LEARNERSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS AND APPRENTICESHIPS UNDER SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships are all forms of Skills Development Initiatives that can contribute to a company's B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) scorecard in South Africa.

In the B-BBEE codes, learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships are measured through the following elements:

1. Skills development expenditure: This refers to the money that a company spends on training and development initiatives, including learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships.

2. Learnerships: A learnership is a structured learning programme that combines theoretical training with practical workplace experience. The B-BBEE codes require companies to provide a certain percentage of their learnerships to Black people.

3. Internships: An internship is a short-term work placement that provides practical work experience to students to achieve their qualification.

4. Apprenticeships: An apprenticeship is a structured training programme that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

To earn points on the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE scorecard, a company must meet certain targets for Learnerships, Internships, and Apprenticeships, as well as spend a minimum amount on Skills Development initiatives. The specific targets and requirements may vary depending on the size and sector of the company, as well as other factors.

What is a Learnership?

A learnership in South Africa is a vocational education and training programme that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The purpose of a learnership is to provide young people with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and workplace experience they need to prepare for a career in a specific field.

Learnerships are typically designed for people who have completed their schooling but have not yet acquired the necessary skills and experience to enter the job market. They are also available to people who are already employed but want to acquire new skills or improve their existing ones.

Learnerships are offered by companies and training institutions. They are regulated by the Department of Higher Education and Training and are based on nationally recognised qualifications. The ultimate aim of learnerships is to reduce unemployment and to equip people with the skills they need to contribute to the economy of South Africa.

What is an Internship?

An internship in South Africa is a temporary work experience programme designed to give individuals, often students or recent graduates, the opportunity to gain practical experience in a specific industry or field of work. It is usually a fixed-term position, typically ranging from a few weeks to a year, during which interns work alongside experienced professionals to learn about the industry, develop their skills, and build their professional network.

Internships in South Africa can be paid or unpaid, and they are offered by a wide range of organisations, including private companies, non-profit organisations, and government agencies. Some internships may require specific qualifications or experience, while others may be open to students or recent graduates from any discipline.

Interns in South Africa may be responsible for a variety of tasks, from administrative duties to more specialised projects. The specific responsibilities will depend on the industry and the individual internship programme. The goal of an internship in South Africa is to provide valuable work experience and to help interns prepare for their future careers.

 What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship in South Africa is a structured training programme that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It is designed to prepare individuals, often young people or school leavers, for skilled occupations in a specific industry or trade.

During an apprenticeship in South Africa, the apprentice works alongside experienced professionals, known as mentors or trainers, to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade or profession. The apprentice is typically required to complete a certain number of hours of on-the-job training, as well as attend classes or courses at a technical college or training centre.

Apprenticeships in South Africa can vary in duration, depending on the industry and trade. They can range from a few months to several years. Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, including construction, engineering, electrical, plumbing, and automotive, among others.

At the end of an apprenticeship, the apprentice will be assessed on their skills and knowledge to determine if they have met the requirements to become a qualified tradesperson. Apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship will receive a recognised qualification or trade certificate, which will help them in their future career.