Explore the full list of HWSETA-registered learnerships in South Africa for 2026. Discover nursing, pharmacy, social work, and health qualifications with NQF levels, codes, and career opportunities.

HWSETA Learnerships in South Africa: Complete 2026 Guide

Health and social development careers remain among the most in-demand professions in South Africa. One of the most effective pathways into these fields is through HWSETA-registered learnerships, which combine structured learning with real workplace experience. These programmes not only address critical skills shortages but also provide learners with recognised qualifications linked to professional bodies.

This guide published on www.carseta.co.za provides a comprehensive overview of HWSETA-registered learnerships, including qualification levels, professional recognition, and career opportunities linked to each programme. If you are planning to build a career in healthcare, social services, or veterinary support, this article will help you make informed decisions.

What Is HWSETA?

The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) is responsible for skills development within South Africa’s health and social development sector. HWSETA oversees learnerships that align with national skills priorities and ensures that qualifications meet the requirements of regulatory and professional councils.

HWSETA-registered learnerships are quality-assured, nationally recognised, and designed to improve employability while supporting service delivery in healthcare and community environments.

Why Choose an HWSETA-Registered Learnership?

Choosing a learnership registered with HWSETA offers several long-term benefits:

• Nationally recognised qualifications aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
• Practical workplace training combined with theoretical learning
• Alignment with statutory professional bodies such as SANC, HPCSA, SAPC, QCTO, and SACSSP
• Increased chances of employment in public and private healthcare institutions
• Clear progression pathways to higher qualifications

These learnerships are ideal for matriculants, unemployed youth, and individuals looking to formalise experience in health or social services.

List of HWSETA-Registered Learnerships

Below is a detailed overview of key HWSETA-registered learnerships currently available in South Africa.

1. Higher Certificate: Auxiliary Nursing

NQF Level: 5
Learnership Code: 11Q110028001205
Professional Body: South African Nursing Council (SANC)

This programme prepares learners to work as auxiliary nurses under professional supervision. It focuses on basic patient care, infection control, and ethical practice in healthcare environments.

2. Bridging Diploma: Nursing General

NQF Level: 5
Learnership Code: 11Q110004002485
Professional Body: SANC

Designed for enrolled nurses seeking career advancement, this bridging diploma strengthens clinical competence and opens access to professional nursing roles.

3. Advanced University Diploma: Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing

NQF Level: 7
Learnership Code: 11Q110027001307
Professional Body: SANC

This advanced qualification focuses on maternal and newborn healthcare. Graduates play a critical role in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in South Africa.

4. Post Basic Diploma: Operating Theater Nursing Science

NQF Level: 7
Learnership Code: 11Q110029001647
Professional Body: SANC

Learners are trained to support surgical procedures, manage operating theatre environments, and ensure patient safety during operations.

5. Post Basic Diploma: Medical and Surgical Science

NQF Level: 7
Learnership Code: 11Q110035001207
Professional Body: SANC

This programme enhances specialised knowledge in medical and surgical nursing, preparing learners for high-responsibility clinical settings.

6. University Diploma: Veterinary Nursing

NQF Level: 5
Learnership Code: 11Q110032003556
Professional Body: Veterinary Council

This learnership trains veterinary nurses to assist veterinarians in animal healthcare, diagnostics, and animal welfare management.

7. Occupational Certificate: Child and Youth Care Worker

NQF Level: 5
Learnership Code: 11Q110031001905
Professional Body: QCTO

Graduates support vulnerable children and youth in community-based and residential care settings, contributing to social development initiatives.

8. Occupational Certificate: Social Auxiliary Worker

NQF Level: 5
Learnership Code: 11Q110033001295
Professional Body: QCTO

This qualification enables learners to support social workers in delivering essential welfare services to individuals, families, and communities.

9. Further Education and Training Certificate: Phlebotomy Technique

NQF Level: 4
Learnership Code: 11Q110027001307
Professional Body: Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Learners gain practical skills in blood collection, specimen handling, and laboratory safety procedures.

10. Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacy Assistant

NQF Level: 4
Learnership Code: 11Q110020261404
Professional Body: South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)

This programme prepares learners to work in pharmacies, assisting with dispensing, stock control, and patient support.

11. National Certificate: Pharmacy Assistant

NQF Level: 3
Learnership Code: 11Q110002131203
Professional Body: SAPC

An entry-level qualification designed for individuals starting a career in pharmaceutical services.

12. Occupational Certificate: Health Promotion Officer

NQF Level: 3
Learnership Code: 11Q110030001633
Professional Body: QCTO

This qualification focuses on community health education, disease prevention, and health awareness campaigns.

13. Further Education and Training Certificate: Social Auxiliary Work

NQF Level: 4
Learnership Code: 11Q110026051804
Professional Body: SACSSP

Learners are trained to assist registered social workers in implementing social welfare programmes.

14. Further Education and Training Certificate: Child and Youth Care

NQF Level: 4
Learnership Code: 11Q110014351554
Professional Body: HWSETA

This programme focuses on child development, protection, and care in structured environments such as shelters and youth centres.

Career Opportunities After HWSETA Learnerships

Completing an HWSETA-registered learnership opens doors to careers in:

• Public and private hospitals
• Clinics and community health centres
• Pharmacies and laboratories
• Social development organisations
• Veterinary practices
• NGOs and child welfare institutions

Many learners also use these qualifications as stepping stones to higher education or professional registration.

How to Apply for HWSETA Learnerships

Applications are usually advertised by:

• Accredited training providers
• SETA-funded projects
• Government departments
• Private healthcare institutions

Applicants typically need a relevant school qualification, South African ID, and willingness to participate in workplace learning.

Final Thoughts

HWSETA-registered learnerships remain one of the most reliable pathways into South Africa’s health and social development sector. They combine skills development, professional recognition, and real-world experience, making them highly valuable in today’s competitive job market.

For more verified learnership updates, career guidance, and skills development news, continue visiting www.carseta.co.za, your trusted source for SETA-related opportunities.

Mukhethwa Maumela

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