Whether you passed matric with university entrance or not, the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) offers real, practical ways to grow your career.
If You Passed Grade 12 (No University Entrance)
Don’t let that stop you—there are still solid opportunities to build your future:
- Apply for a Learnership: These are designed to match what the job market needs.
- Join a Skills Programme: Short, focused training to help you land real work.
- Study at a TVET College: Gain practical knowledge and experience.
- Get a W&RSETA Bursary: Financial support to continue learning.
- Pursue a Trade: Learn to become an artisan in a critical industry.
- Step Into a Job: Many of these paths lead directly to employment and career growth.
If You Passed with University Entrance
You can still choose between academic or vocational training:
- Study at University: Focus on qualifications in retail-related fields.
- Apply for a Bursary: W&RSETA offers bursaries for university and FET studies.
- WEEG Programme: The Work Experience Employment Grant helps you gain hands-on industry experience.
- Scarce Skills Sponsorship: Support for those pursuing careers in high-demand sectors.
Learnerships: Earn While You Learn
Learnerships combine classroom training with real workplace experience. They’re built around skills the economy is lacking—so they help fill job gaps while getting you qualified.
- You don’t need to pay for the training.
- Unemployed learners get a stipend for transport and food.
- Learning is structured, with assessments and national certification at the end.
Skills Programmes: A Quick Start
These are short, job-focused training interventions that are perfect stepping stones to a full qualification. If you need quick skills for a job, this is the way to go.
Apprenticeships: Become a Qualified Artisan
Apprenticeships are focused on trades like mechanics, welding, or even jewelry-making. After a few years of training and passing your trade test, you’ll be a qualified artisan—ready for real-world work and in high demand.
Internships: Try the Industry First
Internships offer hands-on, entry-level experience—ideal for graduates and students. These roles may or may not be paid, but they’re invaluable for getting your foot in the door.
W&RSETA Bursaries: Study Without the Stress
W&RSETA supports learners studying in retail and related fields at universities, universities of technology, and FET colleges.
High-demand areas include:
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Marketing & Retail Management
- Food Technology
- Credit Management
- Information Technology
- Purchasing and Operations Management
A Real-Life Example: Bhekiwe’s Story
After finishing matric, Bhekiwe Simelane had no funding—just a dream to study Retail Business Management. With help from a W&RSETA bursary, she not only completed her diploma cum laude but went on to finish a BTech and is now working on her Master’s Degree.
Her journey proves that determination, paired with the right support, can take you from hopeful student to industry leader.