Internships and Learnerships: Breaking into the Industry

The “Catch-22” of the South African job market is a cruel joke that every graduate knows too well: You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience.

In 2026, with youth unemployment figures remaining a national crisis, the bridge across this gap is rarely a direct permanent job offer. Instead, the bridge is built on Internships and Learnerships. These programs are not just “cheap labour” for corporates; they are strategic entry points designed to bypass the traditional barriers of entry.

However, not all programs are created equal. Understanding the difference between a SETA-funded learnership and a corporate graduate programme is crucial for your career planning. Before you sign a 12-month contract, it is vital to understand the broader economic landscape by reading our analysis on youth unemployment stats, which explains why these programs are currently the government’s primary tool for job creation.

This guide decodes the legalities, the expectations, and the strategy to turn a 12-month contract into a permanent career.

Internships vs. Learnerships: What is the Difference?

In South Africa, these terms are often used interchangeably, but they are legally distinct under the Skills Development Act. Knowing the difference affects your salary (stipend), your qualification, and your tax status.

1. The Internship (Graduate Programme)

• Target: Usually for candidates who already have a Degree or Diploma.
• Goal: To provide practical work experience relevant to your field of study.
• Structure: You work like a normal employee. There is usually no formal “classroom” training, just on-the-job mentorship.
• The Pay: Corporate graduate programmes (e.g., at banks or consulting firms) often pay well (R10,000 – R25,000 pm). Government internships often pay a standard stipend (approx R5,000 – R7,000 pm).

2. The Learnership

• Target: Can be for Matriculants or Graduates.
• Goal: To gain a specific NQF (National Qualifications Framework) qualification while working.
• Structure: It is a mix of theory (30%) and practical work (70%). You will have to attend classes and submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) to get your certificate.
• The Incentive: Companies love learnerships because they get massive tax rebates from SARS and points on their B-BBEE scorecard.
• The Pay: This is a stipend regulated by the Sectoral Determination. It is generally lower than an internship, often ranging from R3,500 to R6,500 depending on the NQF level.

Zama’s HR Secret: When applying for a Learnership, remember that the company needs you to finish. If you drop out, they lose their tax rebate and their B-BBEE points. This gives you a unique kind of job security—they want you to pass.

Where to Find These Opportunities

Don’t just rely on LinkedIn. These programs are often advertised through specific channels linked to government mandates.

• The YES (Youth Employment Service) Programme: This is a private sector initiative that places youth in 12-month work experiences. Register your profile on the YES4Youth platform.
• SETA Websites: Each sector (Banking, Insurance, Retail, etc.) has a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). Visit websites like BankSETA or MerSETA directly to look for funded programs.
• Career Portals: Websites like Gradlinc specifically cater to entry-level roles and graduate placements in SA.

To understand which sectors are actually hiring right now, cross-reference your applications with our guide on navigating the South African job market.

The Strategy: Turning “Contract” into “Permanent”

The biggest fear is being part of the “churn”—working for 12 months and then being unemployed again. Here is how to audit-proof your position.

1. Treat the Stipend as a Retainer, Not a Salary

A stipend is meant to cover transport and food. It is not a wealth-building salary. If you complain constantly about the low pay, you signal that you don’t value the opportunity.

• The Mindset: You are being paid to learn. In university, you paid them. Here, they pay you.

2. The “Value-Add” Project

Don’t just do what you are told. By month 6, identify a small problem in the department and fix it.

• Example: “I noticed we spend 3 hours a week filing invoices manually. I created this Excel template that automates it.”
• Why this works: When managers discuss who to keep, they remember the problem-solvers, not the clock-watchers.

3. Network Internally

Do not just sit with the other interns. Eat lunch with the permanent staff. Ask senior managers for 15 minutes of advice.

• The Goal: When a vacancy opens up, you want to be the “internal candidate” they think of first, saving them recruitment fees.

The Legal Side: Your Rights

Just because you are an intern does not mean you have no rights. You are protected by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

• Leave: You are entitled to 1 day of annual leave for every 17 days worked (roughly 1.25 days a month).
• Sick Leave: You are entitled to sick leave (usually pro-rated for the first 6 months).
• UIF: Your employer must register you for UIF. If your contract ends and you are not absorbed, you can claim unemployment benefits while you look for your next role.

Monday Morning Checklist: The Application Sprint

• Register on the ESSA Database: This is the Department of Employment and Labour’s system (Employment Services of South Africa). Government departments look here first.
• Clean Up Your Social Media: Recruiters checking interns will look at TikTok and Instagram. Ensure there is nothing that screams “liability.”
• Draft a “Motivation Letter”: Stop using generic templates. Write a letter that says: “I know you are looking for someone to learn X. I have studied X, and I am ready to work hard to prove it.”

FAQ: Internships and Learnerships

Can I quit a Learnership if I get a better offer?

Yes, you can. However, read your contract carefully. Some contracts have a “clawback clause” where you might have to pay back the cost of the training/courses if you leave early without a valid reason.

Is there an age limit?

Most government-funded programs are strictly for youth aged 18 to 35. If you are over 35, you are less likely to be funded by a SETA, but you can still apply for private corporate internships.

Do I pay tax on a stipend?

Yes, if it exceeds the tax threshold. For the 2025/2026 tax year, if you earn less than R95,750 per year (approx R7,900 pm), you pay zero PAYE. If you earn more, you will be taxed.

What happens if I fail the Learnership assessments?

If you fail the academic component, the company is not obliged to pay you your final bonus (if applicable) and they are very unlikely to hire you permanently. Take the coursework as seriously as the office work.

Breaking into the industry is the hardest step. Once you are in, the momentum builds. View these programs not as “cheap labour,” but as a 12-month interview.