How to Apply for LGSETA Funded Employment and Training Opportunities

Introduction to LGSETA and Its Role in Skills Development

In today’s fast-evolving job market, skills development is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re a recent matriculant, an unemployed graduate, or someone seeking to upskill or reskill, the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) offers powerful pathways to employment through funded training and learnerships.

LGSETA plays a pivotal role in empowering South African citizens by funding occupational training that directly responds to skills shortages in municipalities and local government sectors. With a mission to build an inclusive, skilled, and capable workforce, LGSETA collaborates with accredited training providers, municipalities, and employers to implement learnerships, internships, and other workplace-based programmes.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know, including:

What LGSETA is and who qualifies
Types of funded opportunities
Application procedures
Accredited training providers
Stipends and financial support
Frequently asked questions

Understanding LGSETA and Its Training Opportunities

What is LGSETA?

The Local Government SETA (LGSETA) is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). It is responsible for:

Facilitating education and training in the local government sector
Implementing skills development strategies aligned with the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP)
Promoting learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and skills programmes

Types of Funded Opportunities

Learnerships
- Structured learning programmes combining theoretical and practical training
- Duration: 12 months
- Qualification: NQF Level 1–5
Internships
- For unemployed graduates
- Duration: 6–24 months
- Ideal for gaining work experience in local government settings
Skills Programmes
- Short courses for employed or unemployed individuals
- Duration: 3 weeks to 6 months
Bursaries
- For current students pursuing qualifications relevant to local government
Workplace Experience Programmes
- For TVET and university students needing practical exposure

Who Qualifies for LGSETA Opportunities?

General Eligibility Criteria

To apply for LGSETA-funded programmes, you must:

Be a South African citizen
Be between 18–35 years old (some programmes may allow older applicants)
Be unemployed or employed but needing upskilling
Possess relevant qualifications (matric, N6, diploma, or degree)
Be willing to commit to the full duration of the programme

Priority Target Groups

Unemployed youth
Persons with disabilities
Women
People in rural areas
Matriculants with no work experience

Step-by-Step Application Process

Check LGSETA Website or Partner Municipalities
- Visit www.lgseta.org.za
- Look for open opportunities, adverts, or funding windows
Prepare Required Documents
- Certified ID copy (not older than 3 months)
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Updated CV
- Proof of address
- Motivation letter (optional but helpful)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Apply Through One of the Following Channels:
- LGSETA-accredited training providers
- Municipal HR offices
- Online application portals (if specified)
- Physical submissions via post or hand-delivery
Attend Interviews or Assessments
- Some training providers may require a pre-selection interview or test
Wait for Placement Notification
- If selected, you’ll be contacted with offer letters and start dates

Top Accredited Training Providers Working with LGSETA

Here are some reputable training providers that collaborate with LGSETA:

Training Provider	Location	Specialization
Motheo TVET College	Free State	Municipal Finance, Civil Engineering
Vuselela TVET College	North West	Local Government Management
Tshwane North TVET College	Gauteng	Business Admin, HR, Public Admin
Regenesys Business School	Gauteng	Public Management
Mancosa	National	Local Government Development
Richfield Graduate Institute	KZN & National	IT in Local Government
Nelson Mandela University	Eastern Cape	Development Studies
CTU Training Solutions	National	GIS & IT Skills for Local Government

Always verify that the provider is LGSETA-accredited and the course is registered on the NQF (National Qualifications Framework).

Stipends – What You Can Expect to Earn

LGSETA-funded programmes come with monthly stipends to assist learners with transport and living expenses. Here’s a breakdown:

Learnership Stipends (Monthly):

NQF Level 2–3: R2,000 – R3,000
NQF Level 4–5: R3,500 – R4,500

Internships:

Diploma holders: R4,000 – R5,000
Degree holders: R5,500 – R7,000

Skills Programmes:

Short-term (less than 6 months): R1,500 – R3,000 (once-off or pro-rated)

TVET Internships / WIL:

Stipend: R2,500 – R3,500 (varies by host employer)

Note: Stipend amounts may vary depending on budget, host employer, and region.

How Municipalities and Employers Participate

Many municipalities offer LGSETA-funded training to boost their internal workforce and create community employment. Here’s how they typically get involved:

Examples of Participating Municipalities:

eThekwini Municipality
City of Johannesburg
Buffalo City Municipality
Polokwane Local Municipality
Mogale City Local Municipality
OR Tambo District Municipality

Municipalities host learners in various departments such as:

Housing and Human Settlements
Water and Sanitation
Environmental Management
Public Administration
ICT Services
Community Services

Benefits of LGSETA Opportunities

Participating in LGSETA-funded programmes offers numerous benefits:

Work Experience: Hands-on learning in real municipal workplaces
National Certification: NQF-accredited qualifications
Employment Opportunities: Increased chances of permanent municipal jobs
Career Progression: Pathway into public sector careers
Financial Support: Monthly stipends ease the burden of learning

Many learners go on to secure permanent roles or further funding for higher education through NSFAS or bursary programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply for more than one LGSETA programme?
Yes, but you can only be funded for one at a time.

Q2: Are LGSETA programmes available nationwide?
Yes. Programmes are offered through municipalities and providers across all nine provinces.

Q3: What if I don’t hear back after applying?
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted. Always apply to multiple opportunities and follow up with the provider or municipality.

Q4: Do I need to pay anything?
No. LGSETA-funded programmes are free of charge for learners.

Q5: Can I apply if I have a disability?
Absolutely. LGSETA prioritizes inclusion and funds programmes specifically for people with disabilities.

Final Tips for a Successful Application:

Prepare a strong CV highlighting your interest in public service
Make copies of all documents and get them certified
Monitor municipal websites and newspapers for new learnership ads
Keep your phone and email active – that’s how you’ll be contacted
Be honest and committed once selected – your success depends on it!

Useful Resources

Edupstairs Website: www.edupstairs.org
LGSETA Website: www.lgseta.org.za
Department of Labour: www.labour.gov.za
DHET: www.dhet.gov.za
Career Help Portal: www.careerhelp.org.za

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