Learnership Opportunities for People With Disabilities 2025 – A Detailed Guide

In 2025, several companies and organizations across South Africa are committed to providing learnership opportunities for people with disabilities. These opportunities not only ensure equal access to skill development but also empower individuals to build sustainable careers in diverse industries. Learnerships are structured training programs that combine theoretical learning and practical experience, helping individuals gain valuable skills and qualifications in their chosen fields.

People with disabilities often face challenges in finding work, but with the right training and support, they can break through these barriers. Learnership programs tailored to people with disabilities help to level the playing field, offering a range of benefits including workplace integration, mentorship, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the South African economy.

If you are someone with a disability, looking for learnership opportunities in 2025, you’re in the right place. This guide will introduce some of the leading learnership programs for people with disabilities that can help you kick-start your career and build a brighter future.

Why Should People with Disabilities Consider Learnerships?

1. Skill Development
   Learnerships allow individuals to gain valuable skills in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, retail, technology, and more. These skills are critical for entering the workforce and advancing in one’s career.
2. Workplace Experience
   Gain practical experience by working in a real-world environment. Learnerships allow you to apply the knowledge you gain in the classroom to actual job situations, which improves your confidence and employability.
3. National Qualification
   Most learnerships result in nationally recognized qualifications, making you more competitive in the job market. These qualifications are accredited by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which is recognized by employers across South Africa.
4. Networking and Mentorship
   Through these programs, you will have the opportunity to connect with professionals in your industry. Building a network and receiving mentorship can be valuable for career growth and finding future employment opportunities.
5. Inclusive Work Environment
   Many learnerships specifically cater to people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity in the workplace. By participating in such programs, you’ll be joining organizations that are committed to diversity and equal opportunities for all.
6. Financial Support
   Most learnerships offer stipends or salaries, which can help you meet living expenses while you learn. Some organizations may also provide additional support, including transport and assistive devices to help you perform your duties.
7. Path to Permanent Employment
   Many learnerships offer the chance for successful candidates to transition into full-time employment at the end of the program. This is a great way to secure a long-term, stable job in your chosen field.

Learnership Opportunities for People with Disabilities in 2025

In 2025, several leading South African companies and government institutions are offering learnerships specifically designed for people with disabilities. Below are some of the top organizations and their respective learnership programs.

1. South African Breweries (SAB) Learnership for People with Disabilities

Overview: South African Breweries (SAB) has long been committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Their learnership programs are open to people with disabilities, offering an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing, distribution, and customer service.

Benefits:

• A 12-month program that includes both theoretical and practical learning.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Stipends and transport assistance for eligible candidates.

Qualification: National Certificate in Business Administration, Manufacturing, or similar fields.

How to Apply: Visit the SAB careers portal, search for learnership opportunities, and submit your application online.

2. Nedbank Learnership Programme for People with Disabilities

Overview: Nedbank is a South African financial institution that actively supports the inclusion of people with disabilities. Their learnership programs provide a chance to gain experience in banking, finance, and customer service.

Benefits:

• Workplace integration in one of South Africa’s largest banks.
• Supportive training environment with additional resources for people with disabilities.
• Monthly stipend and potential for permanent employment after the program.

Qualification: National Certificate in Banking, Financial Services, or Customer Service.

How to Apply: Check Nedbank’s careers page for learnership listings and apply directly through their online application system.

3. Woolworths Disability Learnership Program

Overview: Woolworths is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce, and their learnership programs are tailored for people with disabilities. These programs focus on retail, customer service, and store operations, offering a valuable entry into the retail industry.

Benefits:

• Retail and operational training in Woolworths stores across South Africa.
• Mentorship and assistance with job placement.
• Transport and assistive devices provided where necessary.

Qualification: National Certificate in Retail, Customer Service, or Store Management.

How to Apply: Visit Woolworths’ official careers website, select learnership opportunities, and apply for open positions.

4. Shoprite Group Learnership for People with Disabilities

Overview: Shoprite is one of South Africa’s largest supermarket chains, and they are committed to providing inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities. Their learnerships cover various aspects of retail, including stock management, customer service, and store operations.

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in retail and customer service.
• Competitive stipend for the duration of the learnership.
• Opportunity for permanent employment with Shoprite upon successful completion.

Qualification: National Certificate in Retail, Business Administration, or related fields.

How to Apply: Shoprite’s recruitment website lists current learnership opportunities. You can create an account and submit your application directly.

5. Absa Bank Learnership Programme for People with Disabilities

Overview: Absa Bank, a major player in the South African banking sector, offers learnerships to people with disabilities in a variety of fields, including banking, finance, customer relations, and operations.

Benefits:

• 12-month learnership with a combination of classroom-based learning and practical experience.
• Mentorship program with support for candidates with disabilities.
• Competitive monthly stipends to help cover living costs.

Qualification: National Certificate in Banking, Customer Service, or Finance.

How to Apply: Visit Absa’s careers portal for information on current learnership opportunities and apply online.

6. Discovery Health Disability Learnership

Overview: Discovery Health, part of the Discovery Group, is a prominent healthcare company that offers learnerships for people with disabilities. These programs focus on healthcare services, insurance, and customer relations.

Benefits:

• On-the-job training in healthcare operations.
• Stipends, transport assistance, and assistive technology where necessary.
• Opportunity for permanent employment with Discovery Health after the learnership.

Qualification: National Certificate in Healthcare, Insurance, or Customer Support.

How to Apply: Keep an eye on the Discovery careers website for available learnership opportunities and apply as per the instructions.

7. The South African Post Office (SAPO) Learnerships for People with Disabilities

Overview: The South African Post Office (SAPO) offers learnerships in logistics, customer service, and administrative support to people with disabilities. These programs are designed to develop essential skills while promoting inclusivity in the workplace.

Benefits:

• Work experience in a national organization.
• Learning support and mentorship throughout the program.
• Competitive stipends and opportunities for permanent employment.

Qualification: National Certificate in Logistics, Business Administration, or Customer Service.

How to Apply: Visit the SAPO careers page for open learnership opportunities and application details.

8. SABC Learnership Programme for People with Disabilities

Overview: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) offers learnerships to individuals with disabilities in fields such as broadcasting, media, customer service, and administrative support.

Benefits:

• Gain practical experience in the broadcasting and media industry.
• Stipend to help with living costs.
• Potential for permanent positions in the SABC.

Qualification: National Certificate in Media, Broadcasting, or Customer Relations.

How to Apply: Check the SABC careers portal for open learnership opportunities and apply online.

The Learnership Opportunities for People with Disabilities in 2025 are vast and diverse, covering a range of industries from banking and retail to healthcare and broadcasting. These learnerships provide an excellent platform for individuals with disabilities to gain valuable work experience, acquire nationally recognized qualifications, and contribute meaningfully to their chosen sectors.

By participating in one of these learnerships, you will not only develop important skills but also increase your chances of securing permanent employment in some of South Africa’s most respected companies. Apply now to take the first step toward a fulfilling and rewarding career.