What are SETA courses and How can you get hired | complete guide and Application process.

Discover everything you need to know about SETA courses — what they are, how to apply, requirements, and how to get hired after completion.

So, what’s the deal with SETA courses? You’ve probably seen the term floating around if you’ve ever googled “how to get a job in South Africa” at 2am.

SETA courses

SETA’s short for Sector Education and Training Authority—basically, these are government-backed organizations set up to help people bridge that awkward gap between school and real, actual jobs.

There are, like, 21 SETAs, each one vibing with a specific industry—agriculture, IT, construction, the whole shebang.

So, what’s a SETA course, really?
It’s not just some boring classroom thing. These are hands-on programs: learnerships (that’s classroom stuff plus real work), skills programmes, internships, bursaries, apprenticeships—all the stuff you wish your school had told you about instead of trigonometry.

Oh, and a lot of these are free. No catch. They’re designed to get unemployed youth, recent matriculants, and grads into the job game fast.

Why bother with SETA?
Here’s the good stuff:

• You walk out with a legit, accredited certificate—NQF Level 1 through 7, so you’re not just collecting paper.
• Loads of programs pay you a monthly stipend (R2,000–R4,500 isn’t nothing when you’re broke).
• You get actual work experience. Not just theory—real skills, real tools, real coffee breaks.
• Jobs? Many SETA learners get snapped up by the companies they train with.
• Want to study further? SETA certs open doors to higher-level courses.

How do you even get into a SETA course?
Here’s the drill:

1. Decide what you’re into.
   Pick the SETA that matches your dream job. Like:

• MICT SETA = IT & Tech
• HWSETA = Health
• CETA = Construction
• ETDP SETA = Education
• AGRISETA = Farming, basically

1. Check if you qualify.
   Usually, you gotta be:

• South African
• Age 18–35
• Not working or studying full-time
• Have your Matric or a relevant certificate (some need NQF 4–6)
• If it’s a bursary or internship, you might need a motivational letter (cue the “I am passionate about…”)

SETA courses

1. Go hunting for opportunities.
   Try:

• SAYouth.mobi (super useful)
• Department of Labour offices
• SETA websites (like hwseta.org.za or mict.org.za)
• Job sites: Indeed, Puff & Pass, PNet, etc.
• Social media: Facebook groups like “Learnerships 2025” or “SETA Opportunities SA”

1. Get your docs sorted.
   You’ll need:

• Certified ID
• Certified Matric cert
• Updated CV (make it pretty)
• Proof of address
• Proof you’re unemployed (usually an affidavit)
• Any other qualifications/transcripts

1. Apply!

• Online, via SETA’s site
• Email the recruitment office
• Or, old-school, drop your docs at the nearest Labour or NYDA office

1. Don’t ghost the process.

• Check your email/phone for interview invites
• Stay active on whatever platform you applied through
• And honestly, if you don’t get in first try, reapply—there’s no shame

View all 21 SETAs here: www.nationalskillsauthority.org.za

• Bursaries
• free online courses
• Government opportunities
• IT JOBS
• Latest News
• Learner Opportunity
• LEARNERSHIPS
• Online courses
• seta service programme
• Youth opportunities

What happens when you finish?

• You get a certificate, registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Employers actually know what it means.
• Some companies keep you on, or you use it to level up and apply for better gigs or more study.
• Update your CV—brag about the course, the NQF level, the skills, and the hands-on experience.

SETA courses

Quick-fire tips for landing a job after SETA:

• Make your CV scream “hire me”—list your SETA course, highlight real skills and projects.
• Get reference letters from your trainer/supervisor (not your mom).
• Register on all the job platforms (SAYouth, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).
• Apply for internships and entry-level jobs—don’t be picky at first.
• Network! Fellow learners might hook you up.
• Keep your certificates handy. Employers love paperwork.

Sample path? Let’s say you finish an MICT SETA Learnership in Software Testing:

• Apply for QA Tester jobs (entry-level)
• Grab an internship or contract gig
• Build up 6–12 months’ experience
• Move up to junior tester (and a juicier salary—like R12k–R18k)
• Upskill with more courses (maybe ISTQB or whatever’s hot)

Bonus: Popular SETA Programmes for 2025

Honestly? SETA courses are a game-changer for South African youth who are serious about getting off the unemployment hamster wheel.

They’re not just about lectures—they’re about skills, connections, and actual work. Don’t sleep on this. Apply, get skilled, and start stacking that experience. Your future self will thank you (and maybe buy you lunch).