Looking for opportunities to start your career in 2026? There are several exciting learnership programmes currently open for applications in South Africa. These opportunities are ideal for unemployed youth and graduates who want to gain practical experience, build workplace skills, and improve their chances of long-term employment.
Here are 3 must-apply learnerships closing before or on 20 March 2026.
1. Mopani TVET College Professional Cookery Learnerships 2026
Mopani TVET College invites South African unemployed youth to apply for the Professional Cookery Level 4 Learnership Programme 2026.
Learnership Application Closing Date: 17 March 2026
Learnership Location: Mopani TVET College, Phalaborwa Campus, Limpopo, South Africa
This learnership is a great opportunity for young people who are passionate about food preparation, hospitality, and culinary arts. It offers training in professional cookery and can help learners build a strong foundation for a career in the hospitality industry.
Why you should apply
- Ideal for youth interested in cooking and hospitality
- Offers practical skills training
- Can open doors to jobs in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses
2. iGuardSA Cybersecurity Learnerships 2026
iGuardSA invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for the Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026.
Learnership Application Closing Date: 20 March 2026
Learnership Duration: 01 April 2026 – 31 March 2027
Learnership Location: Bryanston, Johannesburg, South Africa
This is an excellent opportunity for graduates who want to enter the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. With cyber threats increasing around the world, skilled cybersecurity professionals are in high demand.
Why you should apply
- Great for graduates interested in IT and digital security
- Provides exposure to a high-demand career field
- Offers a full learnership period of 12 months
3. De Beers Venetia Mine Engineering Learnerships 2026
De Beers Group invites South African unemployed youth to apply for the Engineering Learnership Programme 2026.
Learnership Application Closing Date: 20 March 2026
Learnership Location: Venetia Mine, Musina, Limpopo, South Africa
This learnership is suited for candidates who want to gain experience in engineering and mining-related environments. De Beers is one of the biggest mining companies in South Africa, making this a valuable opportunity for career growth.
Why you should apply
- Opportunity to train with a major mining company
- Suitable for youth interested in engineering trades
- Valuable industry exposure in the mining sector
Final Thoughts
If you are currently unemployed and looking for a way to gain practical experience, these learnerships are worth applying for before the deadlines close. Whether you are interested in hospitality, cybersecurity, or engineering, there is an opportunity here that could help shape your future career.
Do not wait until the last minute. Apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Mopani TVET College Professional Cookery Learnerships 2026: Apply Here
Click here to apply for iGuardSA Cybersecurity Learnerships 2026: Apply Here
Click here to apply for De Beers Venetia Mine Engineering Learnerships 2026: Apply Here