Learnerships in Durban for Matriculants (Paid Training 2026)
If you've just finished matric and have no work experience, a learnership is one of the best ways to start your career in Durban. You get paid while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and most importantly — you get real workplace experience that employers value.
This guide covers what learnerships are, which ones are available in Durban, what they pay, and exactly how to apply. For other entry-level options, see our complete guide to jobs in Durban with no experience.
What Is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured work-based learning programme registered with a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). It combines:
- Classroom training (theory) — Usually 30% of the programme
- Workplace experience (practical) — Usually 70% of the programme
- A monthly stipend (you get paid while learning)
- A nationally recognised qualification upon completion
Learnerships typically last 12–24 months. Many employers hire learners permanently after completion.
Learnership Stipends in Durban (2026)
| SETA / Industry | Monthly Stipend | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Services SETA (Call Centre) | R3,500 – R5,000 | 12 months |
| W&R SETA (Retail) | R3,000 – R4,500 | 12 months |
| MerSETA (Manufacturing) | R4,000 – R6,000 | 12–18 months |
| TETA (Transport & Logistics) | R3,500 – R5,500 | 12 months |
| CATHSSETA (Hospitality) | R3,000 – R4,500 | 12 months |
| BANKSETA (Financial) | R4,500 – R6,500 | 12–24 months |
| MICT SETA (IT & Media) | R4,000 – R6,000 | 12 months |
| HWSETA (Health & Welfare) | R3,500 – R5,000 | 12–18 months |
Stipends vary by employer and programme. Some large companies offer higher stipends and additional benefits like transport or meals.
Types of Learnerships Available in Durban
Call Centre / BPO Learnerships
Durban's booming BPO sector in Umhlanga offers learnerships in contact centre operations. You'll learn customer service, CRM systems and sales skills. Companies like Merchants, CCI and Outworx run regular programmes. See our call centre jobs guide for more detail.
Retail Learnerships
Major retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and TFG (Foschini Group) run NQF Level 2–4 learnerships in retail operations, merchandising and management. These are excellent stepping stones to store management careers. More in our retail jobs guide.
Manufacturing & Engineering Learnerships
Factories in Pinetown, Prospecton and Mobeni offer MerSETA-registered learnerships in welding, fitting and turning, electrical work, and quality control. Toyota, Sappi and packaging companies run regular intake programmes.
Hospitality & Tourism Learnerships
Hotels and restaurant groups along Umhlanga, the beachfront and Florida Road offer CATHSSETA learnerships in food preparation, front office operations and housekeeping.
