Closing Date: Varies (early 2026, typically March for bursaries, check W&RSETA announcements)
Location: Centurion, Gauteng; Cape Town, Western Cape; Durban, KwaZulu-Natal; rural areas
Programme Types: Learnerships, Bursaries, Internships, Skills Programmes
Start Date: To be confirmed (2025/2026)
Stipend: R2,500–R4,500 per month for learnerships/internships (estimated)
Bursary Value: Up to R60,000 for tuition, books, accommodation (estimated)
Join W&RSETA Skills Development Programmes 2025/2026! Learnerships, bursaries, and internships for unemployed youth in the wholesale and retail sector, offering stipends and qualifications. Apply by early 2026!
About W&RSETA Skills Development Programmes
The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) empowers unemployed youth and sector employees by facilitating skills development in South Africa’s wholesale and retail sector. Established in 2000 under the Skills Development Act, W&RSETA has driven innovative programmes for over 24 years, funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, to create a skilled, capable workforce in fields like Retail Operations, Wholesale Management, and Supply Chain Operations.
Programme Purpose
W&RSETA’s programmes aim to transform the wholesale and retail sector by developing a professional workforce, supporting the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) through learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills programmes. The SETA fosters self-employment, enhances sector competitiveness, and addresses market trends, consumer behaviour, and 4IR impacts.
Programme Structure
| Programme | Qualification | Duration | Eligibility | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learnerships | NQF Level 2–5 (e.g., Retail Operations, Supply Chain Operations) | 12–18 months | Grade 12 | R2,500–R4,500/month stipend |
| Bursaries | Undergraduate (e.g., BCom Retail Management, Supply Chain Management) | 1–4 years | Grade 12, tertiary acceptance | Up to R60,000 (tuition, books, accommodation) |
| Internships | NQF Level 6–7 (e.g., Retail Business Management, Supply Chain Management) | 12–24 months | Diploma/Degree | R2,500–R4,500/month stipend |
| Skills Programmes | Short courses (e.g., Customer Service, Warehouse Management) | 1–6 months | Grade 12 | Partial funding, no stipend |
- Components: Theoretical training, practical experience, and assessments.
- Outcome: Nationally recognized NQF qualifications or certificates.
- Delivery: Through W&RSETA-accredited training providers.
Key Responsibilities
Learnerships
- Participate in retail or wholesale tasks (e.g., stock management, customer service).
- Complete classroom-based training and workplace assessments.
- Adhere to industry standards and workplace policies.
Bursaries
- Maintain academic performance and submit progress reports.
- Engage in retail-related studies or projects.
Internships
- Support retail operations, supply chain activities, or store management.
- Assist in inventory control, merchandising, or customer engagement.
- Participate in mentorship and skills development workshops.
Benefits
- Stipends of R2,500–R4,500/month for learnerships and internships.
- Bursaries covering tuition, books, and accommodation (up to R60,000).
- Nationally recognized qualifications (NQF Level 2–7).
- Enhanced employability in the wholesale and retail sector.
- Access to mentorship and accredited training providers.
Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Aged 18–35 for learnerships and bursaries; no age limit for internships.
- Grade 12 for learnerships and skills programmes; Grade 12 and tertiary acceptance for bursaries; diploma/degree for internships.
- Unemployed or employed in the wholesale and retail sector (depending on programme).
- No prior participation in the same W&RSETA programme.
- Clear criminal record, verified via background checks.
Preferences
- Candidates from Employment Equity groups (e.g., Black, Coloured, Indian, women, persons with disabilities).
- Residents of Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, or rural areas.
- Commitment to completing the programme and contributing to the sector.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Interest in the wholesale and retail sector and willingness to learn.
- Organizational and time-management skills (learnerships/internships).
- Basic computer literacy and administrative skills (all programmes).
- Commitment to professional conduct and industry standards.
Why Join W&RSETA Skills Development Programmes?
W&RSETA Skills Development Programmes 2025/2026 offer unemployed youth and sector professionals a chance to gain nationally recognized qualifications, stipends, or bursary funding in a dynamic industry. Participants will develop skills in retail operations, supply chain management, or wholesale management, contributing to South Africa’s wholesale and retail sector while building rewarding careers.
Application Process
Submit your application by early 2026 (typically March for bursaries, check W&RSETA announcements) via email to wrseta@wrseta.org.za or hand-deliver to Riverside Office Park, Hennops House, 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Cnr Lenchen South & Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, Pretoria. Include a CV, certified copies of your ID, qualifications (Grade 12, diploma/degree, or acceptance letter for bursaries), and proof of residence (certified within the last 6 months). Specify the programme (e.g., Learnership: Retail Operations, Bursary: BCom Retail Management). Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be considered. For enquiries, contact wrseta@wrseta.org.za or +27 12 622 9500. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 60–90 days of the closing date. Background checks (criminal record, citizenship, qualifications) will be conducted. If you do not hear back within 90 days, consider your application unsuccessful. No application fees are charged.
Contact Information
For enquiries, contact: wrseta@wrseta.org.za or +27 12 622 9500. Physical: Riverside Office Park, Hennops House, 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Cnr Lenchen South & Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, Pretoria.