is an employer that is willing to provide the required work experience.

It usually takes a year but some learnership programmes can take two or more years. It is possible for learners to complete a learnership programme in a shorter time through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is a process through which learners will get recognition for parts of the programme for learning done previously or for work experience.

You will receive a nationally recognised qualification upon successful completion of the learnership. You will gain work experience that will improve your chances of getting work.

Most entry requirements require a Grade 12 certificate.

You do not have to pay anything to participate on a learnership programme. The Services SETA subsidises both the employer and training provider to cover the cost.

All learners must be paid a learner allowance by the employer. An employer must pay a learner a set allowance calculated in terms of Clause 3 of Sectorial Determination No 5. No learner may be paid less than the allowance as determined.

You need to sign both Learnership Agreement and employment contract, thus two legal documents. The Learnership Agreement is signed by you the learner, the employer and training provider and sets out the responsibilities of all three parties.

One of the conditions of a learnership is that unemployed people must be employed by the employer for the duration of the learnership. Unemployed people can therefore only enter a learnership if there is an employer who is willing to take unemployed people into a learnership programme.

Should a provider/Institution be offering a course/programme that takes less than one year (full time) to complete and not contain registered Unit Standards, then the course will be classified as a Short Course. A Short Course will not contain credits towards a full Qualification. It is important to note, that a provider/Institution not need to be registered or accredited to offer Short Courses. Many Short Courses are useful within the appropriate career field and can add value to an individual already in said career.

The standard in the NQF system is held in the Unit Standard. A Unit Standard is the smallest unit that can be credited to a learner. Unit Standards can stand alone, but are generally part of a Qualification. A cluster of Unit Standards, including fundamental learning, core learning and elective learning, form a full Qualification.

Artisanship is the occupation of a craftsperson or artisan that makes high-quality or distinctive products in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods.