How to write a CV for a learnership

A learnership lets you earn while you learn. For many young South Africans it is the first step into a real workplace. Places are limited and many people apply, so your CV needs to show that you will finish the programme and make the most of it.

What a learnership is

A learnership is a work-based training programme. You spend part of your time learning theory with a training provider and part of your time working at a company. At the end you get a qualification registered on the NQF (National Qualifications Framework), the system that ranks South African qualifications by level.

A few things make learnerships different from a normal job:

• You sign a contract. The learnership agreement is between you, the employer and the training provider. It sets out what each of you must do.
• You get a stipend, not a salary. A stipend is a monthly allowance to help with costs such as transport and food while you learn.
• It runs for a fixed time. Many learnerships last about a year, and the contract ends when the programme ends.
• SETAs are involved. SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) look after skills training in different industries, such as banking, services, manufacturing or health. They register learnerships and often help fund them.

Many learnerships are aimed at unemployed young people, and each advert sets its own requirements. Read them carefully.

What selectors are looking for

The people choosing learners are not expecting work experience. They want someone who:

• Meets the entry requirements (often matric, sometimes with certain subjects)
• Is genuinely interested in the field
• Will attend every day and complete the training
• Can learn, take instruction and work in a team

Your CV should give evidence for each of these.

Shape your CV for each learnership

Match the entry requirements clearly

If the advert asks for matric with Mathematics, make sure your Education section shows your National Senior Certificate, your pass type and your Mathematics mark. If it asks for an NQF level 4 qualification, that is matric or an equal qualification. Do not make the selector search for the information.

Show why you want this field

A generic CV sent to every learnership is easy to spot. Change your profile for each one so it names the field and gives a reason.

Example profile

I am a matriculant from Mthatha with a diploma pass and 68% for Mathematical Literacy. I helped my uncle keep stock records and track sales in his hardware store for a year, and I want to build on that through a business administration learnership. I am reliable, comfortable with computers and ready to commit to the full programme.

Show commitment and attendance

Selectors worry most about learners dropping out. Show that you finish what you start:

• Good school attendance or an attendance award
• Courses you completed, even short online ones
• Long-term volunteering or a part-time job you kept for months
• Responsibilities at home or in your community that you handle every week

Put relevant skills first

Think about what the learnership trains for and list related skills near the top. For an IT learnership, mention computer skills and any course you have done. For a retail learnership, mention cash handling and customer service. For a technical learnership, mention Mathematics, Physical Sciences or practical work you have done with tools.

Get your documents ready

Most learnership applications ask for more than a CV. Prepare these before you start applying:

• A certified copy of your ID
• A certified copy of your matric certificate or statement of results
• Certified copies of any other qualifications
• Sometimes proof of address

A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed as a true copy by a commissioner of oaths, which you can get at a police station. Some applications ask for copies certified recently, so check the advert. Scan or photograph everything clearly so you can upload or email it from your phone.

Where to find learnerships

• SETA websites, which list programmes in their sector
• Company career pages, especially banks, retailers, mines and telecom companies
• SAYouth.mobi and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, which list learnerships and other youth opportunities
• Your local TVET college or labour centre

Watch out for scams

A real learnership never asks you to pay to apply, pay for training or buy a uniform before you start. Be careful with adverts on social media that ask for money or your banking details. If in doubt, check the programme on the company or SETA website.

A few final tips

• Keep your CV to one or two pages, saved as a PDF
• Use clear headings so ATS software (which many companies use to sort CVs before a person reads them) can read it
• Add two references with phone numbers, such as a teacher or someone you volunteered for
• Leave out your ID number on the CV itself; the certified copy goes with your application documents instead (see what to put on a South African CV)

If you are still in Grade 12 or just finished, read our matric CV guide too.

Build your learnership CV

Start with our learnership applicant example to see a strong application. Then use our builder to add your own details, pick one of our CV templates, and preview it for free before you send it.