Tenacity Customer Services Call Centre Learnership Programme 2026

Finding a job without experience can feel frustrating for many young South Africans. Most entry-level jobs ask for experience, while many unemployed youth are simply looking for a company willing to give them a first chance. That is why learnership programmes remain one of the most valuable pathways into the workplace.

The 2026 Tenacity Customer Services Call Centre Learnership Programme is one of those opportunities that can help young people gain practical work experience while studying toward a nationally recognised qualification. If you are between the ages of 18 and 30, currently unemployed, and looking to enter the customer service industry, this programme could help you build a strong career foundation.

Tenacity is offering a 13-month learnership programme that combines classroom learning with real workplace experience in customer services. Successful applicants will work toward a Micro Finance qualification at NQF Level 4 while gaining practical call centre and customer support skills.

This opportunity is based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town and is aimed at young people who are serious about developing themselves professionally.

Quick Overview

About Tenacity

Tenacity is known for operating within the customer services and collections environment, providing support services that require strong communication, professionalism, and customer relationship skills.

The company regularly focuses on youth development and skills empowerment through learnership programmes designed to help unemployed South Africans gain meaningful workplace exposure.

This programme is particularly important because South Africa continues to face extremely high youth unemployment rates. Many matriculants struggle to transition into formal employment because they lack work experience or practical skills. Programmes like this help bridge that gap by giving learners both theoretical and practical exposure.

Why This Learnership is Important

Many young people underestimate the long-term value of call centre and customer service experience. However, customer service remains one of the largest employment sectors in South Africa, especially in industries such as:

• Banking
• Retail
• Insurance
• Telecommunications
• E-commerce
• Debt collection
• Financial services
• Technical support
• Healthcare support services

The skills gained through a customer service learnership are transferable across many industries. Even if learners eventually move into administration, sales, HR, retail, or office support roles, the communication and problem-solving skills developed here remain highly valuable.

This programme also allows learners to earn while they learn, which is important for many households facing financial pressure.

What the Learnership Offers

The Tenacity Learnership Programme combines two major components:

Classroom-Based Learning

Learners will receive formal training toward a nationally recognised Micro Finance qualification at NQF Level 4.

This learning component may include:

• Customer service principles
• Communication skills
• Telephone etiquette
• Consumer finance basics
• Complaint handling
• Administrative skills
• Workplace professionalism
• Problem-solving techniques
• Data capturing
• Customer account management

Practical Workplace Experience

Learners will also work within the Customer Services environment where they will gain practical industry exposure.

This workplace experience helps learners understand:

• Real call centre operations
• Handling customer queries
• Managing pressure
• Working with systems and technology
• Meeting performance targets
• Team collaboration
• Professional workplace behaviour

Having both theory and workplace experience makes a learnership much stronger than studying alone.

Main Responsibilities of Learners

Successful applicants will become active members of the customer services team.

Their duties may include:

• Handling inbound customer calls
• Assisting customers with account-related questions
• Responding to complaints professionally
• Managing administrative tasks
• Updating customer information accurately
• Following company procedures
• Maintaining service standards
• Meeting workplace attendance requirements
• Completing assessments and assignments
• Submitting a Portfolio of Evidence (POE)

Learners will also be expected to follow company rules, policies, and workplace standards throughout the programme.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must have Grade 12
• Must be between 18 and 30 years old
• Must currently be unemployed
• Must have little or no work experience
• Must not currently be studying
• Must not plan to study during the programme
• Must be willing to commit to a 13-month programme
• Must be willing to work shifts and weekends
• Must not have participated in another learnership within the past 12 months

Having Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is considered advantageous.

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

Tenacity is looking for individuals with the right attitude and mindset.

Important qualities include:

• Strong communication skills
• Confidence when speaking to people
• Patience and empathy
• Good listening skills
• Positive attitude
• Problem-solving ability
• Emotional control under pressure
• Time management skills
• Professionalism
• Adaptability

Many people assume call centre work is easy, but it actually requires strong discipline and emotional intelligence.

What Makes Call Centre Experience Valuable?

One of the biggest mistakes young job seekers make is underestimating customer service work.

Call centre experience teaches valuable workplace skills such as:

• Professional communication
• Computer literacy
• Conflict resolution
• Customer relationship management
• Workplace discipline
• Team collaboration
• Performance management
• Multitasking
• Stress management

These are skills employers look for across many industries.

Many successful managers, supervisors, HR officers, administrators, and sales consultants started their careers in customer service environments. 

The Importance of a National Qualification

The NQF Level 4 Micro Finance qualification can strengthen your CV significantly.

A formal qualification shows employers that you:

• Completed structured training
• Understand workplace standards
• Can work in a professional environment
• Are committed to personal development
• Can balance work and learning responsibilities

For many unemployed youth, this qualification becomes a stepping stone into permanent employment opportunities.

Tips for Applying Successfully

Competition for learnerships is usually very high. Here are some important tips that can improve your chances.

Prepare a Professional CV

Your CV should include:

• Personal details
• Educational background
• Skills
• Any volunteer experience
• Computer skills
• Contact details

Even if you have no work experience, keep your CV neat and professional.

Use a Professional Email Address

Avoid using informal email addresses when applying.

A professional email address improves your presentation to employers.

Answer Calls Professionally

Companies often contact shortlisted candidates by phone.

Always answer professionally and clearly.

Be Honest During Applications

Never lie about:

• Qualifications
• Experience
• Learnership participation history

Companies conduct verification checks.

Practice Basic Interview Questions

Prepare for questions like:

• Why do you want this learnership?
• Why should Tenacity choose you?
• What are your strengths?
• How do you handle pressure?
• Why are customer service skills important?

Challenges Learners Should Expect

While learnerships are valuable, they can also be demanding.

Learners may need to:

• Work under pressure
• Handle difficult customers
• Meet targets
• Balance work and studying
• Adapt to shift work
• Maintain discipline and attendance

However, overcoming these challenges often helps young people grow personally and professionally.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE TENACITY CUSTOMER SERVICES CALL CENTRE LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

Edupstairs Advice

At Edupstairs, we encourage young people not to ignore opportunities simply because they are in customer service or call centre environments. These programmes often provide the first real workplace experience that many employers look for later.

The most important thing is getting your foot into the workplace, building confidence, learning professionalism, and developing communication skills.

If you are unemployed and struggling to gain experience, this learnership could become the stepping stone that helps you enter the formal job market.

Even if customer service is not your long-term career goal, the skills you gain can help you across many industries in the future.

Apply carefully, prepare properly, and take the process seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is this learnership paid?

The advert states that the salary is market related. Most learnerships usually provide a monthly stipend to assist learners with transport and basic expenses.

• Can I apply if I already studied at college?

You may apply if you are currently unemployed and not studying during the programme.

• Can I study part-time while doing the learnership?

No. The advert specifically states that applicants should not currently be studying or planning to study during the programme.

• Is previous work experience required?

No. The programme is designed for individuals with limited or no work experience.

• What qualification will learners receive?

Learners will work toward a nationally recognised Micro Finance qualification at NQF Level 4.

• Will disabled applicants be considered?

Yes. Preference will be given to Employment Equity and disabled candidates in line with transformation targets.

• Where is the programme located?

The learnership is based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.

You can also:

• View latest Internships
• View latest Learnerships
• View Latest Bursaries
• View latest Government jobs
• View latest Company Vacancies
• View latest Municipality vacancies
• Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates

Disclaimer

Edupstairs shares opportunity information for educational and informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with Tenacity. Applicants should verify all details on the official application platform before applying.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY