Top Companies Hiring SETA Graduates in South Africa, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a vital role in equipping young people with practical skills through learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships. But what happens after you complete your SETA training? Which companies are actually hiring SETA graduates?
In this guide, we highlight top companies in South Africa that regularly hire SETA graduates, across different sectors such as retail, finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and logistics. Whether you’re finishing your learnership or planning your career, this article helps you explore real employment opportunities for SETA graduates in 2025.
Why Companies Hire SETA Graduates
SETAs are designed to close the skills gap in South Africa. Graduates from these programmes are work-ready, having already undergone a combination of theoretical learning and on-the-job training. This makes them attractive to employers who are looking for:
- Candidates with practical industry experience
- Youth employment solutions aligned with B-BBEE
- Staff trained in line with national qualifications frameworks
- Future leaders who understand South African business needs
Let’s now explore the leading companies across sectors that are actively hiring SETA-aligned graduates.
1. Shoprite Group (Retail Sector)
Shoprite is one of South Africa’s largest retail employers and frequently absorbs learners who have completed retail SETA learnerships. They offer graduate programmes, internships, and permanent roles for those who have completed:
- Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) qualifications
- Retail Management or Merchandising learnerships
- Supply chain, logistics, and customer service programmes
Job opportunities: Sales assistants, inventory controllers, trainee managers, cashiers, supply chain administrators.
2. FNB and Standard Bank (Banking & Finance Sector)
Banks like First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank partner with the Banking SETA (BANKSETA) and Finance and Accounting Services SETA (FASSET) to onboard skilled youth through:
- Learnerships in finance, IT, and data analytics
- Graduate programmes for unemployed youth
- Internal promotions after SETA-aligned internships
Job opportunities: Bank tellers, finance clerks, IT support, junior analysts, credit controllers.
3. Sasol (Energy and Manufacturing Sector)
Sasol is one of South Africa’s largest energy and chemical companies. They actively recruit SETA graduates, particularly from:
- CHIETA (Chemical Industries SETA)
- MERSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA)
- MQA (Mining Qualifications Authority)
Job opportunities: Chemical plant operators, artisans, engineering assistants, environmental health and safety technicians.
4. Transnet (Logistics and Infrastructure Sector)
Transnet is South Africa’s state-owned freight and logistics company. They run large-scale SETA-aligned programmes for youth and often absorb top-performing learners into full-time positions.
Relevant SETAs include:
- TETA (Transport Education and Training Authority)
- MERSETA
- INSETA (Insurance SETA for risk, compliance, admin roles)
Job opportunities: Logistics assistants, train control officers, diesel mechanics, safety officers, admin clerks.
5. MTN and Vodacom (Telecommunications Sector)
Telecom giants MTN and Vodacom recruit graduates who’ve completed ICT-related learnerships through:
- MICT SETA (Media, Information and Communication Technologies)
- INSETA (for customer service and insurance-related roles)
- Services SETA (for business support services)
Job opportunities: Call centre agents, network support technicians, IT helpdesk support, digital marketers.
6. Bidvest Group (Diversified Services Sector)
Bidvest is a massive South African conglomerate that operates in services, logistics, hygiene, security, and catering. They actively recruit SETA graduates into divisions like:
- Bidvest Facilities Management
- Bidvest Prestige
- Bidvest Security and Protea Coin
Relevant SETAs include:
- Services SETA
- CATHSSETA (Tourism and Hospitality)
- TETA
Job opportunities: Security personnel, facilities coordinators, hospitality trainees, cleaning supervisors.
7. Department of Health and Public Sector Entities
Many government departments hire SETA graduates—especially those who completed public administration, HR, and health-related learnerships.
Departments include:
- Department of Health
- Department of Public Works
- Department of Social Development
- Municipalities and provincial governments
SETAs involved:
- PSETA (Public Service SETA)
- HWSETA (Health and Welfare SETA)
- LGSETA (Local Government SETA)
Job opportunities: Admin assistants, nurses, social workers, health promoters, community development officers.
8. Toyota and BMW (Automotive Sector)
Automotive giants Toyota and BMW offer structured apprenticeship and artisan programmes aligned with MERSETA. Learners completing programmes in mechanical engineering, auto-electrical, fitting and turning, or panel beating often transition into full-time roles.
Job opportunities: Artisans, machine operators, quality controllers, maintenance technicians.
RELATED: What is SETA? – A Complete Overview
Tips for SETA Graduates Looking for Jobs
If you’ve just completed a SETA learnership or internship, here are a few key tips to help you land a job:
- Update your CV to reflect your SETA-accredited qualification and work experience.
- Apply directly on company career portals – most have dedicated youth development pages.
- Register on platforms like sayouth.mobi and RealisticJobs.com to get SETA-related opportunities.
- Network with mentors and previous facilitators – referrals can help you get noticed.
- Follow up after submitting your application. Persistence pays.
Why SETA Graduates Are in Demand
South African companies are under pressure to meet transformation, skills development, and employment equity targets. Hiring SETA graduates is a cost-effective, sustainable way to build a skilled workforce while contributing to national development goals.
Additionally, SETA-trained individuals are better prepared for the workplace because of:
- Exposure to real-world tasks
- NQF-aligned qualifications
- Work ethic and discipline gained during learnerships
Final Thoughts: Top Companies Hiring SETA Graduates in South Africa
SETAs open doors—but it’s the companies that keep them open. As a SETA graduate, you have a head start, but the next step is crucial. These companies are not only looking for qualifications; they want young professionals who are willing to grow, contribute, and thrive.
If you’re strategic in your job search, align your interests with the right sector, and stay proactive, you can turn your learnership into a full-time career.