Are you a young South African looking to kickstart your career through a learnership program? Learnerships offer a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience while earning a stipend and studying towards a recognized qualification. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which learnerships offer the best financial prospects.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the highest paying learnerships in South Africa across various industries, including finance, engineering, IT, and more. We’ll also provide insights into the requirements, duration, and potential career paths for each learnership.
1. Chartered Accountant Learnership
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is one of the most prestigious and well-paid professions in South Africa. To become a CA, you’ll need to complete a three-year learnership program with a registered training office, such as one of the “Big Four” accounting firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, or KPMG).
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent
- Completion of a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or equivalent
- Meet the admission requirements of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Duration:
3 years
Stipend:
R10,000 to R25,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership and passing the SAICA qualifying exams, you can work as a Chartered Accountant in various roles, such as financial manager, auditor, tax consultant, or CFO. CAs are in high demand and can earn starting salaries of R500,000 to R800,000 per year.
2. Actuarial Science Learnership
Actuaries are experts in risk management and use mathematical and statistical models to assess financial risks for businesses, particularly in the insurance and financial services industries. Actuarial learnerships are highly competitive and well-paid.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or equivalent
- Passes in at least six of the Actuarial Society of South Africa’s (ASSA) preliminary exams
Duration:
3 to 5 years
Stipend:
R15,000 to R30,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership and passing the remaining ASSA exams, you can work as an actuary in various industries, such as insurance, consulting, investment, or healthcare. Fully qualified actuaries can earn salaries of R1 million or more per year.
3. Software Engineering Learnership
The demand for skilled software engineers is growing rapidly in South Africa as businesses embrace digital transformation. Software engineering learnerships provide an opportunity to gain practical coding skills and work on real-world projects.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent
- Strong programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, C++, or C#
Duration:
1 to 2 years
Stipend:
R8,000 to R20,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership, you can work as a software engineer, web developer, mobile app developer, or data scientist. Salaries for software engineers range from R300,000 to over R1 million per year, depending on experience and specialization.
4. Investment Banking Learnership
Investment banks play a crucial role in the financial markets by providing services such as mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and asset management. Investment banking learnerships are highly sought-after and offer exposure to high-stakes financial deals.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or equivalent
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
Duration:
1 to 2 years
Stipend:
R15,000 to R30,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership, you can work as an investment banking analyst, associate, or trader. Investment bankers can earn starting salaries of R600,000 to R1 million per year, with performance bonuses that can significantly increase total compensation.
5. Mining Engineering Learnership
South Africa is one of the world’s leading producers of minerals such as gold, platinum, and coal. Mining engineering learnerships provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the mining industry while studying towards a recognized qualification.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or equivalent
- Good physical fitness and willingness to work in a mining environment
Duration:
2 to 3 years
Stipend:
R12,000 to R25,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership, you can work as a mining engineer, production manager, or technical services manager. Mining engineers can earn salaries of R500,000 to over R1 million per year, depending on experience and level of responsibility.
6. Civil Engineering Learnership
Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Civil engineering learnerships offer practical experience in various disciplines such as structural, transportation, or environmental engineering.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent
- Good problem-solving and project management skills
Duration:
2 to 3 years
Stipend:
R10,000 to R22,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership, you can work as a civil engineer in consulting, construction, or government. Civil engineers can earn salaries of R400,000 to over R1 million per year, depending on experience and specialization.
7. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Learnership
The CFA program is a globally recognized qualification for investment professionals. CFA learnerships provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in investment analysis and portfolio management while studying towards the CFA exams.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any field
- Enrollment in the CFA program and completion of at least Level 1 exam
Duration:
3 to 4 years
Stipend:
R12,000 to R25,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership and passing all three CFA exams, you can work as an investment analyst, portfolio manager, or financial advisor. CFA charterholders can earn salaries of R600,000 to over R2 million per year, depending on experience and assets under management.
8. Cyber Security Learnership
As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for cyber security professionals is growing rapidly. Cyber security learnerships provide an opportunity to gain practical skills in areas such as network security, ethical hacking, and risk management.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent
- Knowledge of networking and security concepts
- Familiarity with security tools and technologies
Duration:
1 to 2 years
Stipend:
R8,000 to R18,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership, you can work as a cyber security analyst, penetration tester, or security architect. Cyber security professionals can earn salaries of R400,000 to over R1 million per year, depending on experience and specialization.
9. Mechatronics Engineering Learnership
Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering to design and develop smart machines and systems. Mechatronics engineering learnerships provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in areas such as robotics, automation, and control systems.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent
- Knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, or Python
- Good problem-solving and analytical skills
Duration:
2 to 3 years
Stipend:
R12,000 to R24,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership, you can work as a mechatronics engineer in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, or aerospace. Mechatronics engineers can earn salaries of R500,000 to over R1.2 million per year, depending on experience and industry.
10. Quantity Surveying Learnership
Quantity surveyors are responsible for managing the costs and contracts of construction projects. Quantity surveying learnerships provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in areas such as cost estimating, contract administration, and project management.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent
- Good mathematical and analytical skills
- Familiarity with construction methods and materials
Duration:
2 to 3 years
Stipend:
R10,000 to R20,000 per month, depending on the employer and year of the learnership
Career Prospects:
After completing the learnership and registering with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), you can work as a quantity surveyor in consulting, construction, or government. Quantity surveyors can earn salaries of R400,000 to over R1 million per year, depending on experience and level of responsibility.
Conclusion
Learnerships offer a valuable pathway to gain practical work experience and earn a stipend while studying towards a recognized qualification. The learnerships highlighted in this article are some of the highest paying options available in South Africa, but there are many other learnerships across various industries that can lead to rewarding careers.
When choosing a learnership, it’s essential to consider your interests, skills, and career goals, as well as the requirements and duration of the program. It’s also important to research the reputation and track record of the employer offering the learnership, as well as the potential career prospects and earning potential in your chosen field.
With dedication, hard work, and the right learnership, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling career in South Africa.