Key Takeaways: Earn While You Learn
- What is it? A Learnership is a work-based training programme. You study theory (30%) and work in a creche (70%).
- The Stipend: You get paid a monthly allowance (approx. R3,000 – R4,500) to cover transport and food.
- The Qualification: You graduate with a recognised NQF Level 4 Certificate (SAQA ID 97542).
- Where to find them: SA Youth (Harambee), ETDP SETA, and SmartStart.
- Cost: It is 100% FREE. If anyone asks you to pay a “registration fee,” it is a scam.
In 2026, the South African government is aggressively pushing to professionalize the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector. They realize that to fix the education crisis, they must fix the foundation.
This means there is massive funding available for ECD Learnerships.
Unlike a college course where you pay fees, a learnership pays you. It is the perfect entry point for unemployed youth who love children but have zero budget for studies.
However, these positions are highly competitive. For every 1 spot, there are 500 applicants. To get in, you need to know where to look and how to structure your application.
1. What Exactly is an ECD Learnership?
A learnership is not an internship. An internship is for someone who already has a degree. A learnership is for someone who needs a qualification.
The Structure:
- Duration: 12 Months (usually).
- Theory: You spend 1 week a month in a classroom learning about child psychology, nutrition, and lesson planning.
- Practical: You spend 3 weeks a month working in a registered ECD Centre (Creche) or Primary School.
- The Qualification: At the end, you receive the Occupational Certificate: ECD Practitioner (NQF Level 4).
2. The Stipend: How Much Will You Get?
The stipend is not a salary; it is an allowance to help you survive while you train. The amount is regulated by the Department of Employment and Labour.
2026 Estimates:
- Minimum: Approx. R3,000 per month.
- Average: Approx. R3,500 – R4,500 per month.
- Government/EPWP Programmes: Sometimes higher (R4,500+).
Note: You do not pay tax on this stipend.
3. Minimum Requirements 2026
To qualify, you generally need to meet the “Youth” criteria.
- Age: 18 – 35 years old.
- Employment: You must be currently unemployed and not studying full-time.
- Education:
- Grade 12 (Matric) is preferred.
- Some learnerships (like SmartStart) accept Grade 10 or 11 if you have a passion for children.
- Math Literacy is usually required.
- Criminal Record: You MUST have a clean record. You will be working with children, so you will be vetted against the Sexual Offenders Register.
4. Where to Find Legit Learnerships (The “Big 3”)
Do not rely on random Facebook posts. Stick to these three official channels.
1. SA Youth (Harambee)
This is the official government portal for youth employment.
- How to apply:
- Go to
mobi.sayouth.org.za. - Register and create a profile.
- Search for “Early Childhood” or “Assistant Teacher.”
- Tip: Keep your profile updated every 2 weeks, or the system marks you as “Inactive.”
- Go to
2. ETDP SETA (Education, Training and Development Practices)
The ETDP SETA funds most education learnerships.
- How to apply: They do not always recruit directly. They fund Training Providers (colleges) who then recruit students.
- Strategy: Follow the ETDP SETA Facebook page and check their website
www.etdpseta.org.zaunder “Learnerships” every month.
3. SmartStart
SmartStart is a massive NGO franchise that trains women to run their own playgroups.
- Model: They train you (free) and help you license your own home-based creche.
- Stipend: They offer a “stipend” during training, but the goal is for you to become an entrepreneur and earn your own income from parent fees.
- Website:
www.smartstart.org.za.
5. The Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
- Certified ID (not older than 3 months).
- Certified Matric Certificate.
- CV: Tailor it to ECD. (See Step 2).
- Proof of Residence: Critical, as learnerships prefer locals.
Step 2: Fix Your CV
- Don’t just list your school subjects.
- Add a “Skills” section: “Patience,” “Storytelling,” “First Aid,” “Conflict Resolution.”
- Add “Volunteering”: If you have ever babysat, taught Sunday School, or helped at a local creche, LIST IT. Experience with children is more valuable than a Matric distinction in Geography.
Step 3: The Interview
- If shortlisted, you will be interviewed.
- Common Question: “Why do you want to work with children?”
- Bad Answer: “Because I love babies.”
- Good Answer: “I believe the first 1000 days are critical for a child’s brain development, and I want to be part of building that foundation.”
6. Scam Alert: How to Spot a Fake Learnership
Scammers prey on desperate youth.
- Red Flag 1: “Pay R250 for admin fees / uniform.” NEVER pay money. A real learnership is free.
- Red Flag 2: The email address is
@gmail.com. Real learnerships usually come from@gov.zaor@company.co.za. - Red Flag 3: No interview. If they offer you the job immediately via WhatsApp, it is a scam (likely human trafficking or money mule schemes).
7. Learnership vs. College: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Learnership | TVET College (NATED) |
| Cost | Free (You get paid). | Free (If NSFAS approves). |
| Structure | Work-focused (70% Practical). | Theory-focused (Classes). |
| Qualification | Occupational Certificate (NQF 4). | N Diploma (NQF 6). |
| Time | 12 Months. | 18 Months + 18 Months Practical. |
| Best For | Getting a job quickly. | Getting a higher qualification. |
Summary: Start Your Career for Free
If you are sitting at home with a Matric certificate gathering dust, an ECD Learnership is your golden ticket. You get a qualification, work experience, and cash in your pocket.
Action: Go to SA Youth right now and update your profile. Then, visit your local Department of Social Development office and ask if they have a list of funded ECD centres in your area—sometimes you can apply directly to the creche.
Disclaimer: Stipend amounts are estimates based on Department of Employment and Labour sectoral determinations. Funding is subject to SETA budget availability.