If you are looking for a learnership in South Africa in September 2026, there are several opportunities currently available across information technology, financial services, telecommunications, agriculture, government, mining and technical fields.
Learnerships can provide unemployed South Africans with an opportunity to combine structured training with practical workplace experience while working towards a recognised qualification. Some programmes are aimed at Grade 12 applicants, while others have additional subject, age, location or qualification requirements.
This guide highlights 10 learnership opportunities worth checking in September 2026, based on programmes currently advertised or listed as open around the middle of September. The list is not a ranking of the programmes; applicants should choose opportunities according to their qualifications, location, career interests and eligibility.
Important: Always check the original employer or government advertisement before submitting an application. Closing dates, requirements and application procedures can change.
1. Hollard IT Learnership Programme 2026
The Hollard IT Learnership Programme 2026 is an opportunity for young South Africans interested in building a career in information technology.
Hollard’s official recruitment advertisement lists 12 positions based in Parktown, Gauteng. The programme is classified as an IT learner opportunity and combines structured learning with practical exposure to technology environments and business operations.
Key details
- Programme: IT Learnership Programme 2026
- Company: Hollard
- Location: Parktown, Gauteng
- Positions: 12
- Duration: 12 months
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / Matric
- Age: 18–26 years
- Closing date: 18 September 2026
- Reference: HOL260911-1
Applicants must meet specific academic requirements, including at least 60% for English, 60% for Mathematics and 50% for either Computer Applications Technology or Physical Science, according to Hollard’s vacancy notice.
The programme is particularly relevant to young people interested in technology, digital systems, data, problem-solving and IT-related careers.
Apply early: The closing date is 18 September 2026, making this one of the September opportunities where eligible applicants should not wait until the final day.
2. Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 is another opportunity to consider during September.
The programme is designed for unemployed youth who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification. It combines theoretical training with practical workplace exposure within Immigration Services.
The programme runs for 12 months, and the advertised stipend is R4,500 per month.
Key details
- Organisation: Department of Home Affairs
- Programme: Cadet Learnership Programme
- Duration: 12 months
- Qualification: National Certificate: Immigration Services
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 equivalent
- Stipend: R4,500 per month
- Closing date: 18 September 2026 at 16:00
- Target group: Unemployed South African youth
- Locations: Various locations across South Africa
The programme provides exposure to Immigration Services and the operations of the Department of Home Affairs.
Because the closing date is 18 September 2026, applicants should carefully follow the application instructions in the official advertisement.
3. Eskom Learner Artisan / Apprenticeship Programme 2026
For applicants interested in engineering, technical careers and artisan development, Eskom’s Learner Artisan / Apprenticeship opportunity at Matimba Power Station is worth checking.
Eskom’s careers page currently lists Learner Artisan x12 positions at Matimba Power Station in Lephalale, Limpopo, with an application deadline of 21 September 2026.
Key details
- Organisation: Eskom
- Programme: Learner Artisan / Apprenticeship
- Location: Matimba Power Station, Lephalale, Limpopo
- Positions: 12
- Closing date: 21 September 2026
- Opportunity type: Learner Artisan / Apprenticeship
Technical and artisan programmes can be particularly relevant to candidates interested in engineering, maintenance, electricity, manufacturing and industrial environments.
Applicants should read the full Eskom vacancy carefully because requirements can differ according to the specific artisan training opportunity.
4. iStore IT Learnership 2026
The iStore IT Learnership 2026 is aimed at applicants interested in technology, technical support and customer service.
The currently advertised opportunity is a 12-month paid learnership in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Applicants are expected to have completed Matric as well as A+ and N+ qualifications.
Key details
- Company: iStore
- Programme: IT Learnership
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Duration: 12 months
- Qualification requirements: Matric, A+ and N+
- Closing date: 30 September 2026
- Field: Information Technology
Learners can gain practical exposure to technical support, troubleshooting, customer service and technology products in a retail environment.
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for candidates who have completed technical IT certifications and want to gain workplace experience.
5. MAZIV Learnership Programme 2026/2027
The MAZIV Learnership Programme 2026/2027 is another opportunity for unemployed youth in Gauteng.
MAZIV operates in the telecommunications and broadband-infrastructure sector. The currently listed programme offers 30 positions and runs for 12 months.
Key details
- Company: MAZIV
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Location: Gauteng
- Positions: 30
- Duration: 12 months
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / Matric
- Age: 18–35 years
- Employment status: Unemployed
- Residence: Gauteng
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience, coaching and mentorship. (SA Learnership)
Applicants should note that the available advert does not clearly specify all qualification or SETA details, so these should be confirmed before applying.
6. Discovery Learnerships 2026
Discovery currently has several learnership opportunities listed across its businesses, including Wealth Management and Long-Term Insurance.
The company’s careers platform lists learnership vacancies in locations including Sandton and Cape Town, with some opportunities appearing during September 2026.
Areas advertised include:
- Wealth Management
- Long-Term Insurance
- Long-Term Insurance for persons with disabilities
- Other financial-services learning opportunities
Discovery’s careers listings show, for example, a Long-Term Insurance – PWD Learnership posted on 16 September 2026, alongside other learnership opportunities in its financial-services businesses.
Applicants should check the individual vacancy because requirements, location and closing dates can differ between programmes.
7. Senwes Grainlink Learnership 2026/2027
If you are interested in agriculture, grain handling and agricultural operations, the Senwes Grainlink Learnership is an opportunity to consider.
The programme is designed to provide practical experience at Senwes Grainlink silos while learners complete formal training towards becoming a Junior Grain Grader.
Key details
- Company: Senwes Grainlink
- Programme: Grainlink Learnership
- Duration: 12 months
- Age: 18–25 years
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12
- Driver’s licence: Required
- Field: Agriculture / Grain Operations
- Closing date: 30 September 2026
Learners can receive exposure to silo operations, grain handling, administration and different grain commodities such as maize, sunflower and soya.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for young people who want to explore careers in agriculture rather than traditional office-based industries.
8. AgriSETA Plant Production Learnership 2026
The AgriSETA Plant Production Learnership 2026 is another option for unemployed youth interested in agriculture.
The programme is based in Upington, Northern Cape, and provides training related to plant production. Available programme information indicates a monthly stipend of approximately R3,500 to R4,200, with applications closing on 9 October 2026.
Key details
- Organisation: AgriSETA
- Programme: Plant Production Learnership
- Location: Upington, Northern Cape
- Target group: Unemployed youth
- Age: 18–35 years
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12
- Qualification: Plant Production
- Stipend: Approximately R3,500–R4,200 per month
- Closing date: 9 October 2026
Training can expose learners to areas such as crop production, planting, crop maintenance, harvesting, agricultural safety and record-keeping.
This programme may be suitable for applicants who want to build practical agricultural skills and potentially continue into further training or employment within the agricultural sector.
9. Capitec Bank Better Champion Learnership 2026
Banking remains one of the popular areas for young South Africans looking for structured workplace training.
Capitec’s 2026 reporting explains that its Bank Better Champion learnership is designed to provide unemployed matriculants with accredited learning and work-based experience. The programme operates nationally across Capitec’s branch footprint.
Current September 2026 opportunity listings indicate a 30 September 2026 closing date for the Bank Better Champion opportunity and advertise a monthly stipend of R8,500. Applicants should verify these details on the current Capitec vacancy before applying.
Capitec’s own reporting states that the programme provides a market-related stipend and benefits and is intended to develop workplace readiness and professional skills.
Why consider a banking learnership?
A banking learnership can expose participants to:
- Customer service
- Financial services
- Branch operations
- Communication
- Administration
- Workplace professionalism
- Digital banking environments
Applicants should check the current vacancy for the precise eligibility criteria and closing date.
10. Absa Learnership Programme 2026
The Absa Learnership Programme 2026 is another financial-services opportunity worth monitoring during September.
Current opportunity listings indicate that applications are open until 30 November 2026, giving eligible applicants more time than some of the September opportunities listed above.
The programme is relevant to young people interested in gaining exposure to the banking and financial-services environment.
Before applying, candidates should visit Absa’s official careers platform and confirm:
- Current vacancies
- Minimum qualification
- Age requirements
- Programme location
- Duration
- Stipend information
- Closing date
- Application procedure
Because recruitment information can change, applicants should rely on the current official vacancy rather than screenshots or forwarded social-media posts.
September 2026 Learnerships at a Glance
| Learnership | Field | Location | Closing Date |
| Hollard IT Learnership | IT | Parktown, Gauteng | 18 Sept 2026 |
| Home Affairs Cadet Learnership | Immigration Services | Various | 18 Sept 2026, 16:00 |
| Eskom Learner Artisan | Engineering / Artisan | Lephalale, Limpopo | 21 Sept 2026 |
| iStore IT Learnership | IT / Technical Support | Johannesburg | 30 Sept 2026 |
| MAZIV Learnership | Telecommunications | Gauteng | Check advert |
| Discovery Learnerships | Financial Services | Gauteng / Western Cape | Check individual vacancy |
| Senwes Grainlink | Agriculture | Various silos | 30 Sept 2026 |
| AgriSETA Plant Production | Agriculture | Upington | 9 Oct 2026 |
| Capitec Bank Better Champion | Banking | National | 30 Sept 2026 |
| Absa Learnership | Banking / Financial Services | Check advert | 30 Nov 2026 |
Note: The table is provided as a quick guide. Always verify the latest vacancy before applying.
How to Apply for Learnerships in South Africa
Applying for a learnership requires more than simply finding an opportunity. You should make sure your application is complete, accurate and submitted through the correct channel.
1. Check the eligibility requirements
Before applying, confirm that you meet requirements such as:
- South African citizenship
- Age limits
- Grade 12 or other qualifications
- Required subjects and marks
- Unemployment status
- Residence requirements
- Driver’s licence requirements
- Additional technical qualifications
Do not apply blindly to every programme. Focus on opportunities where you meet the stated requirements.
2. Prepare your CV
Your CV should clearly show:
- Full name and contact details
- Education
- Matric subjects and marks where relevant
- Additional qualifications
- Computer skills
- Technical skills
- Volunteer or community experience
- Relevant work experience
- References, if requested
If you have no formal work experience, highlight school achievements, projects, volunteering, computer skills and other relevant abilities.
3. Prepare your supporting documents
Depending on the programme, you may need:
- Certified South African ID copy
- Certified Matric certificate
- Other qualifications
- Academic transcripts
- Driver’s licence
- Proof of residence
- Updated CV
Check the individual advert because document requirements differ.
4. Apply through the official channel
This is one of the most important steps.
Do not send your documents to random WhatsApp numbers or social-media accounts unless the official advertisement specifically instructs applicants to do so.
Use the employer’s official careers website, government application instructions or the application method specified in the original advertisement.
5. Do not pay to apply
A legitimate learnership application should not require you to pay someone to secure a position.
Be cautious if someone promises:
- Guaranteed employment
- Guaranteed selection
- Guaranteed interviews
- A learnership in exchange for money
- A position if you pay an “administration fee”
Always verify the opportunity independently.
What Documents Should You Have Ready?
If you are applying for several learnerships in September 2026, prepare a digital application folder containing:
1. Updated CV
Save it as a PDF with a professional filename such as:
Firstname_Surname_CV.pdf
2. ID copy
Make sure the copy is clear and readable.
3. Matric certificate
Keep a clear copy available.
4. Additional qualifications
Include relevant certificates such as IT, technical or other post-school qualifications where applicable.
5. Driver’s licence
This is particularly important for programmes such as agricultural, logistics or technical opportunities where a licence is required.
6. Proof of residence
Some programmes have strict geographical requirements, so keep proof of residence available when requested.
Explore Other Opportunities:
- Learnerships 2026
- Graduate Programmes
- Internships
- People With Grade 12
- Retail Jobs
- Paid Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Vacancies
- Bursaries
- Career Advice
- SETAs
- Youth Opportunities
- Fellowship Programme
Who Should Apply for Learnerships?
Learnerships can be particularly useful for:
- Unemployed Grade 12 graduates
- Young people looking for their first workplace experience
- TVET College students who meet programme requirements
- Young people interested in technical careers
- Applicants interested in banking and financial services
- Aspiring IT professionals
- Young people interested in agriculture
- Candidates interested in telecommunications
- People looking for artisan development opportunities
However, every programme has its own eligibility requirements.
Learnerships vs Jobs: What’s the Difference?
A learnership is designed around structured learning combined with workplace experience.
Unlike an ordinary job vacancy, a learnership normally has a strong training and qualification component.
This makes learnerships particularly relevant to people who need to develop both:
Practical experience + formal occupational skills
However, completing a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment. Candidates should continue applying for suitable positions and developing their skills throughout and after the programme.
Seta Related Articles:
- SETA Learnerships 2026: How to Apply and Find Opportunities
- What Is a SETA in South Africa? A Complete Guide for 2026
- How to Apply for SETA Learnerships in South Africa 2026
- List of All SETAs in South Africa and What They Do in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best learnerships to apply for in September 2026?
There is no single best learnership for everyone. The appropriate programme depends on your qualifications, career interests, location and eligibility.
Current September opportunities include programmes in IT, banking, government, agriculture, telecommunications and artisan development.
Which learnerships are available for Grade 12 applicants?
Several September opportunities accept Grade 12 applicants, including programmes from Hollard, Home Affairs, Senwes and other employers. However, some require additional qualifications, subject marks, age limits or other conditions.
Are learnerships paid?
Many learnerships provide a stipend, but the amount varies by programme. Applicants should never assume that every learnership pays the same amount.
For example, the Home Affairs Cadet Learnership advertises a R4,500 monthly stipend, while current listings for other programmes show different amounts or do not disclose the stipend.
Can unemployed people apply?
Yes. Many learnership programmes specifically target unemployed youth, although eligibility requirements vary.
Can I apply for more than one learnership?
Generally, you can apply for multiple opportunities where you meet the requirements. However, carefully read each programme’s rules regarding current study, employment status and participation in other programmes.
Do I need work experience?
Not necessarily. Many learnerships are designed as entry-level development opportunities and provide workplace experience as part of the programme.
Apply as early as possible once you have confirmed that you meet the requirements.
When should I apply?
This is particularly important for opportunities closing in September, such as the Hollard IT Learnership on 18 September, the Home Affairs Cadet Learnership on 18 September, and the Eskom Matimba Learner Artisan opportunity on 21 September 2026.
Final Thoughts
September 2026 has a variety of learnership opportunities for South Africans interested in IT, banking, agriculture, telecommunications, government services and technical careers.
The most important thing is not simply to apply for every opportunity you see. Instead, identify programmes that match your qualification, skills, career interests, age, location and other eligibility requirements.
If you are applying this month, prepare your CV and supporting documents now, check the official advertisement carefully and submit your application before the stated deadline.
For the latest opportunities, continue checking SA Learnerships regularly because new learnerships, internships, apprenticeships and entry-level opportunities can be added throughout the month.
Always verify application details on the official employer or government website before submitting personal documents.
Articles You May Find Useful:
- 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Learnerships in 2026
- Top 10 Learnerships for Unemployed Youth in 2026
- Essential Skills for Graduates: What Employers Look For in 2026
- The Ultimate Guide to Learnerships in South Africa: How to Choose the Right One
- Top In-Demand Skills for South African Youth in 2026
- Internship vs. Learnership: Which Is Right for You in 2026?
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.
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