October 2025 SETA Learnerships Open for Applications Now!

October 2025 marks a critical window for South African youth and job seekers: multiple SETA learnerships are currently open for applications. If you’ve been waiting to gain hands-on experience, join an accredited training programme, and earn while you learn, this is your moment. In this article, we’ll explore which SETAs are accepting applications, eligibility requirements, tips to apply successfully, and how to increase your chances of being selected.

What Is a SETA Learnership?

A learnership is a structured learning programme combining theory and practical workplace experience, registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It’s a bridge between formal education and employment. SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) coordinate and support these programmes to fill skills gaps in industries across South Africa. 

Learners in these programmes often receive a stipend (not a full salary) to help with living costs while they complete the learnership. 

The duration of a learnership can vary depending on the NQF level and the sector, often ranging from 12 to 24 months. 

Why October 2025 Is Important

• October tends to be part of the final intake period (October–December) for many SETA learnerships, making it your last opportunity in 2025.  
• Some SETAs open new cycles or publish their final adverts for the year in October, so checking announcements now gives you a competitive advantage.  
• Many deadlines for learnerships close around the end of October or early November, so acting early is crucial.  

If you miss this window, you may have to wait until early 2026 for new applications.

Which SETAs Are Accepting Applications?

Here are some of the active SETAs and sectors currently advertising open or finalised learnerships:

These are just examples — many other SETAs may also be running open cycles in your region or sector of interest. Always check the relevant SETA’s official website or updates for your province.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

While specific criteria differ by SETA and programme, here are common eligibility requirements and guidelines:

• South African citizenship (or valid permit)  
• Age range, frequently between 18 and 35 years old  
• Grade 12 (Matric) certificate, or a related qualification, depending on the learnership level  
• Unemployed or partly employed, not enrolled in full-time studies in many cases  
• Clean criminal record in many cases  
• Willingness to commit to the full duration of the programme  

Always check the specific learnership advert, because some programmes may have additional or relaxed criteria.

Documents & Application Essentials

To apply smoothly, you should prepare and submit the following:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID or valid permit  
2. Certified copy of Matric certificate or highest qualification  
3. Updated CV / résumé (highlight skills, short courses, projects)  
4. Proof of residence / address (not older than 3 months)  
5. Motivational letter or personal statement describing your interest, goals, how you’ll contribute  
6. Any additional documents specified in the advert (e.g. portfolio, transcripts, reference letters)

Ensure your documents are clear and certified (by a commissioner of oaths or equivalent). Some portals reject blurry scans or uncertified documents.

Useful links

• www.serviceseta.org.za
• www.mict.org.za
• www.bankseta.org.za

How to Apply: Process & Tips

Here’s a typical application workflow, with tips to strengthen your chances:

1. Monitor SETA and job listing portals
   Keep tabs on SETA websites, national skills portals, Careers24, Skills Portal, SA Youth platforms.  
2. Register on learner portals or with SETAs
   Some SETAs require you to register on a dedicated learner portal before applying. The Services SETA, for example, provides a learner portal for managing profiles.  
3. Select suitable learnerships
   Look for programmes that match your interest, qualification level, and location. Don’t apply for dozens carelessly — quality over quantity.
4. Submit applications early
   Don’t wait until the deadline. Early submissions often get reviewed favorably, and some positions close once filled.
5. Prepare for assessments or interviews
   Some programmes include tests or interviews after shortlist. Dress professionally, prepare answers, show enthusiasm.
6. Follow up politely
   After a few weeks, if there’s no feedback, send a polite email to the contact point asking for status. It shows initiative.
7. Keep checking for updates
   Sometimes, due to delays or budget shifts, SETAs extend deadlines or post supplementary opportunities. Stay vigilant.

Benefits of Joining a SETA Learnership

Joining a SETA learnership in October 2025 offers multiple advantages:

• Earn while you learn — you receive a stipend to help cover transport, meals, and basic needs.  
• Gain real work experience — actual industry exposure enhances your skills and resumes.
• Obtain a nationally recognized qualification — the learnership outcome is often registered with SAQA.  
• Improve employability — many companies prefer graduates who’ve completed SETA programmes.
• Network and mentorship — working alongside professionals gives you connections and guidance.
• Pathway to permanent employment — many learners get absorbed into the host company after completion.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

• High competition
  Many applicants vie for limited slots. Mitigate this by submitting a standout CV and personal statement.
• Missing deadlines
  Because this is a final intake, deadlines might come quickly. Use reminders and set alarms.
• Unclear adverts
  Some postings lack full detail. If so, contact the listed email or phone number to clarify.
• Portal or technical issues
  Sometimes online portals crash near closing time. Submit early, and have alternate plans (email, manual drop-off) if allowed.
• Document problems
  Disqualified because of poor scans, uncertified copies, or missing pages. Double-check everything before submission.

Sample Learnership Opportunities (October–December 2025)

Below are illustrative examples of learnerships either open or expected in this period (based on recent adverts). These are not guaranteed, so verify via official sources.

• AFRIMAT Mechanical Engineering Learnership — Applicants studying toward a mechanical engineering qualification. Closing date mid-October.
• FNB 12-Month Learnership Programme — stipend, roles in finance or operations.
• Senqu Municipality HR / Admin Internship (36 months) — local government exposure.
• CATHSSETA Hospitality / Tourism Learnerships — roles in hotel operations, events, food service.
• EWSETA Environmental/Water Learnerships — technical roles in water treatment, sustainable energy.
• Retail / Sales Learnerships under W&RSETA — service, merchandising, store operations.

Again, these are examples drawn from listings observed in 2025 media reports. Always use the official SETA adverts. 

Keywords for SEO (Use Naturally in Title, Subheadings, Body)

• October 2025 SETA learnerships
• SETA learnerships open applications
• SETA learnership 2025 final intake
• how to apply SETA learnership
• online SETA learnership application
• learnership opportunities South Africa
• SETA stipend learnership

By integrating these phrases smoothly in headings and content, you improve search visibility without unnatural keyword stuffing.

Final Checklist Before You Submit

• Are all documents certified and legible?
• Is your CV well formatted, no more than 2 pages?
• Have you tailored your motivational letter to the learnership?
• Did you register on any required SETA/learner portal?
• Did you apply early, before deadline?
• Did you note contact details and reference numbers?
• Do you have digital backups of all submitted files?

Conclusion & Call to Action

October 2025 is a critical window for seizing learnership opportunities across South Africa. This is likely your last chance in 2025 to enter a structured, accredited programme that combines real-world work with training. The key to success is preparation, early submission, clear documents, and applying to learnerships aligned with your interests.

Don’t delay — act now:

1. Identify your sector (IT, engineering, hospitality, retail, etc.).
2. Visit the relevant SETA website or skills portal today.
3. Prepare your documents and submit your best application.

Best of luck! If you like, I can help you find live learnership adverts in your province or career field for October 2025.

Michael Turner

Michael Turner is the editor of seta-training.co.za, specialising in verified learnership, internship, and bursary opportunities across South Africa. He has over five years of experience researching youth development programmes and helping job seekers access credible career information. All opportunities shared are checked against official company or government sources to ensure accuracy. Contact: support@seta-training.co.za | +27 60 737 0000