Future-Ready, Fully Online, AI-Driven Learnerships
Okiru offers a diverse range of fully online, accredited learnership programmes designed for both employed and unemployed learners. Our programmes are AI-powered to provide adaptive, interactive learning experiences that improve engagement and retention. All training material is accredited with the QCTO, ensuring full compliance with SAQA standards. Through our network of delivery partners, learners gain access to high-quality training interventions, supported by accredited assessors and moderators who uphold the highest standards of learning, assessment, and development.
Our Learnership Services
- Needs Analysis & Skills Planning – Identify skills gaps and align learnerships to business objectives, B-BBEE scorecard requirements and QCTO / SETA priorities.
- Programme Design: We Develop customised learnership structures, including curriculum alignment, learner recruitment and delivery planning.
- End-to-End Management: We Handle recruitment, onboarding, training coordination, learner support and progress tracking.
- Compliance & Reporting: Maintain accurate records, prepare supporting evidence and manage SETA/WSP submissions.
- Impact Measurement: Monitor learner performance, assess ROI and recommend continuous improvements.
Benefits for Your Business
- B-BBEE Compliance – Maximise Skills Development points with structured, verified programmes.
- Talent Pipeline – Build a pool of skilled, work-ready candidates aligned to your industry.
- Tax Incentives – Access allowances like Section 12H to reduce the net cost of your learnerships.
- Reputation & Impact – Strengthen your brand by contributing to youth employment and skills upliftment.
- Scalable Solutions – From small intakes to national rollouts, Okiru can scale delivery to your needs.
Industries & Sector Codes
- Financial Services
- ICT
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Transport
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Property
- Marketing, Advertising & Communications
Available Learnerships at Okiru
- Software Development (NQF-5)
- Digital Marketing (NQF-5)
- Contact Centre Technology (NQF-5)
- Project Management (NQF-5)
- Copywriting (NQF-5)
- Fundamentals of Digital Literacy (NQF-5)
- Presentations with Confidence (NQF-5)
- Fundamentals of Management (NQF-5)
- Workplace Fundamentals (NQF-5)
- Operational Supervision (NQF-5)
- Theory of Food Production (NQF-5)
- Low Voltage Protection (NQF-5)
- Observation and Assessment (NQF-5)
Clients Choose us !
FAQs
A learnership is a structured programme combining formal training and practical workplace experience, leading to an accredited qualification.
Learnerships are unique to South Africa’s skills development framework. They consist of two parts: classroom-based or online theoretical training delivered by an accredited provider, and on-the-job learning within an employer’s workplace. The programme leads to a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is quality‑assured by a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Learners sign a fixed‑term employment contract and a learnership agreement with the employer and training provider. They earn a stipend and must complete assessments to demonstrate competence. Once they successfully finish both the theory and practical components, they receive their qualification and may be absorbed into permanent roles.
Learnerships build future‑ready skills, earn valuable B‑BBEE points, attract tax incentives and create a pipeline of loyal, productive employees.
Learnerships are designed to develop scarce and critical skills aligned to industry needs. When employers sponsor learnerships, they benefit from a motivated, trained workforce that understands the company’s culture and processes. Under the B‑BBEE Codes, learnerships are a priority sub‑element of the Skills Development scorecard, earning points for both spend and headcount. Successful completion and absorption of learners into employment can earn bonus points. Employers also qualify for tax allowances under Section 12H of the Income Tax Act—currently up to R80 000 for able‑bodied learners and R160 000 for learners with disabilities over the duration of the learnership (amounts may change based on legislation). SETAs provide mandatory and discretionary grants that can significantly offset training costs. In short, learnerships are a cost‑effective way to build capability, enhance compliance and support transformation.
Most learnerships run 12 to 24 months; they involve registration, recruitment, structured learning, workplace mentorship and final assessment.
The duration of a learnership depends on the qualification level and complexity. A Level 4 certificate might last 12 months, while a Level 5 or 6 diploma could span 18 to 24 months. The process typically includes:
Programme selection – identifying a qualification that meets business needs and is registered with the QCTO.
SETA registration – submitting the learnership to the relevant SETA and securing funding where applicable.
Recruitment and contracting – sourcing suitable learners (either unemployed youth or current employees), signing learnership and employment agreements, and defining stipends.
Theoretical training – learners attend classroom sessions or online modules delivered by an accredited provider.
Workplace learning – learners rotate through departments, applying their new skills under the guidance of mentors.
Assessment and moderation – learners compile portfolios of evidence and undergo practical assessments and final moderation.
Completion and certification – successful learners receive their qualification; employers may absorb them into permanent roles to earn bonus points.
Okiru manages every stage to ensure that timelines, compliance and quality standards are met.
Learnerships are open to unemployed youth and existing employees; recruitment prioritises candidates who meet educational prerequisites and fit the programme’s demographic targets.
A learnership can be offered to unemployed persons (who then become temporary employees for the duration of the programme) or to current staff members seeking formal qualifications. Requirements vary by qualification, but typically include a minimum of a Grade 12 certificate, relevant work experience or vocational training, and the ability to meet the physical and academic demands of the course. For B‑BBEE purposes, employers often prioritise black South Africans, women, people with disabilities and youth (ages 18–35). Okiru oversees recruitment by advertising, screening CVs, conducting interviews and aptitude tests, and verifying documentation. We also ensure that selected learners understand the commitment required and are equipped to succeed academically and professionally.
Learnerships unlock B‑BBEE skills points, generate tax deductions and may qualify for SETA funding—making them one of the most leveraged training interventions.
The Skills Development scorecard awards points for both spend on learning programmes and headcount of black learners enrolled in learnerships, internships or apprenticeships. To claim these points, the learnership must be registered with the relevant SETA, and spend must include tuition, learner stipends and the costs of assessment. Employers may also qualify for:
Mandatory grants: 20 % of your annual Skills Development Levy can be reclaimed when you submit a compliant Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report that includes learnerships.
Discretionary grants: certain SETAs fund a portion of learnership costs, particularly for scarce and critical skills.
Section 12H tax allowances: deductions of up to R80 000 per able‑bodied learner or R160 000 per learner with a disability over the course of the learnership (subject to legislative updates).
These incentives reduce the net cost of training while boosting your B‑BBEE level. Okiru structures learnerships to maximise these benefits and ensures that all necessary documentation is in place for verification.
Okiru offers fully online, QCTO‑accredited learnerships powered by AI, handling everything from needs analysis to absorption and reporting.
Okiru’s learnership solution is designed to remove the complexity of implementing these programmes. We start with a needs analysis to align the learnership to your business objectives, scarce skills requirements and B‑BBEE targets. Our programmes are fully online and QCTO‑accredited, delivering high‑quality theoretical content through interactive digital platforms so learners can study from anywhere. We manage recruitment and onboarding, source training providers and facilitators, and handle all SETA registrations and grant applications. Our AI‑enabled learning management system monitors attendance, tracks progress, sends reminders and compiles portfolios of evidence for assessment. We provide regular progress reports to both employers and SETAs, ensuring compliance and audit readiness. Upon completion, Okiru assists with absorption strategies, helping you integrate successful learners into permanent roles to earn bonus B‑BBEE points. By partnering with Okiru, you get a turnkey learnership programme that delivers real skills, maximises incentives and drives transformation.
