Learnership for People with Disabilities in 2025: Top Inclusive, Paid Opportunities
Introduction: Why Learnerships for People with Disabilities in 2025 Matter More Than Ever
In a world striving for inclusion and equal opportunity, learnerships for people with disabilities in 2025 are not just about employment — they are about empowerment. These programs combine structured theoretical learning with hands-on workplace experience, helping individuals with disabilities gain skills, confidence, and a pathway to meaningful employment.
Whether you’re in South Africa, the UK, Canada, or the United States, inclusive learnerships are becoming a crucial part of the global employment landscape. This guide highlights top opportunities, real success stories, application tips, and the best programs available this year.
Learnership for People with Disabilities in 2025: Top Inclusive, Paid Opportunities
1. What Is a Learnership?
A learnership is a structured training program that leads to a nationally recognized qualification. It includes:
- 30% theoretical instruction
- 70% practical, on-the-job experience
Most learnerships last between 12 and 24 months, and they are offered by accredited institutions and businesses across various sectors including finance, retail, IT, and manufacturing.
2. Why Learnerships Are Critical for People with Disabilities
Learnership for People with Disabilities in 2025: Top Inclusive, Paid Opportunities
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people live with some form of disability, yet unemployment among this group remains disproportionately high.
In South Africa alone, Stats SA reports that over 90% of people with disabilities are unemployed. Learnerships help bridge this gap by:
- Providing accessible skills development
- Offering financial stipends
- Creating inclusive workplaces
- Enhancing employability
Globally, organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) advocate for inclusive skills training to help reduce inequality.
3. Eligibility Criteria in 2025
Learnership for People with Disabilities in 2025: Top Inclusive, Paid Opportunities
To qualify for a disability learnership in 2025, applicants typically need to:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old (some exceptions apply)
- Have a documented disability as defined by the Employment Equity Act
- Be a South African citizen (or legal resident if outside South Africa)
- Hold a Grade 10, 11 or Matric certificate (depending on the program)
- Be unemployed and not enrolled in another program
4. Top 10 Learnerships for People with Disabilities in 2025
Learnership for People with Disabilities in 2025: Top Inclusive, Paid Opportunities
1. Momentum Metropolitan Learnership for People with Disabilities
- Location: Nationwide, South Africa
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: R4,500/month
- Focus: Client services, insurance, admin
- Apply: momentum.co.za
2. Standard Bank Disability Learnership Programme
- Focus: Banking, call centers, finance
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: R5,000/month
- Details: Careers.standardbank.com
3. Transnet Learnership for People with Disabilities
- Sector: Rail and freight
- Duration: 18 months
- Stipend: R4,800/month
- Skills: Admin, engineering, logistics
4. Shoprite YES Learnership for People with Disabilities
- Sector: Retail
- Duration: 12 months
- Benefits: Work experience + stipend
- Website: shoprite.jobs
5. Dischem Learnerships for Differently-Abled Youth
- Focus: Pharmacy, retail, warehouse
- Support: Onboarding and mentorship for differently-abled learners
6. Accenture SA Inclusive Learnership Programme
- Focus: IT, digital marketing, consulting
- Available for: People with visual, auditory, and mobility disabilities
7. Afrizan People Intelligence Disability Learnership
- Sector: Finance, HR, office admin
- Support: Tailored disability accommodations
8. Edcon Retail Learnership for the Disabled
- Focus: Sales, merchandising
- Stipend: R3,800/month
- Location: Urban and rural stores across SA
9. Imperial Logistics Learnership
- Focus: Supply chain, warehousing, driving
- Stipend: R5,000/month
10. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Tech Academy for People with Disabilities
- Global Opportunity: Open to South African and international candidates
- Skills: Cloud computing, coding, IT support
5. How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Identify your top 3 learnerships from the list above
- Prepare your documents:
- CV
- Certified ID
- Matric certificate
- Proof of disability (from medical professional or SASSA)
- Visit the company’s careers portal or job board (e.g. Puff & Pass, Indeed)
- Submit application and complete any online assessments
- Prepare for interviews
6. Key Benefits of Disability-Inclusive Learnerships
- Stipends to cover transport and living costs
- Mentorship and on-the-job coaching
- Nationally recognized qualifications
- Improved confidence and independence
- Real work experience with future job placement potential
7. Government and Corporate Support Initiatives
Governments and companies are taking disability inclusion seriously in 2025. Here are some key supporters:
- SETA (Sector Education and Training Authorities) fund disability-focused learnerships
- Department of Labour (SA) offers support and placement services
- National Skills Fund co-funds many disability programs
- Global companies like Microsoft and Google also support inclusive training
8. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Lack of transport: Seek companies that offer transport stipends
- Inaccessible buildings: Request accommodations or remote options
- Fear of discrimination: Know your rights under the Employment Equity Act and ADA (in the US)
9. Real Stories: From Learnership to Leadership
Sipho Dlamini, who is partially blind, joined a Momentum learnership in 2022. Today, he works full-time as a client liaison and mentors others entering the program.
Naledi Mokoena, who uses a wheelchair, completed the Accenture program and now freelances globally in UX design.
These stories highlight that with support and opportunity, disability is not a limitation.
10. Final Thoughts and Next Steps
In 2025, inclusive learnerships are more than career stepping stones. They’re gateways to empowerment. By embracing structured training and real-world experience, people with disabilities can unlock doors that were once shut.
Next Steps:
- Choose your top learnerships
- Apply before the deadlines
- Use this guide as a checklist
- Share this with someone who needs it
Additional Resources:
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- Link to how to write a learnership CV
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