Careers in the Services Sector

Careers in the Services Sector: A Guide to Opportunities with the Services SETA

The services sector is one of the largest and most diverse parts of South Africa’s economy, offering a wide range of career opportunities. From professional consulting firms and real estate to hair salons and cleaning services, this sector covers services delivered to both businesses and individuals.

To streamline learning and career development within this sector, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has assigned specific services qualifications and occupations to various SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities). While financial and social services fall under Banking, Insurance, and Social Services SETAs, the Services SETA covers all other service-related industries.

What Careers Fall Under the Services SETA?

The Services SETA supports qualifications in a variety of industries, including:

These sectors represent a broad mix of formal employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. One key area is artisanal work, which includes skilled trades like hairdressing, tailoring, and fashion design. These skills are highly versatile and can be used to gain employment or start a business.

Why Consider a Career in the Services Sector?

  • Diverse Opportunities: From marketing and management to real estate and personal care, there are endless career paths to explore.
  • Entrepreneurship Potential: Many qualifications equip individuals to run their own businesses.
  • Skills Mobility: Service-related skills are often in demand across provinces and even internationally.

Services SETA Learner Portal: Your Gateway to Opportunity

The Services SETA Learner Portal is a tool designed to connect prospective learners with accredited training providers and employers. By registering, your profile becomes visible to stakeholders offering SETA-funded training programmes.

Key Features of the Learner Portal:

  • Create and manage your learner profile
  • Update your contact information
  • Subscribe to receive updates on new opportunities

How to Register:

To join the portal, simply create an account using:

  1. A username of your choice
  2. A secure password
  3. A valid email address
  4. Your South African ID number

Once registered, your details are managed by the Services SETA’s Project Coordination Unit, which matches learners with available opportunities.

➡️ Access the portal via the Services SETA website homepage.

What You Need to Know – Duties and Rights

Once you’ve been enrolled in a learning programme as a leaner, you need to understand your responsibilities and duties. Learner agreements with employers are guided by the Skills Development Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Unemployment Insurance Act – these acts prescribe the responsibilities of leaners and employers engaged in a learning programme.

Any person – be they employed or unemployed – can participate in a learning programme. If employed, you can register for a learnership through your company or within the sector that your company operates in. If you are unemployed, you may register for placement via the Services SETA learner portal or through a Services SETA accredited provider in your area.

The Learner Has the Right to:

  • Receive an induction to the workplace-based learning programme;
  • Be educated and trained under the workplace-based learning programme;
  • Access to the required resources for all required curriculum components of the work-based learning programme;
  • Be assessed internally as specified and have access to the assessment results of the workplace-based learning programme;
  • Have access to final external summative assessments as specified in the assessment specification;
  • If successful, be awarded a certificate of competence by the relevant body;
  • In the case of an unemployed learner, receive the agreed workplace-based learning programme allowance for the duration of the learning programme
  • Raise grievances in writing with the SETA concerning any shortcomings in the quality of the education and training under the workplace-based learning programme.

UIF Contributions for Learners

Learners on stipend-based programmes are eligible for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits. A 2% UIF contribution is made — 1% from the learner and 1% from the employer — based on the stipend received.

Find Accredited Training Providers

Only accredited Skills Development Providers (SDPs) can offer official Services SETA qualifications. Always verify accreditation before enrolling.

Why Choose Accredited Providers?

  • Quality-assured training
  • Nationally recognized qualifications
  • Eligibility for BEE points and tax rebates
  • Compliance with National Qualifications Framework (NQF) standards

✅ Search the Services SETA Accreditation Database to find approved training providers in your area.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming — but with the Services SETA, you’re supported with resources, guidance, and access to formal qualifications that lead to meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.

Ready to start your journey?

Visit the Services SETA Learner Portal and register today to unlock training and career opportunities in South Africa’s vibrant services sector.

Upload your CV to our database and we will contact you if a suitable role becomes available.

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