Applying for a government learnership is both exciting and confusing. You have to send in an application that gives your university and work history, as well as contactable references, your ID document and other pertinent documentation relating to the position. Learnership jobs can provide you with a solid foundation for your career, but it can be tricky to know what is required of you if you are new to job applications. Below are some of the requirements that you need to meet for government learnership jobs.

The basic requirements of learnerships

As with all jobs, there are some basic requirements that you need to meet when you apply. For learnership jobs, the basic requirements are as follows:
  • A Grade 12 or Matric equivalent
  • Have the ability to read, write and speak English
  • Proficiency in one other National Language (such as Zulu or Afrikaans)
  • Computer literacy
  • No current permanent employment
You will need to submit your documents along with your CV and cover letter when you are applying for any learnership jobs.

Be a self-motivator and a team player

Some of the most important ‘requirements’ or qualities that government learnership jobs look for in applicants are the ability to be a self-motivator and a team player. You will need to be able to do what needs to be done, without the influence of others or too much ‘hand-holding’ from your employer. Self-motivation ties into being a team player, as it means that you are able to work efficiently in a team without needing to ask for help from others too often. Your teammates will be happier to work with you if you are able to take initiative and solve problems on your own or with little help. However, part of being a self-motivator is also knowing when to ask for help. You should never assume the solution to a problem in case you do something that could jeopardise the entire company.

A willingness to learn

You might be asking, ‘What is a learnership?’ Well, a learnership is a job in which you learn new skills, which is why you need to have a willingness to learn. You should be excited at the prospect of furthering your skills and be open to taking on new and different challenges. For government learnership jobs, you will be taking on new responsibilities that might seem difficult at first. But if you are willing to meet them head on and learn from your colleagues, you will find your job easier and will be able to handle your work more efficiently. You can learn from your mistakes if you handle them correctly and you will be able to recover from them quicker and in a more positive manner.

The ability to work under pressure

Working in a government office can be stressful, and a learnership can be even more so. You will be given tasks that are new and foreign to you, and so you will have to be able to deal with stress in a professional manner. The ability to work under pressure can be built up by taking online courses in time-management and organisational skills, planning your time out effectively over the course of a day and managing challenges without becoming too emotional. Being able to work under pressure will help later in life, once you have found your career path and are in the office of your dreams.

Honesty is the best policy

During a government learnership you will be asked about your past as a student and about your past employment, and you will need to be completely honest about these. This is because your employer will find out the truth, and if you have lied, it will be embarrassing for both parties and will mean the end of your learnership. Being an honest person means that you are willing and able to tell the truth in any work situation, but you will also need to use tact when doing so. You will be required to be honest about your working hours and if you lie about how long you have worked for each day, you will likely be let go from the position. Being honest will also increase your popularity among fellow employees and your employer will see the value in keeping you on after the learnership has ended.

Final words

Government learnership jobs require you to have a Grade 12 or an equivalent of this, the ability to read, write and speak in English and another National Language as well as a valid South African Identity Document. They also need you to have other, less tangible qualities, such as the ability to work under pressure, a willingness to learn and the ability to motivate yourself and think on your feet. Once you have mastered these skills, you will find your learnership a huge success and the perfect paving stone for your new career in the public sector.

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