Choosing between a learnership or internship before joining the 5am club

Thinking about pursuing a career interest without having to enter the world of work or conform to a 9 to 5 shift just yet, but want to acquire insight and perhaps essential work experience? Then a learnership or internship may be the right step. A learnership provides an employee with a good mix of opportunity and skills development. The company trains people into the kind of workers it requires, with the skills they need, while at the same time people gain highly desired skills for work opportunities.

It would be advisable for candidates with Grade 12 as their highest education level to consider the following points. These programmes are directly connected to a specific field of work. Candidates will gain on-the-job training to help them excel in a specific field. These programmes are usually structured in a way that teaches candidates theory and practical skills. The practical skills are usually catered for by an accredited learnership provider.

This leads to a registered qualification and consists of a theoretical course, as well as practical training, which is done at the workplace. Learnerships offer training in a specific field while earning money simultaneously, and are primarily for people with matric as their highest qualification. On completion of the programme, candidates will receive a certificate indicating their level of achievement and will be registered on the National Qualification Framework (NQF). The NQF qualification is nationally recognised and will enable candidates to look for a job or further their education in that specific field. An internship is an opportunity for people with a degree or diploma to gain practical experience in a possible place of employment or in their field of study.

Different fields of expertise require various completion stages in their studies. Candidates have to familiarise themselves with the different internship options before choosing their field of study.

Internships can be paid or unpaid. Unpaid internships should be considered if they offer candidates the opportunity to establish relationships with potential employers, gain real world practical experience, and add to their skills while getting an introduction to the culture and etiquette of the business world. Most university and college degrees or diplomas do not provide all the skills and knowledge to prepare candidates for the real world. The practical skills and knowledge gained through an internship will give the candidate more self-confidence and understanding of their work environment.

Internships can range between a week to 12 months, during which candidates will bridge the gap between the work environment and the academic knowhow they gained at university. Most times, an internship is required during your study course towards completion of your qualification. Just as with a learnership, you may get paid during an internship.

MaryAnne Isaac