For thousands of young South Africans, SETA learnerships have been more than just skills programmes—they’ve become life-changing journeys that transform unemployed learners into confident, skilled professionals with real job prospects.
In this blog, we explore real success stories from SETA programmes, showing how these initiatives open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and further study. If you’re wondering whether a SETA learnership is worth it, these testimonials will inspire and motivate you.
What Are SETA Programmes?
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. These organisations are responsible for upskilling South Africans in various sectors—like finance, retail, agriculture, construction, and IT—through accredited training programmes and learnerships.
A learnership includes both:
- Classroom training (theory)
- Practical work experience at a company
On completion, learners receive a nationally recognised qualification and, in many cases, a job offer.
Why SETA Learnerships Matter
With high youth unemployment in South Africa, SETA learnerships provide a critical pathway to employment, especially for youth with limited access to tertiary education. Many learners also receive monthly stipends and ongoing mentorship.
But beyond the numbers, the true value lies in the real stories of young people who turned their lives around with the help of SETA.
Success Story 1: From Retail Learnership to Store Manager (W&RSETA)
Name: Phumzile N.
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
SETA: W&RSETA (Wholesale and Retail)
Programme: Retail Operations NQF Level 3 Learnership
“Before the learnership, I had never worked in a formal retail environment. I applied online through a training provider and got accepted. The programme changed everything—I learned customer service, stock control, and team leadership. Today, I’m a store manager in Durban. The W&RSETA programme gave me the confidence and skills I needed to grow.”
Outcome: Employed full-time, promoted within 2 years.
Success Story 2: IT Dreams Realised Through MICT SETA
Name: Tshepo M.
Province: Gauteng
SETA: MICT SETA (Media, Information and Communication Technology)
Programme: End-User Computing NQF Level 3
“I always loved computers but didn’t have money to study after matric. I heard about the MICT SETA learnership through SAYouth.mobi and applied. It included theory and job placement at an IT firm. After completing my qualification, they hired me permanently as a junior support technician.”
Outcome: Permanent IT job with future prospects for further study.
Success Story 3: Driving Toward Success with TETA
Name: Nomusa D.
Province: Mpumalanga
SETA: TETA (Transport Education and Training Authority)
Programme: Professional Driving Learnership
“As a single mother, I needed a job that could support my family. Through TETA, I qualified as a professional driver and received my Code 14 license. I now work full-time in logistics and am training to become a fleet supervisor.”
Outcome: Full-time employment, upskilling opportunities, and industry recognition.
Success Story 4: Entrepreneurial Growth from HWSETA Training
Name: Sipho L.
Province: Free State
SETA: HWSETA (Health and Welfare)
Programme: Ancillary Health Care Learnership
“After completing the HWSETA health care learnership, I volunteered at a clinic, and later opened a mobile wellness business. Today, I provide basic health services in rural areas and train other young people.”
Outcome: Self-employed entrepreneur with a growing client base.
Success Story 5: Rebuilding Lives in Construction with CETA
Name: Thabang P.
Province: Northern Cape
SETA: CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority)
Programme: Building and Civil Construction NQF Level 2
“I had dropped out of school and felt lost. A local NGO introduced me to CETA’s construction learnership. I developed skills in bricklaying and site safety, and today, I work on government housing projects.”
Outcome: Employed in construction sector, supporting his family, with long-term career plans.
Why These Stories Matter
These testimonials highlight what SETA learnerships actually do:
- Break the cycle of poverty and unemployment
- Build job-ready skills in critical industries
- Provide real work experience and professional references
- Offer long-term growth or entrepreneurial potential
How to Join a SETA Learnership
Inspired by these stories? Here’s how you can start your own journey:
Step 1: Choose a SETA Based on Your Interests
Examples:
- Finance → FASSET
- Media/IT → MICT SETA
- Health → HWSETA
- Retail → W&RSETA
- Agriculture → AGRISETA
Step 2: Find Available Learnerships
Use platforms like:
- https://sayouth.mobi
- https://www.skillsportal.co.za
- SETA websites (e.g., www.wrseta.org.za, www.mict.org.za)
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
- CV
- Certified ID copy
- School certificates (Grade 10–12)
- Proof of residence
Step 4: Apply and Stay Active
- Check emails/SMS regularly
- Respond quickly to interviews or assessments
- Be available full-time for the programme
Final Words: You Could Be the Next Success Story
From townships to tech hubs, SETA learnerships have changed the lives of young South Africans by providing training, income, dignity, and opportunity.
If you’re unemployed and unsure where to start—follow in the footsteps of Phumzile, Tshepo, Nomusa, Sipho, and Thabang. Their journeys prove that with the right support, anything is possible.
Helpful Resources to Get Started
- SAYouth.mobi – Register for Opportunities
- Skills Portal – Learnership Listings
- W&RSETA Careers
- MICT SETA Learnerships
- TETA Website
Want to Share Your SETA Journey?
Have you completed a learnership and found success? We’d love to hear from you. Share your story in the comments or reach out to be featured in our next post.