LGSETA Skills Development Programmes 2026
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) continues to invest in skills development across South Africa’s municipal sector. Through funded municipalities, public entities, TVET colleges, universities and accredited training providers, LGSETA supports learnerships, internships, bursaries, Work Integrated Learning (WIL), artisan development and other career pathways.
The 2026–2027 strategic plan aims to support thousands of employed and unemployed South Africans, helping them gain qualifications, workplace experience and occupational skills needed in local government. However, learners do not apply directly through one national LGSETA application. Instead, approved municipalities and partner institutions advertise opportunities separately after receiving funding.
Employer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) |
| Programme | Skills Development Programmes 2026 |
| Location | South Africa |
| Programme Types | Learnerships, Internships, Bursaries, WIL, Artisan Development & Skills Programmes |
| Employment Type | Skills Development Opportunities |
Closing Date
Closing Date: Varies by municipality or implementing institution.
The organisational funding window closed on 5 December 2025, while the separate 2026 bursary application window closed on 28 November 2025. These deadlines applied to funding processes and past bursary intakes. New learner opportunities may still be advertised by approved municipalities and partners.
12 LGSETA Career Pathways
LGSETA supports the following development programmes:
- Learnerships
- Credit-bearing Skills Programmes
- Short Non-Credit Skills Programmes
- Graduate Internships
- TVET Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
- University Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
- Apprenticeships
- Artisan Development
- Bursaries
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL)
- Adult Education and Training (AET)
- Professional Candidacy Programmes
Programme Targets for 2026–2027
According to LGSETA’s planning targets, the sector aims to support:
- 2,415 unemployed learnership participants
- 805 employed learnership participants
- 690 internship participants
- 748 TVET Work Integrated Learning participants
- 345 university Work Integrated Learning participants
- 230 apprenticeship/artisan development participants
- 1,754 unemployed participants in credit-bearing skills programmes
- 3,450 employed participants in credit-bearing skills programmes
These are sector planning targets rather than one national recruitment intake.
Requirements
Eligibility differs according to each programme, but applicants may need:
- South African citizenship or permanent residence
- Grade 12 or relevant qualification
- Relevant certificate, diploma or degree
- Academic transcript
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Proof of residence
- Proof of institutional registration
- Workplace placement letter (where applicable)
- Availability for the programme duration
Always refer to the specific recruitment notice issued by the municipality or implementing organisation.
Salary / Stipend
Salary/Stipend: Varies by programme.
Some LGSETA-funded learnerships, internships and workplace placements include learner allowances. However, LGSETA does not publish one standard stipend, and payment depends on the programme, funding agreement and host organisation.
Documents Needed
Prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified South African ID copy
- Certified Grade 12 certificate
- Certified tertiary qualifications (where applicable)
- Academic transcript or statement of results
- Proof of registration
- Proof of residence
- Workplace placement letter (if required)
- Any additional documents requested by the recruiting organisation
How to Apply
- Monitor the official LGSETA website and participating municipalities.
- Watch municipal career pages, TVET colleges and university noticeboards.
- Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare all supporting documents.
- Submit your application through the authorised recruitment channel before the advertised closing date.
Official Application Link
Applications are advertised through municipalities, public entities, TVET colleges, universities and accredited training providers. Monitor the official LGSETA website and participating organisations for open opportunities.
Expert Guidance (YouthScope Editorial Team)
Career expert YouthScope Editorial Team advises applicants not to submit applications through expired LGSETA discretionary grant email addresses or past funding windows. Learner recruitment normally happens after municipalities and institutions receive funding approval. Keep your CV, certified qualifications and academic records ready so you can respond quickly when new opportunities are advertised.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does LGSETA recruit learners directly?
Most opportunities are advertised by municipalities, public entities, colleges and approved training providers after funding has been allocated.
What programmes does LGSETA support?
LGSETA supports learnerships, internships, bursaries, Work Integrated Learning, artisan development, skills programmes, Adult Education and Training and Recognition of Prior Learning.
Is there a standard LGSETA stipend?
No. Allowances differ depending on the programme and funding agreement.
Who can apply?
Eligibility varies and may include unemployed youth, graduates, TVET learners, university students and employed municipal workers.
Does completing an LGSETA programme guarantee employment?
No. Completing a programme improves skills and employability but does not guarantee permanent employment.
Can TVET students apply?
Yes. LGSETA supports Work Integrated Learning opportunities for eligible TVET students.
Where can I find LGSETA opportunities?
Monitor municipal career pages, LGSETA, universities, TVET colleges and accredited training providers.
What documents are usually required?
Applicants generally need an updated CV, certified ID, qualifications, academic records and any documents specified in the recruitment notice.
Disclaimer
YouthScope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information on the employer’s official website before submitting your application.
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Opportunity Verification
✅ Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team
✅ Last Updated: 29 July 2026
✅ Information Source: Official LGSETA strategic planning and programme information
✅ Status: Reviewed for accuracy
YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm final details with the official organisation before applying.
The YouthScope Editorial Team publishes verified South African learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and career opportunities. Our team researches opportunities from official employers, government departments, SETAs, universities, and trusted organisations to provide accurate career information for South African youth.