School leavers weighing up their next move now have a paid option worth a close look. Marsh, the global insurance broker and risk adviser, has opened applications for its 2027 Learnership Programme — a full year of workplace training that comes with a stipend and ends in a nationally recognised qualification.
The catch, as with most good opportunities, is in the detail: places are limited, the entry rules are strict, and you’ll need to be settled near Durban or Sandton and ready to start on 1 February 2027.
The headline benefits
Marsh’s programme runs for 12 months on a fixed-term contract, and it’s structured so that learners study and work at the same time. Finish it, and you earn an Occupational Certificate as an Insurance Underwriter at NQF Level 5 — a credential that stays with you regardless of where your career goes next.
Throughout the year, learners receive a monthly stipend, so this isn’t unpaid work experience. Marsh also positions the learnership as a possible entry point into a longer career with the company, not just a temporary placement.
One practical note on the working arrangement: the programme is hybrid, requiring learners in the office three days a week. That makes where you live a genuine factor rather than an afterthought.
The people it’s built for
The eligibility rules draw a tight circle. To qualify, you need to be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 25, holding a Matric certificate and/or statement of results that proves you passed matric in 2025 or earlier.
Your subjects count too. You must have taken English as either a first or second language, along with Maths or Maths Literacy.
Just as important is what disqualifies you. The programme is closed to anyone who has previously taken part in a SETA-funded initiative, and to those currently in post-Matric studies or formal employment. Marsh goes further, stating that learners cannot pursue further studies or other initiatives while on the programme — meaning it’s designed to be a full-time commitment for the year.
Location is not a small detail
The opportunities are based in Durban and Sandton, and applicants are expected to live in or close to the relevant area. Pair that with the three-days-a-week office requirement and it’s clear that proximity is part of the selection reality. If you’re based elsewhere, factor in the commute or a move before applying.
Why this kind of programme counts
For matriculants, the leap from school into either study or work can be a difficult one, especially without funds or experience. A learnership like this bridges that gap by offering three things at once: an income, on-the-job training and an accredited qualification. That combination is hard to come by, and the underwriting certificate opens a specific, in-demand path within financial services.
The trade-off is that the programme is deliberately exclusive. By ruling out those already studying, working or previously funded through SETA, Marsh is targeting young people right at the start of their journey — and with only a limited number of spots, competition is a given. Being honest about whether you meet every requirement will save you time.
Getting your application right
Applications run through Marsh’s recruitment process, and paperwork is where many candidates trip up. Before you begin, have these ready to upload:
- Your CV.
- A copy of your ID.
- Your Matric certificate and/or statement of results.
Marsh is unambiguous on this point: applications without an ID copy and Matric certificate will be declined. A missing document is an easily avoided reason to be knocked out, so confirm your uploads before you submit.
A final self-check before applying:
- You’re a South African citizen aged 18–25.
- You passed matric in 2025 or earlier, with English (first or second language) and Maths or Maths Literacy.
- You’re not currently studying further or in formal employment.
- You’ve never taken part in a SETA-funded initiative.
- You live in or near Durban or Sandton.
- You can start on 1 February 2027.
At a glance
- Company: Marsh
- Programme: Learnership Programme 2027
- Field: Insurance (Underwriting)
- Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Insurance Underwriter (NQF Level 5)
- Locations: Durban and Sandton
- Duration: 12 months (fixed-term contract)
- Work setup: Hybrid — three days a week in office
- Start date: 1 February 2027
- Stipend: Monthly stipend for the duration (amount not stated)
- Age: 18–25
- Citizenship: South African
Questions applicants often ask
Must I have already matriculated? Yes. You need a Matric certificate and/or statement of results showing you passed in 2025 or earlier.
What’s the age requirement? Applicants must be between 18 and 25.
Can I study part-time alongside the learnership? No. Learners aren’t permitted to take part in post-Matric studies or other initiatives during the programme.
Which subjects do I need? English as a first or second language, plus Maths or Maths Literacy.
Is it a paid programme? Yes — there’s a monthly stipend for the full 12 months. The available information doesn’t state the amount.
When does it close? The available information doesn’t give a closing date. With limited places on offer, applying early is the safer approach.
What happens if my documents are incomplete? Applications missing an ID copy and Matric certificate will be declined, so upload both.
Source: Marsh Learnership Programme 2027 vacancy information.
Editorial policy: This article is based on the programme details available at the time of writing. Facts are reported as supplied by the employer and have not been embellished with unverified figures, dates or claims.
Corrections policy: Accuracy matters to us. If you identify a factual error, let us know and we’ll review and correct it where needed.
Disclaimer: Learnership requirements, availability and recruitment arrangements can change without notice. Applicants should verify the latest details through Marsh’s official recruitment channels. Genuine learnerships never require payment to apply — do not pay a fee to submit an application.
