Finding your first job can feel impossible when every employer asks for experience. Across South Africa, thousands of young people are searching for opportunities that can help them build workplace skills, gain qualifications, and start earning experience in growing industries.
That is why learnerships remain one of the best opportunities for unemployed youth.
Tenacity is now inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Customer Services Call Centre Learnership Programme 2026. This 13-month programme combines practical workplace experience with classroom learning, helping young people prepare for careers in customer service, contact centres, and financial services.
For matriculants and entry-level job seekers, this could become the opportunity that opens the door to long-term employment.
What You Need to Know
Here’s a quick overview of the learnership:
- Company: Tenacity
- Programme: Customer Services Call Centre Learnership 2026
- Location: Northern Suburbs, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Duration: 13 months
- Qualification: Micro Finance NQF Level 4
- Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
- Industry: Customer Service and Financial Services
- Study & Work Combination: Yes
- Application Method: Online application
Young people looking for learnerships, matric opportunities, internships, and jobs for youth in South Africa are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Why This Learnership Matters
One of the biggest barriers facing young South Africans is lack of workplace experience.
Many companies want candidates who already understand customer service, communication, and office environments. Learnerships help solve this problem by combining formal learning with real work exposure.
This programme allows learners to:
- Gain practical call centre experience
- Study toward a recognised qualification
- Build communication skills
- Learn customer service systems
- Improve employability
- Develop workplace confidence
Customer service skills are valuable across many industries, including banking, retail, insurance, telecommunications, and administration.
What You Will Learn
Successful learners will work within the Customer Services team while completing training toward a nationally recognised qualification in:
- Micro Finance (NQF Level 4)
Participants will gain exposure to:
- Customer account management
- Inbound and outbound communication
- Customer problem-solving
- Administrative processes
- Business communication
- Professional workplace standards
These are transferable skills that can support future career growth across different sectors.
Daily Responsibilities During the Programme
Learners will participate in both classroom-based learning and practical workplace activities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Attending all training sessions
- Completing assessments
- Building a Portfolio of Evidence
- Assisting customers professionally
- Handling customer complaints and queries
- Processing account administration
- Following company procedures and standards
- Supporting customer service operations
This combination of learning and practical experience helps learners understand how professional call centres operate.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the learnership, applicants must:
- Have Grade 12 / Matric
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Be unemployed
- Have little or no work experience
- Not currently be studying
- Not have participated in another learnership within the last 12 months
- Be willing to work shifts and weekends
Having Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy may be advantageous.
Skills That Can Help You Stand Out
Tenacity is looking for young people who demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Positive attitude
- Customer service orientation
- Time management abilities
- Problem-solving skills
- Professionalism
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Confidence when speaking with people
Even if you do not have previous work experience, showing willingness to learn can make a strong impression.
Employment Equity and Inclusion
Preference may be given to:
- Employment Equity candidates
- Persons living with disabilities
This supports the company’s transformation and inclusion goals.
Why Call Centre Experience Can Help Your Career
Many young people underestimate how valuable customer service experience can become.
Call centre and customer support roles help learners develop:
- Communication confidence
- Computer literacy
- Problem-solving skills
- Conflict resolution
- Professional telephone etiquette
- Teamwork abilities
These skills are highly valuable when applying for future internships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and permanent jobs.
Many professionals in banking, insurance, administration, retail, and corporate environments started their careers in customer service roles.
Expert Career Insight from Martine Smith
Career advisor Martine Smith says many applicants fail learnership opportunities because they underestimate professionalism during the application process.
According to Smith, applicants should:
- Use a professional email address
- Submit a clean and updated CV
- Prepare for communication-based interviews
- Practice speaking confidently
- Research the company before interviews
She also recommends that applicants highlight:
- Volunteer work
- Leadership activities
- School responsibilities
- Communication strengths
- Computer skills
Even small examples of responsibility can help first-time job seekers stand out.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
1. Prepare Your Documents
Ensure you have:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Updated CV
- Matric certificate
- Any supporting certificates if available
2. Check the Requirements Carefully
Only apply if you meet the age, study, and unemployment requirements.
3. Apply Online
Submit your application through the official online platform before spaces fill up.
4. Prepare for Possible Assessments
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for:
- Interviews
- Assessments
- Communication evaluations
5. Commit to the Full Programme
Successful learners must complete the full 13-month programme.
Young people can also explore related learnerships, internships, SETA programmes, and customer service opportunities through Mysetaportal.co.za.
Grow Your Career with MYSETAportal
Unlock real opportunities that help you move from learning to earning. MYSETAportal 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
- Education & Info
- Bursaries
- Learnerships
- Internships
- TVET Opportunities
- Apprenticeships
Final Thoughts
The Tenacity Customer Services Call Centre Learnership Programme offers more than just training. It gives unemployed youth the chance to gain real workplace experience, build confidence, and earn a nationally recognised qualification.
For many young South Africans, opportunities like this become the starting point for long-term careers in customer service, financial services, administration, and corporate environments.
If you meet the requirements, apply early and take the application process seriously. One learnership opportunity can completely change your future direction.
Disclaimer: Mysetaportal.co.za is not affiliated with Tenacity. Always verify learnership details and application requirements through official company platforms before applying.
Martine Smith is the Founder and Managing Editor of MY SETA portal, he writes about SETA learnerships, internships, bursaries and youth employment opportunities in South Africa. His goal is to help young people access trusted career information and skills development programmes. Email: info@mysetaportal.co.za