Sasol, Absa, Motus, iLearn and Other Major Employers Open Applications for Youth Opportunities in 2026
Thousands of unemployed South African youth are searching for learnership opportunities in 2026 as companies across banking, logistics, retail, telecommunications, mining and manufacturing continue opening applications for entry-level training programmes.
Many of these learnerships offer monthly stipends, accredited qualifications, practical workplace experience and possible career pathways into permanent employment.
For young people without work experience, learnerships remain one of the most important ways to gain recognised skills while earning a monthly allowance.
What Is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured training programme that combines:
- Theoretical learning
- Workplace experience
- Accredited qualifications
- Skills development
Most learnerships are registered through South Africa’s SETA system and are designed to improve employability among unemployed youth.
Top Learnerships Currently Open for 2026
Several major companies and organisations have already opened or announced learnership opportunities for 2026.
Popular Learnerships Open Now
| Programme | Industry | Estimated Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| iLearn Learnerships | Admin, Logistics, Marketing | Up to R5 700 |
| Sasol Learnerships | Administration & Technical | R5 000 – R7 500 |
| Motus Learnership | Automotive & Warehouse | Varies |
| UIF ITR Programme | Business & IT | Around R2 000 |
| Ericsson Learnership | Telecommunications | Varies |
| Rio Tinto Artisan Learnership | Mining & Trades | Varies |
| FNB Learnerships | Banking & Customer Service | Around R5 000+ |
Some programmes may also include transport support, mentorship, uniforms or training materials.
iLearn Learnerships Continue Growing in Popularity
One of the most searched youth programmes currently is the iLearn Learnership Programme.
Training Areas Often Available
- Business Administration
- Logistics
- Wholesale & Retail
- Marketing
- Contact Centre Support
- Project Management
Many of these opportunities are linked to SETA-accredited qualifications and target unemployed youth between 18 and 35 years old.
Sasol Learnerships Remain Highly Competitive
Sasol continues attracting thousands of applicants each year.
Why Sasol Learnerships Are Popular
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | Often between R5 000 and R7 500 |
| Accredited qualification | QCTO and SETA aligned |
| Workplace exposure | Major industrial facilities |
| Career opportunities | Technical and admin pathways |
Many Sasol programmes focus on:
- Administration
- Artisan training
- Chemical operations
- Mechanical trades
- Engineering support
Banking Learnerships Continue Expanding
Major financial institutions also continue offering youth development programmes.
Banks Offering Learnerships
| Bank | Common Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| First National Bank | Banking and customer service |
| Absa Group | Financial services |
| Standard Bank | Administration and banking |
| Nedbank | Client support |
These programmes usually target matriculants and first-time job seekers.
Motus Learnerships Offer Automotive Industry Experience
Motus Holdings continues providing opportunities linked to the automotive sector.
Common Training Areas
- Warehouse operations
- Parts management
- Automotive retail
- Supply chain support
- Logistics
Many learners receive practical workplace training inside dealership and distribution environments.
Telecommunications and IT Learnerships Growing Fast
Technology-focused learnerships are becoming increasingly important as digital skills demand continues rising.
IT and Telecom Opportunities
Ericsson and other technology companies regularly offer:
- Network operations training
- Technical support programmes
- IT systems exposure
- Telecommunications skills development
These opportunities may especially benefit youth interested in future digital careers.
Artisan Learnerships Still Offer Strong Career Paths
Mining and industrial companies continue investing heavily in artisan development.
Popular Artisan Trades
| Trade | Industry Demand |
|---|---|
| Electrician | High |
| Fitter & Turner | High |
| Boilermaker | High |
| Welder | High |
| Millwright | High |
Rio Tinto and other industrial employers often recruit learners with Mathematics and Science backgrounds.
Typical Requirements for Learnerships
Although requirements differ, most programmes follow similar entry rules.
General Requirements
| Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African ID |
| Age | Usually 18–35 |
| Education | Grade 10–12 |
| Employment status | Unemployed |
| Other studies | Not studying full-time |
Some technical programmes may require Mathematics, Physical Science or computer literacy.
Documents Usually Required
Applicants should prepare documents early before applications close.
Common Application Documents
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Matric certificate or latest results
- Proof of residence
- Bank confirmation letter
- SARS tax number
Some employers may also request motivational letters or competency assessments.
Why Learnerships Matter for South African Youth
Learnerships remain one of the biggest youth employment pathways in South Africa.
Main Benefits
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Workplace experience | Improves employability |
| Accredited qualification | Builds recognised skills |
| Monthly stipend | Financial support |
| Networking | Industry exposure |
| Career growth | Potential employment |
For many applicants, a learnership becomes their first formal workplace opportunity.
Where to Find Official Learnership Applications
Applicants should always use trusted and official platforms.
Reliable Learnership Sources
- SETA portals
- Company career websites
- SAYouth platform
- Corporate recruitment portals
- Accredited training providers
Avoid unofficial websites requesting payment for applications.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Mistakes That Cause Rejections
- Using outdated CVs
- Missing certified documents
- Incorrect contact details
- Applying after deadline
- Applying without meeting requirements
Competition is often very high, especially for large companies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are learnerships paid?
Yes. Most learnerships provide monthly stipends.
Can I apply without Matric?
Some programmes accept Grade 10 or Grade 11.
Do learnerships guarantee jobs?
No. However, they improve employability and workplace experience.
Which learnerships pay the highest stipends?
Technical, mining and specialised programmes often pay higher stipends.
Can I apply for multiple learnerships?
Yes. Many applicants apply for several programmes at the same time.
Final Thoughts
The growing number of learnership opportunities opening for 2026 offers important hope for unemployed South African youth seeking practical training, recognised qualifications and workplace experience.
From banking and telecommunications to logistics, mining and manufacturing, employers continue investing in skills development programmes designed to help young people enter the workforce.
For applicants hoping to secure opportunities in 2026, early preparation, updated documents and consistent applications may significantly improve their chances of success.
