A Learnership Consist of Two Parts

LEARNERSHIPS

The key principle of a learnership is basically the same as an apprenticeship with the biggest difference being the intensity of training and the tight control over the training delivered on a learnership.

A learnership consist of two parts –

1.  the theoretical part delivered by a learnership accredited training institution, and

2.  a practical on the job practical training, where the student receive on-the-job training.

Tax rebates

There are several financial and other advantages to having learnerships in the organisation. Tax rebates of up to R50 000, cash discretionary grants of up to R20 000 and even grants to supply tools and equipment. Bear in mind that the cost of training can only be recouped once the training has been completed and only if the organisation has paid the Skills Development Levy tax and has provided approved training to employees in the organisation either internally or externally. [Note: Learnership allowances were set to expire in September 2011, however the tax allowance will be extended for a further 5 years subject to the review of its effectiveness during 2011.]

Learnership agreements

A learnership agreement is a contract for a specific time period between a learner an employer; and a training provider.

The learnership agreement must require –

·  the employer to give the learner –

o  a job for a specific time period;

o  practical work experience; and

o  time to go to classes;

·  the learner to -

o  work for the employer; and

o  attend classes; and

·  the training provider to provide education and training, and support to the learners.

Learnership agreements must be registered with a SETA.

Learnership agreements may not be ended before their end date unless learners complete all the work before the time, are dismissed because of bad behaviour, are not able to be good workers or the SETA that the learnership is registered with approves it.

If learners are already working for the employer, they do not need to get a new contract. All new learners, and learners who were previously unemployed or worked for another employer, must get a new contract.