What is the difference between an Apprenticeship, Internship, and Learnership programme?

 

Welcome to another article in our series of posts, that intend to inform you about Learnerships, Internships, Apprenticeships, Graduate Programmes and more.

In this article we will be addressing the commonly asked question: What is the difference between an Apprenticeship, Internship, and Learnership programme?

Don’t forget to also view our other articles here, where we will provide further details and advise on learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, traineeships, in-service-training and graduate programmes.
 

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are programmes offered to learners who want to establish a career in a practical or technical field with the aim of becoming a certified Artisan. This is a work-based route that will lead to a qualification, and whilst an apprenticeship is very similar to a learnership is it more focused on trade.

Apprenticeship candidates will be required to go to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges for their formal institution sessions. Here, candidates will gain trade-related theory and knowledge, as well as gain practical (hands-on) skills under the guidance of trained and qualified Artisans.

The apprenticeship programme is usually a 3 to 6-year labour programme. The reason for this length of time is because candidates entering an apprenticeship programme usually have certainty about what they want their future profession to be. Owing to the long period and nature of apprenticeships, permanent employment post-programme is not guaranteed
 

What is an Internship?

Internship programmes are primarily focused on candidates who have completed/ are close to completing a tertiary qualification (Diploma/ Degree.) Internships differ as some professional fields may require the candidates to complete various stages within their studies. As such, the candidate must ensure that they do the necessary research to familiarise themselves with the various internship opportunities offered before they embark on their field of study.

Some internships are paid and some are not. A candidate should consider an internship if the programme offers them the opportunity to build relationships with potential employers, enhance their skills, as well as gain work experience (both practical and real-world) all whilst being exposed to professional business etiquette and culture.

Internships will provide candidates with the practical and real-world skills that they can not learn with just a tertiary qualification, and thus, bridge the gap. Candidates gain confidence from internship programmes as well as an understanding of how a professional environment truly operates. Internship Programmes usually last anywhere between 1- week and a year.
 

What is a Learnership?

Learnership programmes are structured and formally registered with the Department of Labour, and consists of a practical component (weighing 70% of the programme) and a theoretical component (30%).

Learnerships usually last for one year and leads to a candidate obtaining a nationally recognised qualification. Employers of both large and small companies provide learnership programmes, in conjunction with the learner and the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA)/ accredited training provider.

Learnership Programmes are primarily worked-based and allow for successful candidates to progress in a job by the means of skills from practical training.
The learnership process is regulated via a standard contract that the candidate is required to enter. The contract can be obtained through SETA and regulates the entire learnership programme.
 

Where can I apply for a one of these programmes?

At Top Learnerships, we aim to always bring you the latest learnership opportunities - whether they are from small companies, large organisation or government institutions/ departments, we have it all.

View all our Learnerships/ Internships/ Apprenticeship and more Here

 

As you can see – there are some distinct differences between these types of learning programmes, but they do all share one common goal – to education students.