Learnerships for Businesses: How Companies Can Maximise B-BBEE Spend Through Accredited Programmes

Discover how accredited learnerships help South African businesses maximise B-BBEE spend, develop skills, and empower youth across all industries.

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In South Africa’s evolving economic landscape, businesses are under increasing pressure to remain competitive, compliant, and socially responsible. One of the most effective ways to achieve all three is through accredited learnership programmes. Learnerships not only empower unemployed youth with practical, job-ready skills but also enable companies to maximise their B-BBEE scorecard benefits in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Learnerships for Businesses

This article explains how businesses can leverage accredited learnerships through Training Force, a Level 1 B-BBEE training provider, while contributing to skills development across multiple industries in South Africa.

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What Are Learnerships?

A learnership is a structured 12-month training programme that combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience. These programmes are designed in line with South Africa’s national skills development framework and lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

Upon successful completion, learners receive an occupational qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and quality-assured by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Each learnership is further accredited by the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), ensuring industry relevance and compliance.

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Why Learnerships Matter for South African Businesses

Learnerships are not only beneficial for learners — they are a strategic advantage for businesses.

1. B-BBEE Scorecard Benefits

By participating in accredited learnership programmes, companies can claim points under:

• Skills Development
• Employment Equity
• Socio-Economic Development

This allows businesses to optimise their B-BBEE spend while remaining compliant with legislation.

2. Access to Skilled Talent

Learners gain hands-on experience within your organisation, allowing you to develop future employees who already understand your company culture and operational processes.

3. Cost-Effective Training

Many learnerships qualify for SETA grants and tax incentives, reducing the financial burden on employers while still delivering high-impact training outcomes.

4. Social Impact

Learnerships play a critical role in youth upliftment, unemployment reduction, and skills transfer — key national priorities in South Africa.

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About Training Force

Training Force is a leading Level 1 B-BBEE accredited training provider offering learnerships nationwide across multiple industries. Their programmes are designed to meet both business objectives and learner development needs, ensuring compliance, quality, and real-world impact.

All Training Force learnerships:

• Are SETA accredited
• Lead to SAQA-registered qualifications
• Combine classroom learning with workplace experience
• Are available across various economic sectors

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Learnership Sectors Available Through Training Force

Training Force offers learnerships across a wide range of SETAs and industries, making it easier for businesses to align training with operational needs.

Key Sectors Include:

• Agriculture
• Business Services
• Construction
• Engineering
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Wholesale & Retail
• Transport

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Agriculture Learnerships on Offer

Within the agricultural sector, Training Force provides several nationally recognised qualifications aimed at building foundational and intermediate farming skills.

Available Qualifications:

• National Certificate: Plant Production – NQF Level 2
• National Certificate: Fruit Packaging and Grading Processes – NQF Level 3
• National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems – NQF Level 1

These programmes are ideal for agribusinesses, farms, cooperatives, and food production companies looking to upskill workers while strengthening their B-BBEE profile.

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Who Can Participate in Learnerships?

For Businesses:

• Small, medium, and large enterprises
• Companies across all sectors
• Organisations seeking B-BBEE optimisation

For Learners:

• Unemployed South African youth
• Employed learners seeking formal qualifications
• Individuals meeting minimum entry requirements for specific NQF levels

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How to Apply for Learnerships Through Training Force

Step 1: Identify Your Business Needs

Determine which skills gaps exist within your organisation and which SETA or qualification aligns with your industry.

Step 2: Contact Training Force

Engage with Training Force to discuss available learnerships, funding options, and compliance requirements.

contact Training Force

Step 3: Learner Recruitment and Selection

Training Force assists with learner recruitment, screening, and placement where required.

Step 4: Programme Implementation

The 12-month learnership begins, combining theoretical training with practical workplace exposure.

Step 5: Assessment and Certification

Learners are assessed in line with SETA requirements and awarded nationally recognised qualifications upon successful completion.

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Why Businesses Choose Accredited Learnerships

Accreditation is critical. Accredited learnerships:

• Protect businesses from compliance risks
• Ensure qualifications are nationally recognised
• Allow legitimate B-BBEE claims
• Deliver measurable training outcomes

Training Force’s accreditation across multiple SETAs ensures businesses invest in credible, compliant programmes that stand up to audits and verification.

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The Long-Term Value of Learnerships

Beyond compliance, learnerships create:

• A pipeline of skilled employees
• Improved productivity and staff retention
• Stronger corporate reputation
• Tangible contribution to South Africa’s economic growth

For businesses serious about transformation and sustainability, learnerships are not an expense — they are an investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are learnerships only for large companies?

No. Small and medium enterprises can also participate and benefit significantly from learnership programmes.

Do learnerships require permanent employment?

No. Learners are employed for the duration of the programme, but permanent employment is not compulsory.

Can businesses claim tax incentives?

Yes. Many learnerships qualify for SARS learnership tax incentives, subject to current legislation.

Are qualifications recognised nationally?

Yes. All accredited learnerships lead to SAQA-registered qualifications.

How long do learnerships last?

Most learnerships run for 12 months, combining theory and workplace learning.

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CareersFocus.co.za Disclaimer

CareersFocus.co.za is an independent career information platform. We do not recruit, select, or appoint learners, nor do we represent Training Force or any training provider as an employer. All learnership information shared on this website is for informational purposes only. Applicants and businesses are advised to verify details directly with Training Force or the relevant SETA before making commitments.

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Final Thoughts

Accredited learnership programmes offer a powerful solution for South African businesses seeking to balance skills development, compliance, and social impact. By partnering with a reputable Level 1 B-BBEE training provider like Training Force, companies can transform lives, strengthen their workforce, and maximise their B-BBEE spend — all at the same time.

For more career, learnership, and skills development insights, continue exploring careersfocus.co.za, your trusted source for opportunities that shape futures.