Learnerships offer a unique pathway to gain valuable skills and work experience while earning a stipend. In South Africa, learnerships play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap and providing opportunities for youth to enter the workforce. Here, we highlight some of the top paying learnership programs across various industries.
1. Chartered Accountant Learnerships
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) offers learnership programs that provide a pathway to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA). These learnerships, offered by major accounting firms like PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG, typically pay competitive stipends ranging from R8,000 to R12,000 per month. Upon completion, learners are well-positioned for high-paying roles in the finance industry.
2. Engineering Learnerships
Engineering learnerships, particularly in fields like mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, are known for their generous stipends. Companies like Sasol, Eskom, and Anglo American offer engineering learnerships with monthly stipends ranging from R6,000 to R10,000. These programs provide hands-on experience and can lead to lucrative careers in the engineering sector.
3. IT and Software Development Learnerships
With the rapid growth of the tech industry, IT and software development learnerships have become increasingly popular and well-compensated. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and local tech giants offer learnerships focused on programming, cloud computing, and data analytics. Stipends can range from R6,000 to R15,000 per month, depending on the company and the learner’s qualifications.
4. Artisan Learnerships
Artisan learnerships, which cover trades like welding, electricians, and mechanics, offer competitive stipends and a path to in-demand careers. Companies in the manufacturing, mining, and construction industries, such as Arcelor Mittal and Murray & Roberts, provide artisan learnerships with monthly stipends ranging from R4,000 to R8,000.
5. Management and Business Learnerships
Leading companies in various sectors offer management and business learnerships to develop the next generation of business leaders. These programs, which may focus on areas like project management, supply chain management, or general business administration, typically offer stipends in the range of R6,000 to R10,000 per month. Companies like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and major retail chains are known for their management learnership programs.
Factors Impacting Learnership Stipends
It’s important to note that learnership stipends can vary based on several factors:
- The industry and the specific company offering the learnership
- The learner’s level of education and prior experience
- The duration and level of the learnership program
- Location, with learnerships in major cities often paying more
While these represent some of the highest paying learnerships in South Africa, it’s crucial to research and compare opportunities based on your interests, qualifications, and career goals. Learnerships offer a valuable stepping stone to a successful career, combining learning and earning to unlock your potential.