Having a job does not prevent you from having further training with the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA). Some employed South Africans can qualify for certain learnerships and workplace skills development programs.
This is good news for those who need to increase their skills, learn new occupational skills or prepare for a promotion without leaving their current job.
At the same time, not all Services SETA learnerships and training opportunities are suitable for learners who are currently employed
Understanding the difference between programs can help you apply correctly and avoid rejection based on your employment status.
Can Employed People Apply for Services SETA Learnerships in 2027?
Yes. People who are employed still have the option to join certain qualifying training programs with Services SETA.
South Africa has a learnership system that makes a distinction between two broad categories of learners:
- 18.1 learners: Generally learners who are employed when entering a learning program
- 18.2 learners: Generally learners who are unemployed when entering a learning program
A learner category does not automatically guarantee suitability for every program. Employed people may apply for programs advertised for unemployed people, and vice versa.
You can usually determine the eligibility for learnership advertisements by looking at the application requirements. An employer may recruit for a workplace learning program. An unemployed person may apply for a learnership advertised by an employer to upskill their employees.
If you are employed, always confirm whether a particular program is open to 18.1 learners before submitting an application.
What Is the Difference Between Services SETA 18.1 and 18.2 Learnerships?
A learnership category focuses on whether a learner is employed or unemployed when entering a program.
Feature
18.1 learners
18.2 learners
Generally employed
Generally unemployed when entering a learning program
Typical entry route
Through an employer or workplace training arrangement
Through a qualifying opportunity advertised by an employer or training provider
Training objective
To develop or improve workplace skills
To develop occupational skills and improve employment prospects
Payment arrangements
Usually continue under their existing employment agreement
May receive a stipend if the program provides for one
Eligibility
Depends on the program and employer arrangements
Depends on the program’s requirements, including any unemployment condition
These are general definitions. The applicable learner agreement determines the conditions of employment, if any, stipend, and other requirements.
Importantly, a learner category does not determine a stipend entitlement on its own. You should confirm your employment category and financial arrangements with the relevant organization.
Do Employed Learners Receive a Services SETA Stipend?
One of the main concerns of a worker applying for further training is whether they will receive an additional stipend payment.
Employed learners usually continue to receive their normal salary under their existing employment agreement. A stipend should not be assumed as a matter of course.
Unemployed learners may be entitled to a stipend if a program provides for one. Stipend entitlement depends on the funding arrangement and learner agreement.
If you are an employed learner considering a Services SETA program, request the following clarification from your employer:
- Whether your normal salary will continue to be paid
- Whether the time spent in training occurs during normal working hours or outside them
- Whether you will be given paid time off to attend classes or assessments
- Whether approved expenses will be reimbursed
- Whether a stipend is provided by the program
Have a clear understanding of your agreement before you commit to a training program.
How Can Employed People Access Services SETA Learning Programmes?
For employed applicants, the easiest way to access a learnership or workplace training program is through their current employer.
1. Speak to Your Human Resources Department
Find out whether your company offers learnerships, occupational qualifications or other training programs that are eligible for funding from Services SETA.
Some employers will organize training to increase the skills of their employees, address operational needs or prepare staff for more senior roles.
Your HR department can advise you whether a suitable program is available to you and what the eligibility criteria are.
2. Contact Your Skills Development Facilitator
A Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) manages skills development processes within an organization. If your company has an SDF, you can ask them whether any training programs are available for you to participate in.
An SDF can advise you on the learning opportunities planned for the current training cycle. This can help you determine whether there is a relevant program for you to join.
3. Workplace Skills Plan
Employers may draw up a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) to address skills shortages and identify training requirements.
Ask your HR department or SDF whether your employer’s WSP includes training in your occupational field, department or area of work.
A WSP does not guarantee a learnership opportunity, but it can give you an idea of the training that your employer intends to fund.
4. Funding
Services SETA programs are subject to the applicable grant regulations, eligibility criteria, and program agreements. Just because your employer participates in skills development does not mean that every training program will be fully funded.
Before you pursue any training, confirm whether the program you are interested in has been approved and that funding will be available.
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of both the employer and the learner before you agree to a program.
Can You Apply Directly Without Going Through Your Employer?
Sometimes yes, but it depends on the advertised program.
- If the program is restricted to unemployed people and you are employed, you will not qualify to apply
- If the program is intended for employees and your employer has to arrange the training, you will need to consult them before proceeding
- Employers sometimes fund a learner’s salary and benefits, including a stipend
If you find a learnership advertisement that interests you, make sure that you understand the following before submitting an application:
- Does the advertisement state that learners must be unemployed?
- Does the advertisement accept employed learners or 18.1 participants?
- Is it necessary for an applicant to already work for a participating employer?
- Does the program accept external applicants?
- Are there any restrictions in relation to qualifications, age, or previous participation?
Do not change your employment status just because you want to join a learnership. Confirm your eligibility before you apply, and ensure that a suitable opportunity is available.
Which Services SETA Learning Programmes Can Employed People Consider?
The choices available will depend on the programs that are offered, the requirements of an employer, and the funding arrangements.
Depending on the approved training programs, employed people may be able to join a learnership in a number of fields, including:
- Business administration and office support
- Customer service
- Marketing and communications
- Human resources
- Management and supervision
- Cleaning and facilities-related services
- Real estate-related services
- Other services occupations
These are just some examples of the occupational fields that may be available in the services sector. A Services SETA learner can complete a number of different training programs.
Before you apply for a particular course, make sure that it will contribute towards your career goals and that the training provider is authorized or accredited to provide the specific training where applicable.
What Documents May Employed Applicants Need?
Documents required will vary between programs, and you may be required to provide different information depending on the application process.
Common documents needed may include:
- South African identity document or other acceptable form of proof of identity
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Qualifications
- Academic records
- Proof of employment
- Employer approval or supporting documentation
- Other documents requested on the advertisement
Do not provide documents requested for one learnership for another application. Always apply according to the instructions of the program that you wish to join, and provide personal information only to the channels provided.
How to Find Official Services SETA Information for 2027
Workers can start by visiting official online resources and obtaining information from their employer.
Services SETA official website: www.servicesseta.org.za
Learner Information: Services SETA Learners
Employer information: Services SETA Employers
Visit these websites to gain an understanding of the organization and its function. You can also look at learner information and resources available to employers and training providers.
For a workplace training opportunity, your best point of contact will usually be your HR department or SDF. You can ask them whether your employer is planning to enroll any employees in a learnership or skills development program.
Creating a learner profile or contacting Services SETA does not guarantee that you will get a funded place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Services SETA learnership if I am permanently employed?
Possibly, if the program accepts employed learners. Check the eligibility criteria and whether your employer needs to organize your participation.
Can employed people apply for Services SETA learnerships in 2027?
Yes, for certain programs for which they are eligible to apply. Specific programs may have different conditions of entry, and some are only open to unemployed people.
What does 18.1 mean in a learnership?
It refers to an employed learner who is entering a qualifying learning program.
What does 18.2 mean in a learnership?
It refers to an unemployed learner who is entering a qualifying learning program.
Will I receive a stipend if I am already employed?
You will continue to receive your salary under your employment contract. A stipend should not be assumed because you are employed, unless the program provides for it.
Can my employer pay for my Services SETA training?
Your employer may be able to apply for the appropriate SETA funding, depending on the program and whether they comply with the requirements.
Must I resign before joining a learnership?
Not necessarily. Some programs are open to employed people, so always confirm whether you are eligible before you resign from your job.
Where can I check the latest Services SETA opportunities?
You can look at the official Services SETA website and the Learner Information page. You can also ask your employer’s HR department or SDF whether any programs are available.
Final Advice: Check Your Eligibility Before Applying
Being employed does not necessarily prevent you from gaining a learnership or skills development program with Services SETA.
The best thing to do is to find a program that is suitable for your circumstances and confirm that you are eligible to apply. If you are employed, the easiest place to start is by contacting your HR department or Skills Development Facilitator.
If you are applying for a learnership that has been advertised separately, you should confirm whether it is open to employed applicants before submitting your documents. Make sure that you understand the length of the program, the payment arrangements and any other conditions.
This article is an independent information guide and is not an official Services SETA recruitment advertisement. The programs and their requirements may change from time to time, so always confirm the latest information with Services SETA or the relevant organization.
Sources and Verification
- Services SETA Learner Information
- Services SETA Employers
- Services SETA official website
Editorial note: The difference between 18.1 and 18.2 learners has been described generally. Always confirm the requirements for a specific program before applying.
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Featured image alt text: Employed South African workers attending workplace skills development training through a learnership programme.
