Discover how to apply for a Call Centre Learnership in South Africa in 2025. Learn how these programmes work, what requirements you need.
Introduction: Why Call Centre Learnerships Matter
Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges in South Africa, especially for young people who have completed school but find it difficult to secure jobs. A Call Centre Learnership provides a practical solution by helping unemployed youth gain real-world experience while studying.
These programmes allow you to earn while you learn, combining structured training with workplace exposure. If you’ve been looking for a stepping stone into industries like banking, telecommunications, retail, and insurance, a call centre learnership could be the opportunity you need.
What Is a Call Centre Learnership?
A Call Centre Learnership is a structured training programme designed to equip learners with essential skills in customer service, communication, and technology.
It blends:
- Theoretical training – classroom learning on communication skills, computer literacy, and customer handling.
- Practical training – workplace experience in live call centres where learners answer calls, solve queries, and assist customers.
At the end of the programme, successful learners receive a nationally recognised qualification, making them more employable across industries.
Benefits of a Call Centre Learnership
Choosing a Call Centre Learnership comes with several advantages:
- Earn a stipend while studying.
- Gain work experience that can be applied across different industries.
- Obtain a recognised qualification aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
- Improve your communication skills—a skill valuable in any profession.
- Open career growth opportunities in customer service, sales, and management.
Types of Call Centre Learnerships
Different industries in South Africa offer learnerships in call centres. The most common include:
- Banking Call Centre Learnerships – assisting customers with accounts and services.
- Telecommunications Call Centre Learnerships – working with companies like Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom.
- Insurance Call Centre Learnerships – handling policies, claims, and customer queries.
- Retail and Logistics Call Centre Learnerships – managing orders, deliveries, and complaints.
- Government Call Centre Learnerships – providing support in public service departments.
Who Qualifies for a Call Centre Learnership?
To apply for a Call Centre Learnership, you usually need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Hold a Matric/Grade 12 certificate (some accept Grade 11).
- Be unemployed at the time of applying.
- Have basic computer skills.
- Be fluent in English (additional languages are an advantage).
- Have good communication and listening skills.
Some companies may also require a clean criminal record or availability for full-time training.
How to Apply for a Call Centre Learnership
Here’s a simple guide to applying:
Step 1: Find Opportunities
Look for companies offering call centre learnerships in industries such as banking, telecommunications, or insurance.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll usually need:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- An updated CV.
- A short motivational letter explaining why you’re a good fit.
Step 3: Apply
Applications are usually submitted online, via email, or through recruitment agencies.
Step 4: Attend Assessments
Expect communication, typing, or computer literacy tests, followed by group interviews.
Step 5: Begin the Learnership
Once selected, you’ll sign a learnership contract with the employer and training provider.
Duration and Structure
A Call Centre Learnership typically lasts 12 months. It is split between:
- Classroom learning – where you gain theory on customer service, problem-solving, and telephone etiquette.
- Workplace training – where you handle real calls and work in professional environments.
Skills You’ll Gain
During the programme, learners acquire:
- Professional telephone etiquette.
- Handling difficult customers with confidence.
- Computer literacy and data capturing.
- Teamwork and time management.
- Sales and cross-selling techniques.
- Product and service knowledge.
These skills are not limited to call centres—they’re useful in sales, administration, and customer relations roles.
Stipends and Benefits
One of the best parts about a Call Centre Learnership is that you’ll earn while studying. Stipends generally range from R3,000 to R6,000 per month, depending on the employer.
This helps cover transport, food, and other expenses while gaining experience.
Challenges Learners May Face
While rewarding, learnerships can also be demanding. Common challenges include:
- High competition for limited spots.
- Meeting targets in customer service or sales.
- Long hours balancing theory and work.
- Stipend limits that may not fully cover all living costs.
These challenges, however, build resilience and prepare learners for full-time employment.
How to Stand Out When Applying
If you want to improve your chances of selection for a Call Centre Learnership, try the following:
- Write a professional CV highlighting communication and computer skills.
- Craft a motivational letter that shows enthusiasm and career goals.
- Prepare for interviews by practising clear communication.
- Brush up on typing speed and basic computer use.
- Stay consistent—apply widely and don’t give up after rejection.
Career Opportunities After a Learnership
A Call Centre Learnership can open doors to:
- Customer Service Agent
- Sales Consultant
- Call Centre Team Leader
- Supervisor or Manager
- Customer Experience Specialist
- Quality Assurance Officer
Some learners go on to careers in banking, retail management, IT support, or even entrepreneurship.
Real-Life Impact of Learnerships
Thousands of South Africans have started careers through call centre learnerships. Some moved from being learners to permanent staff, later becoming managers or department heads.
This proves that a Call Centre Learnership is not just short-term training—it’s a launchpad for long-term success.
Why Employers Offer These Learnerships
Employers run learnerships because they:
- Train employees who understand the company’s culture.
- Contribute to skills development in South Africa.
- Meet B-BBEE requirements.
- Build a pipeline of skilled workers.
This means they’re often invested in your growth and may hire top-performing learners permanently.
FAQs About Call Centre Learnerships
Q: Do I need experience?
No, learnerships are designed for people without formal work experience.
Q: Will I be hired after the programme?
Not guaranteed, but many companies do hire learners who perform well.
Q: Can I apply to more than one learnership?
Yes, but you can only participate in one at a time.
Q: What if I don’t pass?
You may get a second chance, but consistent failure could end your contract.
Conclusion: Take the First Step
A Call Centre Learnership is one of the most accessible ways for South African youth to gain experience, earn a stipend, and receive a recognised qualification.
It’s not just about answering calls—it’s about developing professional communication skills, resilience, and customer service expertise that will benefit you in any career path.