Getting a post-Matric qualification is no longer a luxury only for the privileged, but a necessity in the current South African job market. The problem is that many people struggle to pay for tertiary education, and it’s almost impossible to earn enough to support a family while focusing on studies.
But there is an answer for those who want to pursue higher education, while getting practical hands-on work experience and earning money every month. A learnership could be the answer to your upskilling needs!
A learnership is perfect for those who don’t have the tertiary qualifications needed for a job position, and most people taking the learnership education route only have Matric qualifications.
What is a Learnership?
Where a leanership differs from an internship is in the formal structure of the programme. While an internship also offers on-the-job training, they are usually designed by businesses for their own specific needs and do not lead to a NQF (National Qualification Framework) certification.
Learnerships take place over the period of a year, and during that time the learner gets exposed to the theory required to understand their job, learns the practical skills to execute their job, and also gets the workplace experience necessary to flourish in their environment. By the end of the programme, the learner must be able to show that they have the competence to fulfil the role they have trained for in order to receive certification, issued by the relevant SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority).
Can I Earn a Salary While Completing My Learnership?
Yes, your employer could pay you to learn! One of the biggest benefits of choosing to go with a learnership in order to complete your post-Matric qualification requirements, is that it is possible to earn money, while doing the job you are training for, while still learning. Many university students have to take extra jobs that eat into their study hours, often in positions like waitering – which have nothing to do with the industry they will be working in within a couple years.
With a learnership, the learner receives a stipend from the company training and employing them. This means that the employer covers the costs of the learnership!
Find out more about the learnerships available at the Foster-Melliar Academy here.