How to Verify If a Learnership Is Legitimate or a Scam in South Africa

Beware of Learnership Scams: How to Identify Legitimate Opportunities

Key Takeaways: Verifying Learnerships

• Always verify that a learnership is registered with a SETA: only genuine learnerships appear on official SETA lists.

• Never pay upfront fees: legitimate programs don’t charge for applications, registration, or materials.T

• Confirm that the provider is accredited by SAQA and offers clear business details (not Gmail/Yahoo emails, vague websites).

• Be cautious of exaggerated stipend promises, unprofessional messaging, and pressure tactics—they’re common scam signs.

• If you’re unsure, contact the SETA, verify accreditation via SAQA, check reputable job boards, or speak with past participants.

• Suspect a scam? Report it to SAFPS or SAPS, warn others online, and secure your personal information.

Introduction to Verifying Learnerships in South Africa

Learnerships offer South Africans a valuable way to gain workplace experience while earning a qualification. However, as these programs grow in popularity, so do scams that target unsuspecting individuals. Fraudsters exploit job seekers by promising fake learnerships, often demanding upfront payments or stealing personal information.

To protect yourself, it's essential to recognize the signs of a legitimate learnership and spot potential scams.

What is a Learnership in South Africa?

A learnership is a structured program combining theoretical education with practical workplace training. These programs are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and overseen by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). They are typically employer-funded, free for participants, and may offer a monthly stipend.

Unfortunately, scammers mimic the structure of legitimate learnerships to deceive job seekers. Here’s how to differentiate between real and fake opportunities.

How to Identify a Legitimate Learnership

To ensure a learnership is genuine, check for the following:

✅ SETAs Registration – All legitimate learnerships are registered with a SETA. Verify by contacting the relevant SETA directly.

✅ No Upfront Fees – Genuine learnerships do not require payment for applications, registrations, or materials.

✅ Clear Contact Information – Reputable organizations provide verified business addresses, phone numbers, and websites. Be cautious of those using free email services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo).

✅ Accredited Training Providers – The institution must be accredited by SAQA. Verify its credentials on SAQA’s official website.

✅ Realistic Stipends – While some learnerships offer stipends, exaggerated salary promises should be treated with suspicion.

Red Flags: Signs of a Scam Learnership in South Africa

🚩 Requests for Payment – If asked to pay upfront fees, it's likely a scam.

🚩 Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers – Unrealistic promises of high stipends or guaranteed jobs are warning signs.

🚩 Lack of Accreditation – Always check if the program is registered with a SETA or SAQA.

🚩 Unprofessional Communication – Poorly written emails, vague job descriptions, and pressure tactics indicate fraud.

🚩 Urgency & Pressure – Scammers often rush applicants to “act fast” to secure a spot.

How to Verify a Learnership in South Africa

If you're unsure about a learnership, follow these steps:

1. Research the Organization – Look for a professional website, active social media, and verified contact details.

2. Contact the SETA – Identify the relevant SETA (e.g., Services SETA, MERSETA) and verify if the program is registered.

3. Verify Accreditation – Confirm the training provider’s accreditation via SAQA.

4. Check Trusted Job Boards – Use reputable platforms like Careers24, PNet, and SETA websites.

5. Speak to Past Participants – If possible, connect with former learners to hear their experiences.

What to Do If You Encounter a Learnership Scam

If you suspect a fraudulent learnership:

🔹 Report It – Contact the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) or SAPS.

🔹 Warn Others – Share your experience on social media or job forums.

🔹 Protect Your Information – If you’ve shared personal details, monitor your accounts and update passwords.

Helpful Resources for Learnerships in South Africa

• SAQA: www.saqa.org.za

• SETAs Directory: Visit the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) website.

• Fraud Reporting: www.safps.org.za