Learnerships for Matriculants With No Experience in South Africa: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Finishing matric is a major achievement, but for many young South Africans, it comes with uncertainty. After receiving their Grade 12 results, thousands of matriculants face the same challenge: no work experience, limited funds for further studies, and few job opportunities.

This situation can feel discouraging, especially when most job advertisements require experience that school leavers simply do not have. However, there is a practical and realistic solution that many matriculants overlook — learnerships.

Learnerships are specifically designed to help people with little or no experience enter the job market while gaining a recognised qualification and earning a monthly stipend. This guide explains everything matriculants with no experience need to know about learnerships in South Africa, including eligibility, application steps, common mistakes, and how to improve your chances of being selected.

Can You Get a Learnership With No Experience?

Yes.
In fact, many learnerships are created specifically for people with no work experience.

Learnerships were introduced in South Africa to address the gap between education and employment. Employers understand that school leavers do not yet have workplace exposure, which is why learnerships focus on potential, commitment, and willingness to learn, rather than experience.

If you are a matriculant who:

  • Has never worked before

  • Has no formal job experience

  • Has only school-level qualifications

You are still eligible for many learnership programmes.

What Is a Learnership (Simple Explanation)?

A learnership is a structured training programme that combines:

  • Classroom or online learning (theory)

  • Real workplace training (practical)

  • A monthly stipend

  • A nationally recognised qualification

Unlike short courses, learnerships are regulated and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This means the qualification you earn is recognised by employers across South Africa.

For matriculants, learnerships offer a way to:

  • Gain experience without prior employment

  • Learn job-ready skills

  • Avoid expensive tuition fees

  • Build a professional CV

Why Learnerships Are Ideal for Matriculants

Learnerships are especially valuable for Grade 12 graduates for several reasons.

1. No Experience Required

Most entry-level learnerships are designed for beginners. Employers expect learners to be inexperienced and provide training from the ground up.

2. Earn While You Learn

Instead of paying to study, learners receive a monthly stipend that helps cover basic expenses such as transport and meals.

3. Recognised Qualification

On completion, learners receive an NQF-registered qualification, which improves employability.

4. Real Workplace Exposure

Matriculants gain hands-on experience in real companies, something that is difficult to obtain otherwise.

5. Better Job Prospects

Many employers prefer candidates with learnership experience over those with no work exposure at all.

What Types of Learnerships Accept Matriculants?

There are many learnerships available for people with Grade 12 and no experience.

Common Learnership Fields for Matriculants

  • Business Administration

  • Office Administration

  • Call Centre and Customer Service

  • Wholesale and Retail

  • Finance (entry-level)

  • Information Technology (basic IT support)

  • Logistics and Supply Chain

  • Hospitality and Tourism

  • Human Resources (junior level)

These fields focus on foundational workplace skills, making them suitable for school leavers.

Minimum Requirements for Matriculants

Although requirements differ, most learnerships for matriculants require:

  • A South African ID

  • A Grade 12 certificate

  • English (often compulsory)

  • Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (depending on the field)

  • Availability for 12 months or longer

Some learnerships accept Grade 11 or Grade 10, but matric increases your options.

What If You Failed Matric?

Not passing matric does not mean you have no options.

Some learnerships:

  • Accept Grade 9 or higher

  • Focus on practical skills rather than academic results

In these cases, entry-level learnerships at lower NQF levels may still be available.

How Learnerships Are Funded

Learnerships are funded through:

  • Employers

  • Government skills development initiatives

  • Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)

Because funding is allocated annually, learnership availability changes throughout the year. This is why learners are encouraged to apply continuously.

How Much Do Matriculants Earn on a Learnership?

Learnerships do not pay a salary, but learners receive a stipend.

Typical Stipend Ranges

For matriculants with no experience:

  • R2,000 – R3,000 per month (entry-level)

  • In some cases, up to R4,000 per month

Stipends are meant to support basic living costs and are usually tax-free for unemployed learners.

What You Learn During a Learnership

Learnerships focus on both technical skills and workplace behaviour.

Skills You Gain

  • Communication skills

  • Time management

  • Teamwork

  • Computer literacy

  • Industry-specific knowledge

  • Problem-solving skills

These are skills employers look for in entry-level employees.

Where to Find Learnerships for Matriculants

Finding legitimate learnerships is one of the most important steps.

Reliable Sources Include

  • Company career pages

  • Accredited training providers

  • Government and SETA announcements

  • Education and opportunity platforms like learners247.co.za

Avoid relying solely on unverified social media posts.

📍 What Learnership Advertisements Look Like

At this point in your search, you will start seeing learnership advertisements online and offline. These adverts usually include:

  • Qualification requirements

  • Age limits

  • Duration of the programme

  • Stipend information

  • Application method

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How to Apply for Learnerships as a Matriculant

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You will usually need:

  • Updated CV

  • Certified copy of your ID

  • Certified copy of your matric certificate or statement

Certification should be recent.

Step 2: Create a Simple CV (No Experience Needed)

Focus your CV on:

  • Education

  • Subjects passed

  • Skills (computer, communication, teamwork)

  • School activities or leadership roles

Keep it clean and honest.

Step 3: Apply to Multiple Opportunities

Do not rely on a single application. Applying to multiple learnerships increases your chances significantly.

Common Mistakes Matriculants Make

Many applications fail due to avoidable mistakes.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting incomplete documents

  • Applying without meeting requirements

  • Using an unprofessional CV

  • Missing closing dates

  • Falling for scams

Attention to detail matters.

How to Avoid Learnership Scams

Legitimate learnerships:

  • Never charge application fees

  • Are linked to registered companies or providers

  • Provide clear contact details

If someone asks for payment, it is likely a scam.

What Happens After You Are Selected?

If accepted, you will:

  • Sign a learnership agreement

  • Be placed with an employer

  • Attend training sessions

  • Receive a stipend monthly

Learnerships are fixed-term contracts, usually lasting 12 months.

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What Happens After Completing the Learnership?

After completion, matriculants may:

  • Be offered permanent employment

  • Use the qualification to apply for jobs

  • Continue studying at a higher NQF level

  • Apply for advanced learnerships

Even if a job is not guaranteed, the experience is highly valuable.

Can You Do More Than One Learnership?

Yes, provided that:

  • You complete the first learnership

  • The next learnership is at a higher or different NQF level

  • You meet the requirements

This allows for career progression.

Learnerships vs Going Straight to University

Learnerships are not a replacement for university, but they are an alternative.

Learnerships Are Better If You:

  • Cannot afford tuition

  • Want immediate work experience

  • Prefer practical learning

University Is Better If You:

  • Want academic or professional careers

  • Can afford full-time study

Both paths are valid.

Why Patience and Persistence Matter

Many matriculants give up too early. Successful learners often:

  • Apply multiple times

  • Improve their CVs

  • Stay informed

  • Remain patient

Opportunities come to those who keep trying.

The Role of learners247.co.za

Platforms like learners247.co.za help matriculants by:

  • Sharing verified opportunities

  • Explaining processes clearly

  • Reducing misinformation

  • Supporting informed decision-making

Access to accurate information makes a real difference.

Final Thoughts

For matriculants with no experience, learnerships are one of the most practical pathways into the working world. They provide skills, income, qualifications, and confidence — all without the burden of expensive education.

If you are willing to commit, learn, and grow, a learnership can be the first step toward building a sustainable career in South Africa.

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