W&RSETA – Transforming Skills in South Africa’s Wholesale & Retail Sector

Introduction

W&RSETA – Wholesale & Retail Learnerships-The Wholesale & Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s economy by developing a skilled, competitive workforce within one of the nation’s largest employment sectors . Through funding, training, and accreditation, W&RSETA connects learners, employers, and training providers, driving social transformation and economic growth. One of its key offerings? Learnerships—structured, qualifications-linked workplace training aimed at youth empowerment and business readiness.

What Are W&RSETA Learnerships?

A learnership is a structured learning program that combines practical, on-the-job training with formal classroom education. Accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), learnerships lead to nationally recognized qualifications across levels 2 to 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) . These programs are:

Work-integrated – training happens in real workplaces
Funded – stipends provided to learners
Outcome-oriented – certifications at completion

W&RSETA offers learnerships at various NQF levels, targeting both entry-level and supervisory careers.

Primary Learnership Tracks

1. NQF Level 2 – Wholesale & Retail Distribution Operations

Qualification: National Certificate (SAQA ID 49280)
Credits: 125
Duration: ~12 months
Who? Employed or unemployed individuals starting a career in distribution, wholesale, or mail-order retail; adult learners also welcome.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Fundamental modules: Communication (two South African languages) & Mathematical Literacy
- Practical skills: Stock handling, safety protocols, basic admin

2. NQF Level 3 – Wholesale & Retail Operations

Qualification: National Certificate (SAQA ID 63409)
Credits: 135 over one year
Who? Those who completed Level 2 or are already employed in retail/wholesale and wish to upskill.
Core Objectives:
- Ensuring customer experience excellence
- Inventory management
- Sales strategies and marketing fundamentals
- Credit handling and stock control

3. NQF Level 4 – Further Education & Training Certificate: Generic Management

Qualification: Generic Management certificate (SAQA ID 63333 / 57712)
Credits: 157 in a year
Who? Emerging supervisors, team leaders, foremen, or junior managers aiming to enhance management skills.
Skill Focus:
- Leadership & ethics
- People management
- Planning, organising, control functions
- Self-management and decision-making

Benefits of Participating in W&RSETA – Wholesale & Retail Learnerships

✅ Certified & Accredited Qualifications

Every qualification is SAQA-recognized and linked to the NQF, ensuring national portability .

✅ Workplace Experience

Training occurs within actual retail or wholesale environments—balancing theory and real-world application.

✅ Stipend Support

Learners earn a monthly stipend to offset transport and living costs—removing financial barriers .

✅ Career Pipelines

Structured pathways allow learners to progress from NQF Level 2 through management levels, helping businesses build internal talent pipelines.

✅ Social & Economic Impact

Programs target historically disadvantaged groups and communities, fostering employment, income growth, and social equity .

W&RSETA in Action

Several leading companies partner with W&RSETA to run focused learnerships. For example:

• Pepkor Lifestyle Group

Pepkor (including brands like Shoe City and Dunns) offers a 12-month NQF‑aligned program in customer service, merchandising, POS transactions, and stock control. Applicants receive a stipend and learn English/mathematics fundamentals—ideal for those aged 18–35 who completed matric .

• TVET Colleges & Accredited Providers

Institutions like Vuselela College offer Level 2 retail operations programs to unemployed youth, funded through W&RSETA grants .

These initiatives blend classroom instruction with in-store exposure, ensuring learners develop both theory and professional abilities.

Other W&RSETA Opportunities

Beyond learnerships, W&RSETA also offers:

Internship Programs (12 months) in areas like HR, finance, ICT, supply chain, and quality assurance .
Short Skills Programs – bite-sized courses in digital marketing, customer service, inventory management, etc.
Bursaries & Scholarships for formal qualifications tied to the sector.
Mentorships and workplace mentoring support.
Discretionary Grants – funding for employers and training centers to address skills gaps.

How to Apply

Step-by-step:

Identify your level & program – Entry-level? Go for Level 2; aspiring manager? Consider Level 4.
Find accredited providers – W&RSETA’s site lists providers; TVET colleges also participate.
Prepare & submit documents – Usually: certified ID, matric certificate, CV, and possibly bank details.
Attend selection/screening – Some include interviews or assessments.
Begin learning – Enjoy a year of mixed classroom and workplace training, with stipends and mentoring.

Visit: application to register a learnership

For opportunities like the Pepkor program, applications typically close mid-year (for example, July 31, 2025) .

W&RSETA – Wholesale & Retail Learnerships Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who qualifies?
South African citizens or permanent residents, age restrictions vary per program; most require at least Grade 10–12.

Q: Do I need work experience?
Not usually. NQF Level 2 caters to those starting out—prior experience isn’t mandatory.

Q: What happens afterward?
Graduates earn accredited qualifications, can be placed in permanent roles, or continue studying and progressing through higher NQF levels.

Q: Is it paid?
Yes—learners receive stipends over the training period.

Why This Matters

Provides pathways into formal employment for South African youth
Helps employers develop fit-for-purpose, skilled staff
Aligns training with industry needs and internationally benchmarked standards
Contributes to broader socio-economic upliftment and transformation goals

Conclusion

W&RSETA’s learnership programs deliver a powerful trio of benefits:

Quality Education – Nationally recognized qualifications
Practical Experience – Real-world workplace training
Employability – Stipends and employment linkages upon completion

For individuals, these learnerships unlock job opportunities and career pathways. For businesses, they build a competent workforce; and for the South African economy, they drive growth, inclusion, and transformation across one of its largest sectors.

If you’re a young South African with retail ambitions, explore W&RSETA-funded learnerships now—plans are posted mid-year, with application deadlines around July annually. Secure your future through structured, accredited, workplace-ready training.

View Latest Learnerships

SA-SETA is a registered non-profit organization, NPO No: 256 – 362, and a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO): 360077984. We want to inform you that SA-SETA never asks for money or CVs from individuals in exchange for job opportunities. Please be cautious of fake job postings and recruitment scams.

W&RSETA – Wholesale & Retail Learnerships