Definition:
A learnership is a route to occupational or professional NQF qualification which is vocational, education and
training (VET) with a strong emphasis on both workplace experience and a structured learning component. 

Purpose: Learnerships were introduced by government to skill the nation which will lead to relevant industry experience; equipping the learners readiness for the workplace. Hence this will contribute to the National Skills Development Strategy – which talks to job creation.  Ultimately this will contribute positively to reducing unemployment and poverty in our country, therefore reducing crime. Learnership is a good tool which helps an individual to gain the relevant skills and experience which will give them better employment opportunities.   Learnerships are derived from the various National Qualification Framework level qualifications that are registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA – levels 1 – 5).
A learnership is available to both employed learners (18.1) as well as an unemployed (18.2) learner.
The “employed learner 18.1” could benefit by being enrolled on a learnership to avoid loss of income that a full-time study would cost but still be able to receive a full qualification.
The “unemployed learner – 18.2” could embark on a learnership which will assist them in getting both the theory and practical workplace experience.  They would receive a monthly stipend / allowance which will assist them in procuring transport and other related costs in getting them to the workplace and for training.  This intervention would keep them occupied in a working environment for a period of 12 months.
A qualification is broken down in the following credits based on each NQF Level:
QUALIFICATION:   A qualification is a planned combination of learning outcomes with a defined purpose to be able to qualify learners with an applied competence. 
A qualification is broken down into:
Fundamental           Basic knowledge a learner would need to know in order to be productive in the workplace.
Core                                  Knowledge you need to perform the job and be seen as competent. 
Elective                     Extensive knowledge on all the unit standards to be able to carry out the roles and
Responsibilities of that specific choice of qualification that needs to be achieved.
A qualification is registered depending on the NQF Level:
Certificate       -              120 Credits
Diploma            -              240 Credits
Degree              -              360 Credits

Definition: A bursary is given to an employee when a specific course of study is considered by the employer which could be beneficial to the employee’s career development plan. The Services SETA would provide the financial assistance to employers who wish to improve the skills of their employees through formal courses of study.

Purpose:   A bursary is to encourage an individual in career development through further education.
Please Note: the process of applying for a bursary is similar to the learnership process.