Learnerships in South Africa are an important part of the country’s education and training landscape. They are structured educational programs that combine theory and practical experience, aiming to equip participants with both vocational and workplace skills. Although learnerships don’t pay salaries like full-time jobs, they offer participants a stipend or allowance that helps to cover their living expenses during the course.
The amount varies depending on a variety of factors, such as the sector, the level of qualification, and the specific SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) involved. In this article, we will explore what you can expect in terms of learnership pay in South Africa in 2025.
What Are Learnerships?
Learnerships are formalized training programs that integrate practical work experience with theoretical learning. These programs are regulated by SETAs and are aligned with South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF). They cover various industries such as finance, engineering, IT, and health, and they provide an opportunity for young South Africans to gain work experience and improve their employability.
Participants in learnerships are typically paid a stipend rather than a salary. The stipend is intended to cover basic living expenses, helping participants to support themselves while they gain valuable experience.
How Much Do Learnerships Pay in South Africa?
The pay for learnerships varies depending on several factors, including the sector of the program, the NQF level, and the specific SETA offering the program. It is important to note that the stipend for learnerships is not fixed, but there are general ranges that most participants can expect.
Typical Stipend Ranges (2025)
In 2025, most SETA-accredited learnerships offer stipends ranging from R2,500 to R8,000 per month. The amount varies based on the factors mentioned earlier. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common SETAs and the stipends they offer:
- Media, Information, and Communication Technologies (MICT) SETA: The MICT SETA typically offers stipends that average around R2,500 per month. This is on the lower end of the spectrum but can still help learners cover their essential expenses.
- Services SETA: The Services SETA offers slightly higher stipends, with amounts ranging from R4,500 to R4,800 per month. These programs may be more lucrative and offer a bit more financial flexibility.
Minimum Wage Regulations for Learnerships
The South African government has established minimum wage regulations for learnerships, which are linked to the NQF level and the number of credits the learner earns. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum allowances based on the NQF levels:
- Lower NQF Levels (1-2): For learnerships at these levels, participants can expect a minimum monthly allowance of about R3,752. This is for learnerships that require learners to earn between 121 to 240 credits. These programs are usually more introductory and less specialized.
- Higher NQF Levels (5-8): As learners progress to higher NQF levels, the stipends increase. At NQF levels 5 to 8, stipends can range from R5,000 to R10,944.77 per month, depending on the number of credits earned (usually between 481 to 600 credits). These learnerships tend to be more specialized, and participants can expect to earn more for the additional expertise they are gaining.
It’s important to note that the current national minimum wage in South Africa, as of March 2025, is R28.79 per hour. This wage applies to formal employment, but the learnership stipend is designed to be a modest allowance, not a full salary.
Average Learnership Pay
Based on available data, the average monthly stipend for learnerships in South Africa in 2025 tends to range between R6,313 and R7,911. These figures are reflective of more specialized positions and industries such as welding and rigging.
- Welder: Learnerships for positions like welding tend to offer a stipend of about R6,313 per month. While this is not a large amount, it can help learners get by while they acquire valuable trade skills that are in demand.
- Rigger: Positions like rigging typically offer a higher stipend, with averages around R7,911 per month. This is because these positions often require more technical skills and experience.
Key Points About Learnership Stipends
While the stipend amounts vary, here are some key points to keep in mind when considering learnerships:
- Stipends vs. Salaries: Stipends are not salaries. They are allowances meant to help learners with basic living expenses while they gain practical and theoretical skills.
- SETA and Industry Influence: The amount of the stipend largely depends on the SETA and the industry involved. Some industries, like engineering and finance, may offer higher stipends due to the specialized nature of the work involved.
- Tax Incentives for Employers: Employers who host learnerships may be eligible for tax incentives, which encourages many companies to offer learnerships and cover the costs of the stipend.
- Employed vs. Unemployed Learners: Unemployed learners receive the stipend as an allowance, while employed learners continue to receive their regular salary. This helps make learnerships accessible to a wider range of individuals.
- Learning Opportunities: While the stipend may not be as high as a salary, the true value of a learnership lies in the work experience and qualifications that participants gain, which can lead to permanent employment or enhanced career prospects in the future.
Check also: SETA Learnership vs YES Programme: Choosing the Right Path to Employment for South African Youth
Learnerships in South Africa offer a great way for young people to gain valuable skills and experience in the workplace. While the stipend may not replace a full salary, it does provide financial support during the learning process. In 2025, learners can expect to earn stipends ranging from R2,500 to R8,000 per month, with those in higher-level learnerships earning up to R10,944.77 per month.
The pay may not be high, but the long-term benefits of gaining experience and qualifications can open doors to better job opportunities in the future.