Office Clerk with Services SETA: Skills, Training & Career Guide

If you’re looking for an entry-level position that opens doors to various industries, becoming an Office Clerk through a Services SETA-accredited programme is a great opportunity. With structured training, hands-on experience, and a pathway to employment, it’s an ideal choice for young South Africans ready to build a professional future.

What Does an Office Clerk Do?

An Office Clerk handles general administrative tasks that keep an office running smoothly. They support management, interact with clients, and ensure documents and records are organised and up to date.

Typical Duties:

  • Filing and managing documents
  • Data entry and recordkeeping
  • Answering phones and taking messages
  • Assisting with office supplies and inventory
  • Supporting various departments with admin tasks

Office clerks are employed in a wide range of sectors including education, healthcare, retail, legal, finance, and government.

Services SETA: Your Skills Development Partner

The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) ensures high-quality, industry-relevant training in South Africa’s services sector. They accredit training providers, fund learnerships, and help bridge the gap between school and the workplace.

Relevant Office Clerk Qualifications

Qualification TitleNQF LevelSAQA ID
National Certificate: Business Administration ServicesLevel 367465
Further Education and Training Certificate: Business AdminLevel 461595
Skills Programme: Office Clerk/Admin AssistantLevel 2–4Varies

These qualifications combine classroom learning with practical work experience, preparing you for real-world office environments.

Key Skills You’ll Learn

  • Office etiquette and communication
  • Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, emails)
  • Data capturing and administrative systems
  • Time management and problem solving
  • Recordkeeping and document control

These skills are highly transferable, giving you flexibility across many job roles and sectors.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in a Services SETA-accredited Office Clerk programme, you usually need:

  • Grade 10–12 (Matric is preferred)
  • South African ID
  • Age between 18–35 (for funded learnerships)
  • Basic computer skills
  • Good communication and organisation skills

Do You Get Paid?

Yes! Most Services SETA-funded learnerships come with a monthly stipend, which typically ranges from R2,000 to R4,500. This helps you cover transport and basic expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

Where to Study: Accredited Training Providers

Choose a provider that is officially accredited by Services SETA. Here are some institutions that often offer office clerk training:

  • Skills Academy
  • INTEC College
  • Oxbridge Academy
  • Damelin
  • Tushiyah Advisory Services
  • Public TVET Colleges (e.g. Tshwane South TVET College, South Cape TVET College)

Before applying, ask for their accreditation number and confirm with Services SETA’s website.

How to Apply for an Office Clerk Learnership

  1. Find a Services SETA-accredited provider or company offering learnerships
  2. Prepare your documents:
    • Certified copy of your ID
    • CV
    • Latest school report or Matric certificate
  3. Apply online or in person
  4. Complete an assessment or interview if required
  5. Sign a learnership agreement if accepted

You can find learnerships advertised on:

  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Department of Labour offices
  • SETA partner websites

Career Opportunities After Completion

An Office Clerk qualification can lead to jobs such as:

  • Office Administrator
  • Receptionist
  • Personal Assistant (PA)
  • Call Centre Agent
  • Records or Filing Clerk
  • Junior Admin Officer

With experience, you can climb the ladder to become an Office Manager, Executive Assistant, or pursue higher-level qualifications in business administration

Final Thoughts

The role of an Office Clerk is a gateway to bigger opportunities. With the support of the Services SETA, you can learn valuable administrative skills, gain real-world experience, and get paid while doing it.

Whether you’re just out of school or changing careers, Services SETA learnerships can help you take the first step toward a stable, growth-oriented career in office administration.

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