Explore the complete 2026 guide to SETAs in South Africa. Learn about accredited SETA learnerships, learning programmes, sectors, and official links to apply with confidence.
Complete Guide to SETAs in South Africa and Their Accredited Learnerships & Learning Programmes for 2026
Skills development remains one of South Africa’s most powerful tools for reducing unemployment and addressing critical skills shortages. At the centre of this system are the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), which play a vital role in funding, regulating, and quality-assuring learnerships and learning programmes across all economic sectors.
This 2026 SETAs learnerships programmes guide published by www.carseta.co.za provides a complete, easy-to-understand overview of all SETAs in South Africa, the types of accredited learnerships and learning programmes they support, and how learners and employers can benefit from them.
This pillar post is designed to serve as a cornerstone resource, allowing you to link to individual SETA articles, learnership listings, and application guides across your website.
What Are SETAs in South Africa?
SETAs are statutory bodies established under the Skills Development Act (SDA). Their primary mandate is to:
- Develop skills within specific economic sectors
- Fund learnerships, internships, and skills programmes
- Register and quality-assure learning programmes
- Support employment creation and workforce development
Each SETA focuses on a defined industry and works closely with employers, training providers, and professional bodies to ensure training is relevant and nationally recognised.
Why SETAs Are Important for Learnerships in 2026
With rising youth unemployment and rapid changes in the labour market, 2026 SETAs learnerships programmes are more important than ever. SETA-funded programmes:
- Combine theory and workplace experience
- Lead to NQF-aligned qualifications
- Improve employability for young people and job seekers
- Support transformation and skills equity
- Help businesses meet skills levy obligations
SETAs also accredit learning programmes such as skills programmes, occupational certificates, and internships aligned with national priorities.
Full List of SETAs in South Africa and Their Learning Focus
Below is an overview of all SETAs in South Africa, including the sectors they serve and the types of learning programmes they accredit.
1. AgriSETA
Sector: Agriculture and Agribusiness
Programmes: Agricultural learnerships, farm management, animal production, plant production
🔗 https://www.agriseta.co.za
2. BANKSETA
Sector: Banking and Microfinance
Programmes: Banking operations, financial services, compliance learnerships
🔗 https://www.bankseta.org.za
3. CETA (Construction SETA)
Sector: Construction and Built Environment
Programmes: Bricklaying, plumbing, civil construction, project management
🔗 https://www.ceta.org.za
4. CHIETA
Sector: Chemical Industries
Programmes: Chemical operations, laboratory analysis, manufacturing learnerships
🔗 https://www.chieta.org.za
5. ETDP SETA
Sector: Education, Training, and Development
Programmes: Education support, early childhood development, training facilitation
🔗 https://www.etdpseta.org.za
6. EWSETA
Sector: Energy and Water
Programmes: Renewable energy, water services, electrical learnerships
🔗 https://www.ewseta.org.za
7. FASSET
Sector: Finance, Accounting, and Auditing
Programmes: Accounting, taxation, internal auditing, finance administration
🔗 https://www.fasset.org.za
8. FP&M SETA
Sector: Fibre Processing and Manufacturing
Programmes: Clothing production, footwear manufacturing, textile technology
🔗 https://www.fpmseta.org.za
9. HWSETA
Sector: Health and Social Development
Programmes: Nursing, pharmacy, social work, community health learnerships
🔗 https://www.hwseta.org.za
10. INSETA
Sector: Insurance
Programmes: Short-term and long-term insurance, claims administration
🔗 https://www.inseta.org.za
11. LGSETA
Sector: Local Government
Programmes: Municipal administration, environmental health, governance
🔗 https://www.lgseta.co.za
12. MERSETA
Sector: Manufacturing, Engineering, and Metals
Programmes: Welding, fitting and turning, automotive manufacturing
🔗 https://www.merseta.org.za
13. MICT SETA
Sector: Media, Information, and Communication Technologies
Programmes: IT support, software development, digital media
🔗 https://www.mict.org.za
14. PSETA
Sector: Public Service
Programmes: Public administration, monitoring and evaluation, ethics
🔗 https://www.pseta.org.za
15. SASSETA
Sector: Safety and Security
Programmes: Policing support, corrections, security practices
🔗 https://www.sasseta.org.za
16. SERVICES SETA
Sector: Services Industry
Programmes: Hospitality, cleaning, hairdressing, travel and tourism
🔗 https://www.serviceseta.org.za
17. TETA
Sector: Transport and Logistics
Programmes: Freight handling, supply chain, maritime studies
🔗 https://www.teta.org.za
Types of SETAs Learning Programmes in 2026
SETAs Learning Programmes are not limited to learnerships. They include:
- Learnerships (employed and unemployed)
- Occupational certificates (QCTO aligned)
- Skills programmes
- Internships and work-integrated learning
- Artisan development programmes
All programmes are aligned with the NQF and designed to meet labour market needs.
Who Can Apply for SETA Learnerships?
SETAs learning programmes are open to:
- Matriculants and school leavers
- Unemployed youth
- Graduates seeking workplace exposure
- Employed individuals upskilling
- People with disabilities
Eligibility requirements vary by programme and SETA.
How to Apply for SETAs Learnerships Programmes
Applications are usually advertised through:
- SETA official websites
- Accredited training providers
- Government departments
- Employer recruitment portals
Applicants should always verify accreditation before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does SETA stand for?
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority.
Are SETA learnerships paid?
Many SETA learnerships include a monthly stipend, depending on funding and employer participation.
Are SETA qualifications recognised?
Yes. All SETA-accredited programmes are nationally recognised and NQF aligned.
Can I apply for more than one SETA programme?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
How long do SETA learnerships last?
Most run between 6 and 24 months, depending on qualification level.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article on www.carseta.co.za is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up to date, SETA programmes, funding, and requirements may change without notice. Applicants are advised to confirm details directly with the relevant SETA or accredited training provider.
Final Thoughts
Understanding SETAs in South Africa and their accredited learning programmes is essential for anyone planning a skills-based career in 2026. By using this cornerstone guide, readers can confidently explore 2026 SETAs learnerships programmes, identify relevant sectors, and access credible sources for applications.
For verified updates, application guides, and sector-specific learnership opportunities, continue exploring www.carseta.co.za — your trusted hub for SETA learning and career developmen
Mukhwthwa Maumela is passionate about empowering South Africans with reliable, verified, and easily accessible information about careers and education. Through https://www.carseta.co.za/ , Mukhethwa’s mission is to support students, job seekers, and young professionals by providing accurate guidance on learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, and educational resources. you can get in contact with Mukhethwa throuth our email inquire@carseta.co.za