4 Best Companies Offering Learnerships for People With Disability in SA

Companies Offering Learnerships for People With Disability 

if you’re a young South African living with a disability, finding fair opportunities isn’t always easy. That’s where disability learnerships come in—programmes that not only give you a monthly stipend but also offer SETA-recognised qualifications and real workplace exposure.

But not all providers are the same. Some are better at support, others pay more, and a few are simply more reliable in terms of learner placement.

 Here are three of the most trusted companies offering disabled learnerships in 2025.

What is a PWP Learnership in South Africa?

A PWD learnership is just a learnership made for people living with disabilities. Like any other learnership, it’s a 12-month programme where you study, get workplace training, and earn a monthly stipend. The difference is that these programmes are designed with extra support—things like accessible venues, reasonable working hours, and guidance that takes your disability into account.

So basically, it’s a way for youth with disabilities in South Africa to gain a recognised qualification, get some work experience, and still earn a bit of money while learning.

1. iCAN Learnerships

 iCAN is part of the Adcorp Group and has been running disability-focused learnerships for over a decade. They place about 600 learners with disabilities each year, making them one of the largest providers in this space.

What they offer:

• Learnership Levels: NQF 1–2 (Life Skills, Hygiene & Cleaning, Business Practice, Business Admin).

• Duration: Typically 12 months.

• Eligibility: Some programmes don’t even require matric—just Grade 9 or 10 is enough. For admin/business roles, matric is preferred.

• Support: Learners are hosted either on-site at iCAN training centres or directly with client companies.
  
  

Stipends: While iCAN doesn’t advertise fixed stipends, learners report stipends ranging from R2,500 to R4,500, depending on the client company and programme level.

Pros: Low entry barrier, high placement numbers, strong disability support structures.
Cons: Stipends can be on the lower side, and opportunities depend heavily on client demand.

Apply here: ICAN Disability Learnership Application

2. Skills Development Corporation (SDC)

 SDC is one of trusted skills training providers, known for offering accredited learnerships and has partnerships with various employers in South Africa. They offer learnerships for both abled and disabled individuals in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Their disability learnerships are backed by corporates who sponsor learners as part of skills development targets.

What they offer:

• Learnership Levels: NQF 2–5 across business, IT, HR, and admin.

• Duration: 12 months (full-time commitment).

Application Requirements:

• Must be 18–28 years old.

• Must be unemployed.

• Must have Grade 12 (matric).

• Must provide proof of disability (medical or supporting documents).

• Pass a short literacy/numeracy assessment (80% pass mark).

• Attend an interview before placement.
  
  

Stipends: Vary depending on the company funding the learnership, but reports suggest R3,500–R5,500 per month.

Pros: Clear application process, proper assessments, and placements linked to corporate sponsors.
Cons: Strict matric requirement excludes some youth, and programmes are highly competitive.

Apply here: SDC Learnership Application

You may also look: Learnerships Programmes and Skills Providers in 2025

3. Ubuhle Learnerships

Ubuhle People Solutions is one of the better-known providers when it comes to disability learnerships in South Africa. They work with different companies to set up and run learnerships from start to finish—everything from recruiting learners to paying stipends, registering with the SETA, and making sure training runs smoothly. 

For young people living with disabilities, this means less hassle and a proper support system while you study.

Ubuhle focuses on 12-month accredited learnerships that usually fall between NQF Level 2 and Level 5. Their programmes are centred on fields like:

• Business Administration

• Generic Management

• Call Centre / Customer Service

• Other entry-to-mid level qualifications that can open doors in office and corporate workspaces.

Classes are run during normal working hours (Monday to Friday, 8 am–4 pm), and learners are placed either at training academies or with partner companies, depending on the programme.

Requirements: 

• A certified ID copy (not older than 3 months)

• Matric certificate (Grade 12), or the highest qualification you’ve completed

• An updated CV

• A medical certificate or affidavit confirming your disability

• Proof of residence
  
  

Applications are done online through the Ubuhle portal, and once you’re in their database, they’ll contact you when opportunities open up.

Apply here: Ubuhle People Solutions Learnership Application

4. Impactful Learnerships 

 Impactful is a large training provider delivering fully funded, SETA-accredited programmes. In 2025, they’ve launched a Contact Centre NQF Level 3 Learnership specifically for persons living with disabilities.

This opportunity is closing on 31 August 2025, If you are interested on the programme here are the details you need to know.

What they offer:

• Learnership Type: Contact Centre Support, NQF Level 3.

• Duration: 12 months.

• Locations: Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban.

• Eligibility: Must have Grade 12, be unemployed, and living with a disability.

Stipend: Fixed at R5,000 per month—one of the highest for disability learnerships in SA right now. 

Apply here: Impactful Contact Centre Level 3 Learnership Application

You may also look: Transcend Learnerships 2025 Application: Apply Now

Finding the right learnership can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re living with a disability and trying to figure out where to start. The companies we’ve listed here are just a handful of what’s out there. 

There are plenty more opportunities waiting for you, and that’s where Disable Connect comes in. It’s a hub that regularly posts new learnerships, internships, and other openings specifically for people with disabilities, so you can keep exploring and find something that really fits your skills and goals. Checking sites like this can make the whole process a lot easier and help you stay on top of fresh opportunities without missing out."