NYDA Learnerships Programme 2025 | Youth Skills & Job Opportunities in South Africa
Discover the NYDA Learnerships Programme 2025 for unemployed youth. Learn about eligibility, application steps, benefits, and get stipend.
The National Youth Development Agency NYDA Learnerships Programme 2025 opportunities for South Africa youth in 2025. These programmes are designed to provide unemployed young individuals with the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to succeed in various industries.
Empowering South African youth with skills, confidence, and opportunity, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Learnerships Programme 2025, in partnership with merSETA, offers a transformative 12‑month pathway into the automotive sales & marketing sector—completely free and accredited at NQF Level 4. This in‑depth guide covers:
- What NYDA and merSETA are
- #Benefits of the learnership
- Eligibility criteria
- Application steps & timeline
- What’s taught & gained hands‑on
- Success strategies & real outcomes
- FAQ, next steps, and closing resources
1. What Is the NYDA Learnerships Programme?
NYDA is a statutory agency co‑funded by government and private partners, dedicated to youth development in South Africa. Working with SETAs—including merSETA, the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority—the agency facilitates accredited learnerships combining theory and real-world skills.
In 2025, NYDA, in collaboration with merSETA, is offering a 12-month Automotive Industry Learnership (Car Parts Sales & Marketing) program across all nine provinces. Learners will complete in-person and on-site training, culminating in an NQF Level 4 certificate, valuable industry exposure, and enhanced employment potential.
2. Why This Learnership Matters
Accredited Certification
Graduate with an NQF Level 4 certificate—nationally recognized and aligned with academic qualifications
Hybrid of Theory and Practice
Master automotive product knowledge, sales strategies, inventory control, and POS systems in both training sessions and actual retail environments .
Free Training + Stipend
This fully-funded opportunity comes at no cost. Many learners receive monthly stipends, reducing financial barriers to participation.
Improved Job Prospects
Structured programs increase employability. Employers often hire successful trainees upon completion.
National Reach
Available in all provinces—from Gauteng to the Northern Cape and KZN—ensuring fair access across South Africa .
3. Who Should Apply in 2025?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens aged 18–35
- Be unemployed and never have participated in a learnership
- Hold a certified Matric certificate (Grade 12—Grade 11 sometimes accepted)
- Provide a certified ID copy
- Be available full-time for the 12-month program
- Have documentation no older than 6 months
Priority is given to disadvantaged individuals and those from designated groups .
4. Application Timeline & How to Prepare
Important Dates
NYDA Learnerships Programme 2025
- Notification & onboarding: Post-deadline (June–July 2025)
- Programme duration: 12 months (mid‑2025 to mid‑2026)
Step-by-Step Application Checklist
- Prepare certified documents (CV, ID, Matric, etc.). Ensure all are dated within the past 6 months.
- Apply via one of two channels:
- Email: apprenticeship@nyda.gov.za
- Online: NYDA’s ERP portal at erp.nyda.gov.za/jobs
- Highlight your motivation: Emphasize your interest in automotive sales and readiness to commit.
- Submit NOW —incomplete or late applications won’t be considered.
- Prepare for interviews: Research NYDA, merSETA, common retail questions, and present professionally.
5. What You’ll Learn & Do
Core Curriculum Topics
- Auto Parts Sales Techniques: Customer engagement, upselling, product knowledge
- Marketing Approaches: Local demographics, promotions, digital awareness
- Inventory & Stock Control: Stock management, ordering, reconciliation
- POS & Tech Systems: Hands-on use of retail software
- Professional Skills: Communication, teamwork, ethics, workplace etiquette
Hands-On Workplace Exposure
Experience real retail environments under supervision—engage customers, manage stock, and support day-to-day operations.
Reflection & Assessment
Assessments will include exams, on-site checklists, performance evaluations, and presentations.
Certification
Upon completion, receive an NQF Level 4 certificate from merSETA—a significant boost for future job applications and studies.
6. How to Maximise Your Experience
- Be proactive: Show initiative, solve small problems, ask questions
- Stay professional: Arrive early, stay engaged, maintain a positive attitude
- Network: Build relationships with mentors, peers, and supervisors
- Build digital presence: Track achievements on LinkedIn and upskill in retail technologies
- Reflect often: Document challenges, solutions, growth, and use this in your final evaluations
7. Real-Life Outcomes & Testimonials
While official NYDA stories are limited, general learnership benefits include:
- Increased employment—mentees gain full-time roles post-completion
- Skill-building—combining academic qualifications with real work readiness is highly valued in the job market
- Personal growth—confidence, responsibility, and insight into workplace dynamics often improve dramatically
8. Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I pay to apply?
A: No. The learnership is free. If anyone asks for fees, report them—it’s a scam .
Q: Is the stipend taxable?
Yes. It’s employment income. You may need to register for a tax number if required.
Q: Can I work or study simultaneously?
Learnerships are full-time and require your full commitment. You cannot pursue full-time employment or study.
Q: Will it lead to a job?
There’s no obligation, but many learners are absorbed into permanent roles by host employers.
Q: Can foreign nationals apply?
Only South African citizens (or those with valid refugee ID) aged 18–35 are eligible
9. After the Learnership: What Comes Next?
➤ Full-Time Employment
Many learners earn job offers in retail, distribution, or sales.
➤ Advanced Studies & Upskilling
Use your NQF Level 4 certificate to apply for NQF Level 5 courses in marketing, supply chain, or customer service.
➤ Career Growth
Over time, progress into supervisory, management, or even training roles within the automotive industry.
Benefits of the NYDA Learnerships Programme 2025
Participating in the NYDA Learnerships Programme 2025 offers a wide range of benefits—both immediate and long-term. Whether you’re looking to gain work experience, earn a qualification, or step into a professional career, this programme delivers real value.
1. Accredited Qualification (NQF Level 4)
All successful learners will receive a nationally recognized qualification at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. This is equivalent to a post-matric certificate and boosts your credibility in the job market.
2. Work Experience in a Real Environment
Learnerships combine classroom-based theory with hands-on experience in a real workplace. You’ll gain valuable exposure in the automotive sales and marketing industry, including customer service, stock control, and sales systems.
3. Improved Employability
Employers highly value candidates with industry-relevant experience and SETA-accredited qualifications. Completing this programme increases your chances of finding a full-time job or internship afterward.
4. Monthly Stipend or Allowance
Learners typically receive a monthly stipend to cover transport, food, and basic needs during the programme. This financial support helps reduce the burden while allowing you to focus on learning full-time.
5. Personal and Professional Growth
You will build both technical and soft skills, including:
- Communication and teamwork
- Customer engagement and sales strategy
- Time management and professionalism
- Use of retail systems and point-of-sale (POS) technology
6. Nationwide Availability
The programme is offered across all nine provinces in South Africa, making it accessible to youth in both urban and rural communities.
7. 100% Free to Apply and Attend
There are no application or registration fees. All training costs are covered by NYDA and its partner, merSETA, making this a truly inclusive opportunity.
8. Structured Learning Path
The 12-month structure ensures a well-paced, progressive curriculum, with regular assessments, feedback, and mentorship. You’ll know what to expect and can measure your progress every step of the way.
9. Career Direction and Networking
You’ll gain clarity on career paths in retail and automotive industries. Many learners also build strong networks with mentors, trainers, and employers that can lead to future opportunities.
10. Gateway to Further Education or Advancement
The NQF Level 4 certification allows you to pursue higher-level studies (NQF Level 5 and above) or apply for advanced learnerships and internships in related fields.
NYDA Learnerships Programme 2025
I’m a public management student who recently finish my N6 certificate can I apply too
I would like to apply for a leadership.
Good evening Ma’am /Sir
Hope all is well.
My name is Deolyn Jantjies and I am a 21 year old colored female who is unemployed and I am looking for something to do with my life even if it’s a program to grow my experience. I’m humbly asking for any available learnerships.
Thank you for your time.