What is the difference between a learnership and an internship?

When you are in the process of looking for a particular job opportunity , it is important to have a clear understanding of what a learnership and an internship are. This will help you know exactly what you are applying for when searching for job opportunities. Do not worry ,as i am going to guide you through this topic by providing more detailed information about learnerships and internships below ,so that you can better navigate the job market and improve your chances of overcoming unemployment .It is important to understand these concepts , so please pay close attention to the information that follows.

What is a learnership ?

Learnership is a structured period of practical training or education within a company or organization designed to help individuals acquire the specific skills required for an occupation. It is often described as an educational programme that serves as a pathway between theoretical studies and practical employment.

The purpose of learnership, it is design to reduce the high rate of unemployment and address skills shortages in the economy.

The benefits of learnership

• Improve skills in the workplace.
• Reduces the high rate of unemployment.
• Boost the economy of the country.
• Learnerships allow learners to gain both skills and experience simultaneously.
• Learners gain practical experience.
• Assure that you obtain a qualification for national recognition.
• Improve personal development.
• improve career opportunities.
• Gain work experience while studying.
• For employers ,it reduces recruitment cost by developing future employees.
• Employers train workers with skills that is needed by the company.
• Employers reduces higher amount of paying tax.
• Employers boost B-BBEE scorecard points.
• Learners usually receive a monthly stipend to cover basic needs while training.

What is the duration time that is needed to complete the learnership?

The time that is needed to complete your learnership is between 12 to 24 months.

How it is structured ?

• It is the involvement between the learner ,the employer and an accredited training provider.
• Classroom training which involves theoretical knowledge in the chosen field.
• Workplace learning which deals with practical and supervised tasks in a real job environment.
• Assessments where you going to write assignments, projects and workplace evaluations.

Who can apply a learnership ?

• Anyone between the age of 16 to 35,though some programmes may vary.
• You must have a citizenship or permanent resident.
• Anyone who does not have a job.

What is an internship ?

A period of time during which a student or new graduate gets practical experience in a job. Companies or organization use internships to give student ,new graduates and young professionals a chance to apply what they have learned in class to explore a career path and improve practical skills.

What are the benefits of an internship?

• Ensure that they add valuable experience to your CV.
• Employers use to spot a potential candidate hires .
• You obtain career knowledge before committing long term career.
• Improve workplace experience.
• You gain work experience exposure.
• No formal qualification but focuses more on experience and skills.
• Helps employers to pay less tax.
• Employers boost B-BBEE scorecard points .
• Increase the value of the company or organization.

What is the duration time that is needed to complete an internship?

The time that is needed to complete your learnership is between 3 to 12 months.

How it is structured ?

• Agreement or placement ,you have to join a company for a period of 3 to 12 month and there is usually a contract or placement letter for the role you will be doing, duration and expectation.
• Interns are introduced to the company policies, culture and the team you going to work with which helps them to understand the workplace environment before diving into the tasks.
• Work assignments, interns are given tasks according to their field of study or career interest. These can range from shadowing professionals, assisting with projects and handling small responsibilities independently.
• Mentorship, a supervisor or mentor must guides the intern, offering feedback and support. This ensures that the intern gain experience.
• Internships are designed to help interns apply theory in practice, develop soft skills ,communication, teamwork and gain industry specific knowledge.
• At the end of the period the intern receive feedback or a performance review.
• Some companies give certificates or references letters to acknowledge the experience.

Who can apply an internship ?

• Recent graduates.
• Final year students.
• Unemployed youth seeking work experience Candidates with the required qualification listed in the posts.
• Applicants who meet any age, citizenship and location requirements mentioned.

Above ,we explain the difference between learnerships and internships to provide you with a better understanding that can help you to overcome the high rate of unemployment.