What is a learnership?

Learnerships are included in the Skills Development Amendment Bill 2008 which states that a learning program is occupationally directed learning and includes a learnership, an apprenticeship, an internship, a skills program, a program of foundational learning and any other prescribed learning programs which include a structured work experience component. (paraphrased). In accordance with the spirit of this legislation, the Department of Labour has promoted learnerships as the primary tool to address the country's skills shortage and to assist young people acquire skills that will secure them employment.

In accordance with this legislation The IIA SA learnerships are work-based learning programs - comparable to "articles" or "raining contracts" in other professions. It consists of two elements - an education (formal classroom training) leg, and a training (workplace instruction) leg. It relates to an occupation and upon completion leads to the awarding of a qualification/designation.

Learnerships are based on legally binding agreements between an employer, a learner and a training provider. This agreement stipulates the tasks and duties of the employer, the learner and the training provider. It is designed to ensure the quality of the training and to protect the interests of all parties.

The IIA SA has developed training programs at these two NQF levels of designations:

IAT - Internal Audit Technician - NQF level 6 # 20358
GIA - General Internal Auditor - NQF level 7 # 20359

For both learnerships the structured workplace training program is monitored and assessed in the workplace by qualified assessors. As they are competency based, the learnerships may be extended beyond the minimum period of 24 months and 12 months respectively, depending on progress.

Assessments of all elements are conducted at regular intervals by trained IIA SA representatives to ensure quality in the process.

The programs are generic, but are flexible enough to cater for sector specific needs.

The CIA designation is awarded after successfully completing the internationally recognized examination. (See our webpage on Certification for more information on our premier designation)

Benefits of Learnerships:

... for the employer

• Improved skills in the workplace
  
• The workplace training logbook facilitates the identification of training gaps and opportunities
  
• Training is standardized and subject to quality assurance
  
• There are financial benefits - the tax rebate for signing of Learnership agreements with trainees (learners), and there may be grants that can be accessed from the relevant SETA.

... for the employee

• Access through the training modules to the latest practices in the profession.
  
• The facility to earn while you learn
  
• Wider knowledge of internal audit processes and improved skills.
  
• Obtaining a professionally recognized qualification

... for the relevant SETA

• Structured learnership to add to the SETA's workplace skills plan.
  
• An opportunity for the SETA to cater for a cross-sectoral discipline that is often overlooked as it is not sector specific.

Steps to follow to participate in the learnership program

• Liaise with the relevant SETA. The SETA will usually provide the quality assurance function and may also offer financial assistance or incentives.
  
• Support structures. The employer must be able to provide exposure as required by the training logbook (TLB), enable and encourage the learner to attend the training modules, and provide internal logistical support.
  
• Mentors and Assessors. These must be identified and if need be, undergo training for these workplace roles.
  
• Registration. The employer must sign an Operational agreement with the Institute, and the learner should enter into a learnership agreement with the employer and training provider
  
• Workplace training logbook. It is recommended that the issuing of this to every learner be done in a group session which includes mentors/internal assessors.
  
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Previous relevant experience is recognized in fulfilling the training requirements - this should be recorded in the TLB upon commencement of the program.
  

For more information contact the Deputy Education and Training Manager,
Lawrence Chetty on 011 450 1040 or e-mail learnerships@iiasa.org.za