CATHSSETA Learnership Programmes: Build Your Career in Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

South Africa's Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) offers learnership programmes that combine classroom-based learning with practical workplace experience. These programmes are designed to help learners gain nationally recognised qualifications while developing the skills employers need across the tourism, hospitality, arts, culture, conservation, gaming, and sport industries.

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What is CATHSSETA?

CATHSSETA is one of South Africa's 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), established under the Skills Development Act. Its mandate is to promote skills development through learning programmes, grants, and partnerships that support economic growth within its sectors. The organisation was previously known as the Tourism and Hospitality Education and Training Authority (THETA) before expanding its scope in 2012.

What is a CATHSSETA Learnership?

A CATHSSETA learnership is a structured learning programme that combines:

• Theoretical classroom training.
• Practical workplace experience with an employer.
• A nationally recognised qualification registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Both unemployed and employed learners may participate in learnerships, depending on the programme and employer offering the opportunity. The duration of a learnership varies according to the qualification and employer requirements.

Industries Supported by CATHSSETA

CATHSSETA develops skills across six major sectors:

• Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Tourism and Travel Services
• Hospitality
• Sport, Recreation and Fitness
• Conservation
• Gaming and Lotteries

Benefits of a CATHSSETA Learnership

Participating in a CATHSSETA learnership offers several advantages, including:

• Nationally recognised qualifications.
• Valuable workplace experience.
• Industry-relevant practical skills.
• Improved employability.
• Professional mentorship.
• Opportunities to build a career in one of South Africa's growing service sectors.

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Other Learning Opportunities

In addition to learnerships, CATHSSETA also supports several other learning programmes, including:

Internships

Internships provide graduates from universities and universities of technology with structured workplace experience that complements their academic qualifications.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

These programmes assist TVET College students and graduates who need workplace experience to complete their qualifications.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine theory and practical training in trade occupations and generally run between 18 months and three years before learners complete a trade test.

Skills Programmes

Short, accredited programmes that award NQF credits and may contribute towards a full qualification.

LearnEx Skills Development Learnerships 2026

Bursaries

Funding opportunities are available for learners studying qualifications that fall within CATHSSETA's sector scope.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific learnership, employer, or accredited training provider. In general, applicants should:

• Meet the minimum educational requirements for the qualification.
• Be committed to completing both theoretical and workplace training.
• Meet any additional employer or programme-specific requirements.

Some programmes are intended for unemployed youth, while others may be available to employed learners who want to develop new skills.

How to Apply

Individuals interested in CATHSSETA learnerships can create a profile on the CATHSSETA Learner Portal, where they can register and access learner-related services. Learnership opportunities are generally advertised by employers, accredited training providers, or institutions that partner with CATHSSETA.

Important Information

CATHSSETA notes that funding applications for learnerships are typically submitted by accredited training providers, employers, or institutions, rather than by individuals directly. Prospective learners should therefore apply for advertised learnership opportunities through participating employers or accredited providers.

Why Choose a CATHSSETA Learnership?

CATHSSETA learnerships provide an excellent pathway into industries that play an important role in South Africa's economy. By combining accredited training with practical workplace experience, learners can develop technical skills, gain industry exposure, and improve their prospects of securing long-term employment in tourism, hospitality, arts, culture, conservation, sport, and related fields.

Learn More

To explore CATHSSETA learning programmes or register as a learner, visit:

A List Of Companies Offering Skills development Learnerships that Pays

Learning Programmes: https://cathsseta.org.za/programme

Dynamic DNA Skills Development Learnerships

Learner Portal: https://portal.cathsseta.org.za/