Transitioning into and through learnerships for employability: Graduates’ experiences of learnership programmes in South Africa

Abstract

Youth unemployment in South Africa is a critical issue, with graduate unemployment increasing despite various work-based learning interventions aimed at linking youth to the labour market. This mixed methods study explored the experiences of graduates participating in learnership programmes, focusing on their transition from higher education institutions into these programmes and their progression through and beyond them. Additionally, it examined graduates’ understanding and awareness of employability skills developed through the programmes. By analysing graduates' narratives, the study identified the transition and learning experiences that facilitate the development of employability skills necessary for successful entry into the labour market. The study addressed the overarching research question: How do graduates experience the transition into learnership programmes and acquire skills that enhance their employment opportunities upon completion? Findings revealed the motivations driving graduates into learnerships, the challenges they face, and the strategies they employ to maintain balance. Support structures are crucial for facilitating smooth transitions, and workplaces play a key role in skill development. The transformative effects of learnerships on graduates’ personal and professional growth are also highlighted. These insights have significant implications for policymakers, training providers, employers, and other stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of learnership programmes, emphasising the need for well- structured support initiatives tailored to participants' diverse needs.