3 Best Technical Learnerships for Students in 2025

Looking for technical learnerships in South Africa but not sure where to even start? You’re not alone. A lot of youth want to get into something practical — something you can actually use to build a real career. Whether you’re into mechanics, logistics, or hands-on skills, technical learnerships are a solid way to go.

We’ve put together three different options that are open to students, jobseekers, and young people who want to learn while they earn. What’s nice is that each of these learnerships is different, so you can pick what suits your vibe and goals.

1. Thandeka TVET Technical Learnerships

Thandeka Vocational Education Trust (TVET) is all about practical technical skills. If you’re someone who learns better by doing rather than sitting in long lectures, this one’s for you.

What makes Thandeka stand out:

• Their programmes are fully accredited and linked to NQF levels, which means they’re recognised nationally.
• Real technical work — things like welding, electrical, plumbing, and more.
• You get to work with host employers, so you don’t just train — you actually work in the field.

They often provide stipends, and you don’t need a fancy academic background — a Matric or equivalent is often enough.

If you want to get your hands dirty and learn a skill that’ll make you money for life, Thandeka is a good place to start.

Apply here: Thandeka Learnership Application

2. CPD Code 14 Driver Learnership

Now this one’s very specific — and honestly, super underrated. CPDA (Commercial Professional Driving Academy) offers a Code 14 Professional Truck Driver Learnership. If you’ve ever thought about a career in logistics or trucking, this is the kind of training that gets you moving — literally.

What  CPDA Learnership Offers:

• The course isn’t just about driving — they include professional development, road safety, logistics knowledge, and career guidance.
• Their focus is not just getting your license, but turning you into an employable pro.
• They’re partnered with actual transport and logistics companies, so your chances of employment go way up after qualifying.

CPD Learnership Requirements:

• Youth with a valid Code 10 license (you’ll upgrade to Code 14)
• Matric not always required — but it helps

In a country where logistics is a major industry, this is a seriously practical option for anyone who wants to get into a field with constant demand. You may look at  Learnership Providers in Gauteng for more.

Apply here: CPD Driver Learnership Application

You also look: 4 Best Companies Offering Learnerships for People With Disability

3. Duja Consulting Learnerships

Duja Consulting takes a different approach altogether. While they do offer technical learnerships, what makes them unique is that they focus on both hard skills and soft skills — meaning you’re not just learning a trade, you’re also learning how to handle yourself in a workplace.

Why Duja is different:

• They have a recruitment system that helps you find learnerships based on your profile and location
• Learnerships cover a wide range — from IT basics to admin, and some even include basic technical and operations training
  
• The support doesn’t end after the training — they’re also involved in placement and mentoring
  

How to stand out:

• Their application system is online and smooth — just make sure your CV is ready (if you don’t have one, check out our How to Write a CV for a Learnership here).

If you want something a little more structured, with support beyond just the classroom, Duja is a solid pick — especially for first-time applicants.

Apply here: Duja Learnership Application

You may also look: Paid Learnerships That Will Pay You to Learn in 2025

The great thing about technical learnerships in South Africa is that they open real doors. You don’t need a university degree. You don’t even need top marks. You just need the willingness to show up and learn.

To recap:

• Thandeka is perfect for hands-on skills like welding or plumbing.
• CPDA is for future truck drivers and logistics pros.
• Duja gives you a balance of tech, admin, and workplace readiness.

Each one serves a different type of young person — but they all share one thing: they offer real opportunities to grow, earn, and build a future.