List of SETAs in South Africa and What They Offer (Complete Guide)
Introduction
List of SETAs in South Africa. South Africa’s workforce development system is built around a powerful structure known as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). These institutions play a critical role in addressing unemployment, closing skills gaps, and preparing individuals for real job opportunities.
If you are searching for learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, or bursaries, understanding the list of SETAs in South Africa and what they offer is essential.
This detailed guide provides:
- A complete list of all SETAs
- What each SETA does
- The types of opportunities available
- How you can benefit
What Are SETAs in South Africa?
A SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) is a government body responsible for developing skills within a specific industry. These organisations were established under the Skills Development Act to align education with labour market needs.
There are currently 21 SETAs in South Africa, each focusing on a different sector such as agriculture, finance, construction, and ICT.
What Do SETAs Offer?
Before diving into the full list, it’s important to understand what SETAs actually provide.
Key Offerings:
- Learnerships (earn while you learn)
- Internships (workplace experience)
- Apprenticeships (technical training)
- Bursaries (financial support for studies)
- Skills programmes (short courses)
SETAs also:
- Fund training programmes
- Identify scarce skills
- Support employers with training grants
- Ensure qualifications meet industry standards
Full List of SETAs in South Africa (2026)
Below is the complete and updated list of all 21 SETAs and what they offer.
1. AgriSETA (Agriculture)
Sector: Agriculture and farming
What it offers:
- Farming and agricultural training
- Learnerships in crop production and animal farming
- Rural development programmes
2. BANKSETA (Banking & Finance)
Sector: Banking and financial services
What it offers:
- Finance learnerships
- Banking internships
- Skills in accounting, risk, and financial management
3. CATHSSETA (Tourism, Hospitality & Sport)
Sector: Tourism, hospitality, arts, and sports
What it offers:
- Hospitality learnerships
- Tourism training programmes
- Event management skills
4. CHIETA (Chemical Industries)
Sector: Chemicals, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals
What it offers:
- Laboratory training
- Chemical production skills
- Engineering learnerships
5. CETA (Construction)
Sector: Construction and built environment
What it offers:
- Artisan training (plumbing, bricklaying)
- Construction management programmes
- Apprenticeships
6. ETDP SETA (Education & Training)
Sector: Education, training, and development
What it offers:
- Teaching and facilitation skills
- Training provider development
- Education-related learnerships
7. EWSETA (Energy & Water)
Sector: Energy and water services
What it offers:
- Renewable energy training
- Water management skills
- Engineering programmes
8. FASSET (Finance & Accounting)
Sector: Finance and accounting
What it offers:
- Accounting learnerships
- Tax and auditing training
- Professional development programmes
9. FoodBev SETA (Food & Beverage)
Sector: Food manufacturing
What it offers:
- Food production training
- Quality assurance programmes
- Manufacturing skills
10. FP&M SETA (Fibre Processing & Manufacturing)
Sector: Textile, clothing, and manufacturing
What it offers:
- Textile production skills
- Fashion manufacturing training
- Industrial design programmes
11. HWSETA (Health & Welfare)
Sector: Health and social services
What it offers:
- Nursing and healthcare training
- Social work programmes
- Community health learnerships
12. INSETA (Insurance)
Sector: Insurance industry
What it offers:
- Insurance learnerships
- Risk management training
- Financial advisory skills
13. LGSETA (Local Government)
Sector: Municipal and public administration
What it offers:
- Public service training
- Municipal management programmes
- Governance skills
14. MERSETA (Manufacturing & Engineering)
Sector: Manufacturing and engineering
What it offers:
- Artisan development
- Engineering apprenticeships
- Technical skills training
15. MICT SETA (ICT & Media)
Sector: Information technology and media
What it offers:
- IT learnerships
- Digital skills training
- Media and communications programmes
16. MQA (Mining Qualifications Authority)
Sector: Mining and minerals
What it offers:
- Mining learnerships
- Safety training
- Engineering and geology programmes
17. PSETA (Public Service)
Sector: Government departments
What it offers:
- Public administration training
- Government internships
- Policy and governance skills
18. SASSETA (Safety & Security)
Sector: Policing, law, and security
What it offers:
- Law enforcement training
- Security learnerships
- Legal studies support
19. Services SETA
Sector: Business and service industries
What it offers:
- Business management skills
- Customer service training
- Entrepreneurship programmes
20. TETA (Transport)
Sector: Transport and logistics
What it offers:
- Logistics training
- Driving and fleet management
- Aviation and maritime programmes
21. W&RSETA (Wholesale & Retail)
Sector: Retail and wholesale
What it offers:
- Retail management training
- Sales and merchandising skills
- Store operations programmes
Why Understanding SETAs Matters
Knowing the right SETA for your field helps you:
- Apply for relevant learnerships
- Access funded training programmes
- Gain industry-specific skills
- Improve employability
SETAs are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that training aligns with real job market needs.
How to Find SETA Opportunities
To benefit from SETAs, you need to actively search for opportunities.
Step-by-Step:
- Identify your career field
- Find the relevant SETA
- Check available programmes
- Apply online
👉 Browse latest opportunities:
External Resources for SETA Opportunities
For additional information, visit:
These platforms regularly update:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Skills programmes
Benefits of SETAs for Job Seekers
SETAs provide real value, especially for young South Africans.
Key Benefits:
- Earn a stipend while studying
- Gain practical work experience
- Obtain recognised qualifications
- Improve chances of employment
Thousands of opportunities open each year, but many people miss them simply because they don’t know where to look.
Challenges Facing SETAs
Despite their importance, SETAs face challenges:
- Limited awareness among youth
- Administrative delays
- Unequal access to opportunities
However, they remain a key pillar of South Africa’s skills development system.
Conclusion
Understanding the list of SETAs in South Africa and what they offer is a powerful step toward building your career.
Each SETA focuses on a specific industry, providing:
- Training
- Work experience
- Funding opportunities
Whether you want to work in banking, healthcare, construction, or IT, there is a SETA designed to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many SETAs are there in South Africa?
There are 21 SETAs, each focusing on a different industry.
2. Are SETA programmes free?
Most programmes are funded or subsidised, especially learnerships.
3. Can unemployed youth apply?
Yes, SETAs are designed to support unemployed individuals and students.
4. Do SETAs guarantee jobs?
No, but they significantly improve your chances by providing skills and experience.
Final Tip
If you are serious about building your future, start tracking SETA opportunities regularly. They are one of the most effective pathways to employment in South Africa
