Training Force – Learnerships & Upskill Programmes 2025/2026

Training Force

In the current job market, acquiring practical skills and recognised qualifications is crucial. For many, the path to employment or career progression lies in structured training combined with workplace experience. That’s precisely why the programme offered by Training Force stands out. Established in 2003, Training Force specialises in offering learnerships and upskill programmes across South Africa, delivering accredited training aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and supported by various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

Below, we provide a thorough, human-centred exploration of what Training Force offers: how the programmes function, what benefits they deliver, who should apply, how to apply, and why this could be a strategic move for both individuals and employers alike.

What Is the Training Force Programme?

Training Force provides structured learnerships and upskill programmes that combine theoretical instruction with practical workplace experience. A learnership typically spans 12 months: part classroom/training centre, part on-the-job exposure. When completed, participants receive a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) via the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). (

The programmes are offered in multiple industries: agriculture, business administration, construction, engineering/manufacturing, hospitality, IT, wholesale & retail, transport/logistics, and more. They are all SETA-accredited and aligned with industry needs.

For individuals, this means an opportunity to earn a qualification, gain workplace exposure and improve their employability. For businesses, this means access to a trained, competent workforce and a vehicle to boost skills development and B-BBEE (Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment) credentials.

Key Features and Benefits

Accredited Certification & Recognised Qualification

The learnerships offered by Training Force lead to qualifications that are recognised nationally. They are aligned with the NQF and accredited by relevant SETAs. This means that once you complete the programme, you hold a credential that signifies real competence and alignment with industry standards.

Hands-On Practical Experience

Unlike training that is purely theoretical, learnerships blend training with actual workplace experience. This is a major benefit. As noted, “By enrolling in a learnership… You will be contracted and employed for a period of 12 months… During this time, you will be expected to attend work according to the host site’s standard working hours… and complete assessments.” Such experience builds confidence, competence and a CV that demonstrates real exposure.

Earnings During Training

Learners often receive a monthly stipend/allowance while undergoing training and workplace-learning phases. For many, this makes participation realistic.

Cost-Free for Learners

Importantly, the programmes offered by Training Force carry no application or participation fee for learners. This ensures access is not limited by cost, which is key in a context where many candidates may be unemployed or financially constrained.

Wide Access & Industry-Relevance

With nationwide reach across South Africa’s provinces, the programmes are accessible to many. Training Force has reportedly impacted over 55 000 workers and worked with over 3 000 companies. The diversity of industries means learners have options aligned to their interests and local job-markets.

Support for Employers

For businesses, partnering with Training Force allows them to upskill staff or onboard new talent via recognised learnerships. This helps with workforce productivity, transformation targets and compliance with skills development goals.

Who Should Apply?

For Individuals

• Youth who are unemployed and looking for a pathway into the job market. Training Force lists eligibility criteria such as being a South African citizen, aged between 18-28 (sometimes up to 35), holding at least Grade 10 or Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Individuals who may not have a full matric but want to upskill or gain a recognised qualification and workplace exposure.
• Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Training Force explicitly supports inclusive access.
• Employed individuals who want to upskill in their industry via an accredited, structured programme.

For Employers

• Organisations seeking to improve their workforce’s skills and productivity.
• Companies wanting to enhance their B-BBEE score via skills development and learnership credits.
• Firms looking to recruit from a pipeline of learners who have already received training and workplace exposure.

What Types of Programmes Are Offered?

Training Force’s range is broad. Some representative programmes include:

• Agriculture & Farming: Mixed Farming Systems (NQF 1), Plant Production (NQF 2), Animal Production (NQF 3) (
• Business & Management: Business Administration Services (NQF 3-4), Generic Management (NQF 5), New Venture Creation (SMME) (NQF 2)
• Construction: Building and Civil Construction (NQF 3), Supervision of Construction Processes (NQF 4)
• Information Technology: End-User Computing (NQF 3), Systems Support (NQF 5), Technical Support (NQF 4)
• Wholesale & Retail: Wholesale and Retail Operations (NQF 2-3)
• Transport & Logistics: Professional Driving (NQF 3), Freight Handling (NQF 3) (
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hospitality Reception (NQF 4), Professional Cookery (NQF 4), Accommodation Services (NQF 2-4)

This variety means that whether you are interested in agriculture, logistics, IT, retail or hospitality, there is likely a programme that fits your interest and local demand.

Application Process: What You Need to Know

Preparation

Before applying, gather your documents:

• Certified copy of ID or South African citizenship proof.
• Highest completed school qualification or latest school report (Grade 10/12 or equivalent).
• Updated CV.
• Proof of residence and bank statement may also be required.
• If applicable, proof of disability (medical certificate) for inclusive placement.

Submission

Applications must be submitted via the official Training Force application channels. https://trainingforce.co.za/individual-learners/

Assessment

Once you apply, you may receive an SMS or email inviting you for a pre-training assessment test which might cover basic English, numeracy and logical reasoning.

Placement

If successful and a matching programme is available, you’ll be placed into the learnership. Then begins the structured training + workplace learning phase.

Duration & Outcome

Most programmes run for approximately 12 months combining classroom and workplace components. On completion you gain a full qualification and have improved chances of employment.

Why This Programme Makes Sense

Choosing a structured learnership offered by Training Force can be strategic for several reasons:

• Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment: Many employers look not just at qualifications, but at real experience and skill. A learnership gives you both.
• Improved Employability: With a recognised qualification plus workplace exposure, you are better positioned to secure permanent work or move into a more responsible role.
• Support in a Cost-Effective Way: No fees for learners mean financial barriers are lowered.
• Alignment with Workforce Trends: Employers increasingly invest in skills development and expect new entrants to have a certain level of preparedness. Participating in a structured programme demonstrates initiative and capability.
• Industry-Relevance: The diversity of programme offerings ensures relevance to current sectors in demand and supports flexibility in career paths.
• Business Benefits: For employers, the learnership is a tool for transformation, skills development, and building a competent workforce aligned with strategy and B-BBEE commitments.

Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the programme offers many advantages, there are practical considerations and some challenges to keep in mind:

• Competition for Places: Because these opportunities are attractive and often free to the learner, there may be many applicants. You’ll want to ensure your application is strong and that you meet the requirements.
• Commitment Required: A learnership isn’t simply a course you attend online on your own time. It involves structured hours, workplace learning (which may include travel or full-day commitments), assessments and deadlines. Be prepared for that.
• Changing Schedules / Placement Availability: Placement into a suitable programme may depend on demand, availability, employer partnership and SETA scheduling. Flexibility and patience may be required.
• Post-Completion Employment Not Guaranteed: While many learnerships improve employability, they do not always guarantee a permanent job. You should still treat this as a stepping stone and plan for what comes next.
• Location & Logistics: Although training may be accessible nationwide, the workplace component may require travel or relocation depending on employer location. Evaluate these logistics ahead of time.

To overcome these challenges:

• Submit a well-prepared application with all required documents, a clear CV and a positive outlook.
• Be flexible about programme options and willing to relocate or commute if necessary.
• Stay motivated throughout the training, treat it like a job, engage fully in both theoretical and workplace components.
• Use the qualification as a platform to network, build relationships with the employer/host site and demonstrate your value, increasing your chances for a follow-up job or contract.

Real-World Impact: What Set This Programme Apart

Training Force has an established track record with over 55 000 learners upskilled and more than 3 000 companies served. This suggests that the model works—not as a sporadic initiative but as a sustained, industry-embedded training solution.

For example, a blog post noted that “most learnerships run for 12 months, including both theoretical training and workplace application.” The implication: this is serious training, not just a short workshop. That matters in building capability and credibility.

Moreover, the wide range of qualifications across industries means that the training is not narrowly focused, but rather versatile. That gives individuals flexibility and employers the option to build their workforce in multiple lines of business.

From a social perspective, these programmes also support youth employment, transformation and building human capital in South Africa. They provide pathways for young people who might otherwise struggle to gain access to formal employment or meaningful qualifications.

Steps You Should Take If You’re Interested

If you’re considering applying for a learnership or upskill programme with Training Force, here’s a basic checklist to follow:

1. Explore the Programme Options: Visit the Training Force website and look at the learnerships offered, the relevant NQF levels, the industries and sectors.
2. Check Eligibility: Confirm your age range, education level (Grade 10/12 or equivalent), South African citizenship/residency, and your unemployment or employment status.
3. Gather Documentation: Make certified copies of your ID, highest qualification or school report, up-to-date CV, proof of residence, bank statement, and if applicable proof of disability.
4. Apply Through the Official Channel: Fill out the official application form (online) rather than emailing staff directly. Make sure you follow all instructions correctly.
5. Prepare for Assessment: Once shortlisted, you may be invited to take a pre-training assessment test (numeracy, English, logical reasoning). Prepare accordingly.
6. Engage Fully If Placed: Once selected, commit to the programme – attend training sessions, perform workplace duties, complete assessments.
7. Use the Experience Strategically: Network, build good work habits, seek feedback, ask questions, and treat the experience as the foundation for your career growth.
8. Plan Post-Programme: Think ahead: after the 12 months, how will you leverage your qualification? Will you seek permanent employment, entrepreneurship, or further training?

In a job market that prizes both qualifications and practical experience, the learnership and upskill programmes offered by Training Force present a meaningful opportunity. They are accessible, accredited, industry-aligned and designed to deliver real workplace exposure. For individuals seeking a way into employment or a route to upskill, they offer structure, support and a credential that matters. For businesses seeking to build talent and meet transformation goals, they offer a ready-made solution for workforce development.

The value is clear: a nationally recognised qualification, practical experience, no fee for learners, and a national network grounded in industry. If you are ready to invest your time, commitment and effort, this could be the stepping-stone you need. The market demands skilled, work-ready people — this programme equips you to meet that demand.

If you’d like help identifying which learnership fits your interest, or preparing your application, I’d be happy to assist further.

MMSS EDUCATION