Portal To Learning

WHAT IS A LEARNERSHIP?

A Learnership is a vocational education and training programme to facilitate the linkage between structured learning and work experience in order to obtain a registered qualification. It combines theory and workplace practice into a qualification that is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

A Learnership usually constitutes 120+ credits or 1200+ "notional" hours of learning. Apprenticeships have been the traditional framework for combining structured learning and work experience. Learnerships however provide a more flexible learning arrangement. Learnerships are the recommended frame within which to explore the new opportunities.

They directly address the "how" of the Skills Development Strategy.

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WHAT IS A SETA?

It is the Sector Education and Training Authority, reporting to the Department of Education and the Department of Labour. There are 25 SETA's representing the various industries.

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HOW DO I GET ONTO A LEARNERSHIP PROGRAM?

Contact the Portal to Learning.

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WHAT CERTIFICATION DOES A LEARNER GET AFTER COMPLETING A LEARNERSHIP PROGRAM?

Once the specific learnership is complete, the Learner will be assessed, by an accredited Assessor, against a particular qualification that is registered with the SETA.

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WHAT LEARNERSHIPS CAN AN INDIVIDUAL APPLY FOR?

Your SETA has a list of registered Learnership programs - or ask a Portal to Learning advisor.

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HOW LONG IS A LEARNERSHIP PROGRAM?

That would depend on the Qualification you're pursuing. It is usually a minimum of a few months, full-time learning.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYER?

In addition to claiming learnership grants from your SETA, you can also claim a tax incentive when you register a learnership agreement with your SETA. Only learnership agreements that are formally registered with your SETA will qualify – as SARS will check with the SETA before approving the claim.

Basically, you will have two opportunities to claim, one at the beginning of the learnership and one at the successful conclusion of the learnership.

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