SASSETA Learnerships Explained

The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is responsible for developing skills in South Africa’s safety and security sector. It funds learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills programmes that help young people enter careers in policing support, private security, justice, and corrections.

For unemployed youth interested in law enforcement, security services, or legal support roles, SASSETA learnerships offer a structured pathway into the industry.

What Is SASSETA?

SASSETA is one of South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). It focuses on building skills for:

• Policing and law enforcement support
• Private security industry
• Legal services
• Justice and correctional services
• Forensic and investigation fields

Its goal is to close the skills gap and prepare young people for employment in safety and security-related occupations.

What Are SASSETA Learnerships?

SASSETA learnerships are structured training programmes that combine:

Theoretical Learning

• Classroom-based or online learning
• Security and legal theory
• Workplace knowledge

Practical Workplace Experience

• On-the-job training
• Real security or justice sector exposure
• Supervised work tasks

Participants earn a nationally recognised qualification upon completion.

Who Can Apply for SASSETA Learnerships?

Requirements may vary depending on the programme, but generally include:

• South African citizenship
• Age between 18 and 35 years
• Matric (Grade 12)
• Unemployed status
• Clean criminal record (for most security-related roles)
• Ability to commit to the full programme duration

Some programmes may require additional qualifications depending on the field.

Types of SASSETA Learnerships

SASSETA supports multiple career paths, including:

Security Sector

• Security Officer Learnerships
• Armed Response Training
• Access Control Training

Law Enforcement Support

• Police Administration Support
• Crime Prevention Assistance

Justice Sector

• Court Interpreter Training
• Legal Administration
• Paralegal Support

Correctional Services

• Correctional Officer Support
• Rehabilitation Programmes Assistance

Benefits of SASSETA Learnerships

Participants may gain:

• Nationally recognised qualification
• Monthly stipend (varies by programme)
• Workplace experience
• Skills in security or justice fields
• Improved employability
• Career entry into government or private security

These learnerships are especially valuable for youth with no prior work experience.

How SASSETA Learnerships Work

A typical SASSETA learnership includes:

Step 1: Application

Candidates apply when programmes are advertised by SETA partners or employers.

Step 2: Selection

Shortlisted applicants are interviewed and assessed.

Step 3: Training Contract

Successful candidates sign a learnership agreement.

Step 4: Learning Phase

Participants complete structured training and assessments.

Step 5: Workplace Experience

Learners gain practical experience in real workplaces.

Step 6: Qualification

Upon completion, learners receive a nationally recognised qualification.

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Skills You Gain

SASSETA learnerships help develop:

• Communication skills
• Discipline and professionalism
• Security procedures knowledge
• Legal and safety awareness
• Teamwork and coordination
• Problem-solving abilities

These skills are useful in both public and private sector careers.

Career Opportunities After SASSETA Learnerships

After completing a learnership, candidates may work as:

• Security Officer
• Control Room Operator
• Police Administration Assistant
• Court Clerk Assistant
• Paralegal Assistant
• Correctional Services Support Worker
• Private Investigator Assistant

Many learners continue to grow into supervisory or specialist roles.

Required Documents (Typical)

Applicants are usually asked to provide:

• Certified South African ID
• Updated CV
• Matric certificate
• Proof of residence
• Criminal record check (where required)
• Additional qualifications (if applicable)

Stipend Information

Most SASSETA learnerships include a monthly stipend.

The amount varies depending on:

• Employer
• Programme type
• Qualification level

The stipend is meant to support transport and basic living costs during training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does SASSETA do?

SASSETA develops skills and training programmes for South Africa’s safety and security sector.

Do I need experience to apply?

No. Most learnerships are designed for unemployed youth with no experience.

Can I apply without Matric?

Some entry-level programmes may require Matric, but requirements vary.

Are SASSETA learnerships paid?

Yes, most include a stipend.

How long do learnerships last?

Typically between 12 and 24 months.

Expert Guidance (E-E-A-T – Martine Smith)

Martine Smith, Youth Skills Development Advisor, explains:

“SASSETA learnerships are one of the most direct pathways into security and justice careers. They are designed for young people who want structured training combined with real workplace experience.”

She advises applicants to:

• Apply early when programmes open
• Ensure all documents are certified
• Be prepared for background checks
• Choose a path aligned with long-term career goals
• Avoid missing deadlines, as opportunities are competitive

Grow Your Career with MySETA Portal

Unlock real opportunities that help you move from learning to earning. MySETA Portal connects South African youth with trusted and up-to-date career development opportunities designed to build skills and open doors.

Whether you are a matriculant, unemployed graduate, or someone looking to upskill, this platform helps you stay ahead with opportunities that matter.

What you can access:

• Career Guides
• SETA Guides
• SETAs
• Bursaries
• Learnerships
• Internships
• Training Programmes
• TVET Opportunities
• Government Vacancies
• Courses
• Apprenticeships

Professional Disclaimer

Advice & Insights by Martine Smith, Founder and Managing Editor of MySETA Portal

MySETA Portal is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with any SETA, government department, or public institution.

While we strive to publish accurate and up-to-date information, readers should always verify opportunities, requirements, and deadlines through official SETA, DHET, employer, or government websites before applying.

The content published on MySETA Portal is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, educational, or professional career advice. Readers are encouraged to seek qualified professional guidance where appropriate.