What is a learnership and why are they important?
We get asked this very question regularly. It’s not just a buzzword though!
A learnership has many benefits both to individuals and to employees.
A learnership is a work-based learning programme that, when successfully completed, results in an NQF registered qualification.
NQF is an acronym for ‘National Qualifications Framework’ designed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
It is best explained by SAQA.
The NQF is the set of principles and guidelines by which records of learner achievement are registered to enable national recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, thereby ensuring an integrated system that encourages life-long learning.
Learnership Programmes and you
A Learnership Programme serves as an entry point for young people into the industry and workplace, broadening their further understanding of workplace practices. On successful completion of the 12 month programme, Learners will receive a nationally recognised National Qualifications Framework (NQF) certification and much needed and documented work experience.
As the learnerships are developed by industry for the industry, and in consultation with all stakeholders, the learning programmes and qualifications linked to these learnerships are relevant to the specific occupation.
When learners partake in a learnership, there is a greater credibility of the qualifications as the employer has the assurance that the learners can demonstrate not only theory competence but practical competence as well.
A Learnership involves Three Main Parties
- Learnership programme
- The Training Provider, the Facilitator of the programme
- The Learner, the Benefactor and potential Employee
Benefits to employers
Employers that engage in Learnership programmes have the benefit of acquiring a skilled workforce that can be employed on completion of a 12 month Learnership programme.
They are thus ensured of a competent workforce, who have attained both theoretical and practical knowledge. Employers will benefit from minimised productivity downtime, whilst the high cost associated with the acquisition of new entrants into the workplace, is hereby eliminated.
In order to ensure maximum value for Learnership programmes, Village Tech takes the administrative burden away from the Employer by facilitating and coordinating all associated administration on behalf of the Client.
By so doing, the client can focus on their bottom line, knowing that they are contributing towards the upliftment and employability of young people in South Africa, without the associated administrative responsibilities.
We believe in learnerships and the value that they can have to learners, companies and the growth of our country.
We also believe that learnerships are not simply a way for companies to improve their BBBE status, but are about providing excellent, high-quality, necessary training and the related work experiences to qualified candidates.