Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most urgent challenges. In the first quarter of 2024, unemployment among young people aged 15–34 reached 46%, highlighting the growing gap between education, skills, and access to the labour market. As industries evolve, employers increasingly seek candidates with practical, job-ready skills, not just academic qualifications.
The 3-Month Skills Development Programme 2026, implemented by the AM Foundation, is designed to address this challenge head-on. The programme focuses on empowering unemployed youth and school leavers from disadvantaged communities with the skills, confidence, and workplace exposure needed to secure employment or start their own businesses.
About the 3-Month Skills Development Programme
The programme is a targeted youth development initiative aimed at individuals aged 18 to 35 years who are currently unemployed. It combines practical skills training, workplace readiness, and real-world exposure to improve participants’ employability.
Rather than focusing on theory alone, the programme emphasises hands-on learning aligned with sectors that offer realistic employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in South Africa.
Who the Programme Is For
The 3-Month Skills Development Programme is suitable for:
- Unemployed youth aged 18–35
- School leavers seeking entry-level skills
- Young people from disadvantaged communities
- Individuals interested in employment or self-employment
No prior work experience is required, making the programme accessible to first-time job seekers.
Programme Duration and Structure
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: Practical, hands-on training
- Approach: Skills-based learning with workplace readiness
- Outcome: Improved employability or self-employment readiness
Participants receive structured training in a supportive environment designed to prepare them for real workplace demands.
Skills Development Streams Offered
The programme focuses on four high-impact skills areas, each aligned with current labour market needs.
Hospitality Skills Development
The hospitality stream introduces learners to essential kitchen and service skills.
Participants learn:
- Basic cooking and baking techniques
- Kitchen hygiene and food safety
- Hospitality service standards
Facilitators also assist learners by identifying entry-level job opportunities and connecting them with hospitality employers looking for new talent.
Related Opportunities 2026
Beauty and Wellness Training
This stream equips learners with practical skills needed in the growing beauty and wellness sector.
Training includes:
- Massage therapy techniques
- Nail care and grooming
- Eyelash treatments
These skills prepare participants for entry-level employment or to launch their own beauty-related micro-businesses.
Sewing, Craft, and Design
The sewing and creative production stream supports youth interested in creative industries.
Participants develop skills in:
- Sewing and garment production
- Craft and creative design
- Product quality and presentation
Learners are encouraged to produce retail-ready items, supporting both self-employment and employment in creative businesses.
Retail Readiness Programme
Retail remains one of the largest employment sectors in South Africa.
This stream prepares participants for roles in:
- Supermarkets
- Retail stores
- Customer-facing environments
Training focuses on retail fundamentals, customer service, and workplace conduct.
Soft Skills and Workplace Readiness Training
In addition to technical skills, all participants receive comprehensive soft skills development, which is critical for long-term employment success.
Training includes:
- Basic numeracy and literacy
- Conversational English
- CV writing and job applications
- Interview preparation
- Workplace etiquette and professional ethics
These skills significantly improve participants’ confidence and job-readiness.
Workplace Exposure and Employment Opportunities
One of the programme’s strongest features is access to workplace exposure and potential employment pathways. Participants may be linked to internships or job placements with respected organisations, including:
- The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- The One & Only
- The Grand
- Quay Four
- Shell
- Relate Trust
- International Hotel School
These partnerships help bridge the gap between training and real employment opportunities.
Benefits of the Skills Development Programme
Participants gain:
- Practical, job-ready skills
- Improved confidence and professionalism
- Workplace exposure and networking opportunities
- Increased chances of employment or entrepreneurship
- Support from facilitators and development partners
The programme is designed to create real, measurable outcomes rather than short-term training with limited impact.
How to Apply for the 3-Month Skills Development Programme 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official application platform linked to the programme.
Typical application requirements include:
- South African ID
- Proof of age (18–35 years)
- Basic personal information
Early application is recommended, as spaces are limited and demand is high.
FAQs: 3-Month Skills Development Programme 2026
Is the programme free?
Yes. The programme is aimed at disadvantaged youth and is typically offered at no cost to participants.
Do I need matric to apply?
No. The programme is open to school leavers and unemployed youth, regardless of matric completion.
Will I get a job after the programme?
Employment is not guaranteed, but the programme significantly improves employability and provides access to real workplace opportunities.
Can I start my own business after completing the programme?
Yes. Several skills streams support self-employment and entrepreneurship.
What age group qualifies?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Final Thoughts
The 3-Month Skills Development Programme 2026 offers more than just training. It provides young people with practical skills, confidence, workplace exposure, and real pathways into employment or entrepreneurship. In a country facing a youth unemployment crisis, programmes like this play a critical role in building a skilled, capable, and future-ready workforce.
For unemployed youth serious about changing their circumstances, this programme represents a meaningful opportunity to take the next step forward.
A List of Companies Offering Paid Skills Development Learnerships in South Africa (2026 Guide)
Skills development learnerships remain one of the most effective ways for young South Africans to gain practical work experience while earning a recognised qualification. At a time when unemployment is high and employers demand job-ready skills, paid learnerships provide a critical bridge between education and employment.
This guide provides a trusted and up-to-date list of companies offering skills development learnerships that pay, along with insights into stipends, eligibility requirements, and application tips for 2026.
What Are Paid Skills Development Learnerships?
Paid skills development learnerships are structured training programmes that combine theoretical learning with practical workplace experience. Learners are employed on fixed-term contracts and receive a monthly stipend while working toward a nationally recognised qualification.
Most learnerships are funded or supported by SETAs and are aligned with South Africa’s scarce and critical skills needs.
Why Paid Learnerships Matter
Paid learnerships offer more than just training. They provide:
- Income support through monthly stipends
- Real workplace exposure
- SAQA-accredited qualifications
- Improved employability after completion
- Access to professional networks
For unemployed youth, this combination is often life-changing.
List of Companies Offering Paid Skills Development Learnerships
Below are well-known companies and institutions in South Africa that regularly offer paid learnership programmes across various industries.
1. Standard Bank Group
Industry: Banking and Financial Services
Standard Bank offers paid learnerships in banking operations, customer service, and business administration.
What learners receive:
- Monthly stipend
- Fixed-term employment
- SAQA-accredited qualification
- Workplace mentorship
2. ABSA Bank
Industry: Banking
ABSA provides structured learnership programmes for youth interested in finance, administration, and customer service.
Key benefits:
- Paid monthly stipend
- Industry-recognised training
- Professional work environment
3. Nedbank
Industry: Financial Services
Nedbank learnerships focus on banking, finance, and compliance-related skills.
Why apply:
- Strong focus on youth development
- Paid learnership contracts
- Career exposure in a major bank
4. First National Bank (FNB)
Industry: Banking
FNB offers paid learnerships that support entry into the financial services sector.
Programme highlights:
- Monthly stipend
- Skills-based training
- Opportunities for further growth
5. Transnet
Industry: Transport and Logistics
Transnet provides paid learnerships and apprenticeships in engineering, logistics, and administration.
Benefits include:
- Competitive stipends
- Technical and workplace training
- Strong employment pathways
6. Eskom
Industry: Energy and Utilities
Eskom offers paid skills development programmes focused on engineering, technical trades, and business support.
Why Eskom learnerships are popular:
- Monthly stipend
- Hands-on technical experience
- Nationally recognised training
7. Sasol
Industry: Energy and Chemicals
Sasol’s learnerships focus on technical, engineering, and production-related skills.
Learners benefit from:
- Paid training
- Industry-standard facilities
- Career development support
8. Shoprite Group
Industry: Retail
Shoprite offers paid learnerships in retail operations, customer service, and supply chain management.
Ideal for:
- Entry-level job seekers
- Youth interested in retail careers
9. Pick n Pay
Industry: Retail
Pick n Pay runs learnership programmes aimed at retail readiness and customer-facing roles.
What to expect:
- Monthly stipend
- Practical retail training
- Employment-focused skills
10. MTN Group
Industry: Telecommunications
MTN provides paid learnerships in IT, customer service, and business administration.
Programme advantages:
- Digital skills exposure
- Paid workplace experience
- Youth-focused development
11. Vodacom
Industry: Telecommunications
Vodacom offers learnerships aligned with technology, customer service, and sales support.
Key features:
- Paid learnership contracts
- Technology-driven skills development
12. Government Departments and SOEs
Various government departments and state-owned entities offer paid SETA-funded learnerships annually.
These programmes often prioritise:
- Unemployed youth
- Women
- People living with disabilities
How Much Do Paid Learnerships Pay?
Stipends vary depending on:
- The company
- The SETA funding model
- Programme duration
On average, stipends range between R3,000 and R6,500 per month.
Who Can Apply for Paid Learnerships?
Most programmes require applicants to:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be unemployed
- Have Matric or relevant qualifications
- Not be registered in another learnership
How to Apply for Skills Development Learnerships
To improve your chances:
- Monitor company career pages regularly
- Apply early
- Submit complete and accurate documentation
- Tailor your CV to the learnership
FAQs: Paid Skills Development Learnerships
Are paid learnerships legitimate?
Yes, when offered by accredited companies and SETA-approved providers.
Do paid learnerships guarantee permanent jobs?
No, but they significantly improve employability.
Can I apply without matric?
Some learnerships accept applicants without matric, depending on the field.
Are learnership stipends taxable?
In most cases, stipends are tax-free, but this may vary.
Final Thoughts
Paid skills development learnerships remain one of the most practical ways for young South Africans to gain experience, earn an income, and obtain recognised qualifications. By applying to reputable companies offering structured, paid programmes, learners can take meaningful steps toward long-term employment.
For youth seeking real opportunities in 2026, paid learnerships continue to offer hope, skills, and a path forward.
