The 2026 Santam Learnership Programme is an exciting opportunity for unemployed South African youth who want to build a long-term career in the insurance and financial services industry. This nationwide programme is designed to help young people gain practical workplace experience while studying toward an accredited qualification. It combines structured learning, industry exposure, and professional development to prepare learners for future employment opportunities.

Santam is one of the leading companies in the South African insurance sector and continues to invest in youth development through structured training initiatives. The programme focuses on empowering young people with valuable workplace skills while helping them gain industry-recognised qualifications. Learners receive both classroom-based training and practical work experience during the programme period.

This opportunity is ideal for young individuals who are eager to enter the professional world, improve their employability, and gain practical experience in a growing industry. The programme also supports transformation, inclusion, and skills development across South Africa.

Overview of the Santam Learnership Programme

The Santam Learnership Programme is an entry-level development initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities for young South Africans. Successful applicants will participate in a 12-month learnership programme that includes both academic learning and workplace training.

The programme provides learners with exposure to the insurance environment, customer service, business operations, administration, and financial services processes. Participants also receive accredited training that contributes toward a nationally recognised qualification.

This learnership is designed to help learners gain practical skills while improving their confidence, communication abilities, and workplace professionalism. By combining learning and work experience, participants can better prepare themselves for future career opportunities.

Location of the Programme

The Santam Learnership Programme 2026 is available nationwide across South Africa. This means applicants from different provinces may apply for available opportunities.

Available Across South Africa

• Gauteng
• Limpopo
• Mpumalanga
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Western Cape
• Eastern Cape
• Northern Cape
• North West
• Free State

Duration of the Programme

The learnership programme will run for:

• 12 months fixed-term contract

The programme is expected to begin in September 2026.

Benefits of the Learnership Programme

The Santam Learnership Programme offers several benefits for unemployed youth looking to gain work experience and professional skills.

Benefits Include

• Accredited NQF Level 4 qualification
• Practical workplace experience
• Exposure to the insurance industry
• Monthly stipend
• Opportunity to develop professional skills
• Improved employability
• Networking opportunities
• Industry-relevant training
• Career growth opportunities
• Mentorship and support during the programme

The programme is designed to help learners become more competitive in the job market by equipping them with valuable experience and recognised training.

Monthly Stipend

Successful learners will receive a monthly stipend during the programme period. The stipend assists learners with daily costs such as:

• Transport
• Meals
• Personal expenses
• Learning support

Although the exact stipend amount may vary, learners will receive financial support throughout the programme duration.

What the Learnership Programme Offers

The programme combines academic learning with practical workplace training. Learners will gain experience in various areas related to insurance and business operations.

Areas of Exposure May Include

• Customer service
• Insurance administration
• Claims processing
• Client communication
• Business operations
• Financial services support
• Office administration
• Data capturing
• Team collaboration
• Compliance and regulatory processes

Participants will work alongside experienced professionals while receiving mentorship and support throughout the programme.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in the Santam Learnership Programme 2026 must meet specific requirements before applying.

Basic Requirements

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 28 years
• Must currently be unemployed
• Must have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
• Must not be studying full-time during the learnership
• Must not have more than one year of work experience
• Must not have participated in a previous INSETA short-term insurance learnership

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have achieved the following minimum marks in Matric:

• Minimum 50% for English
• Minimum 50% for a second language
• Minimum 40% for Mathematics

OR

• Minimum 60% for Mathematical Literacy

Additional Requirements

• Must have strong communication skills
• Must be willing to learn
• Must be professional and responsible
• Must be committed to completing the programme
• Must be able to work well in a team
• Must have basic computer literacy
• Must have good interpersonal skills
• Must be motivated and career-focused

Who Cannot Apply

Certain applicants may not qualify for the programme.

Applicants Who Are Not Eligible

• Individuals with post-matric qualifications
• Applicants currently studying toward a qualification
• Individuals with more than one year of work experience
• Applicants who previously participated in an INSETA insurance learnership
• Individuals not meeting the academic requirements

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare all required documents before submitting their applications.

Documents Required

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified copy of Matric certificate
• Matric results statement if required
• Supporting documents if applicable
• Medical confirmation for applicants living with disabilities

Applicants should ensure all documents are clear, updated, and certified where necessary.

Skills Developed During the Programme

The learnership helps participants develop important workplace and personal skills that are highly valuable in the financial services sector.

Skills Learners May Gain

• Customer service skills
• Communication skills
• Administrative skills
• Time management
• Professional workplace conduct
• Problem-solving abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Insurance industry knowledge
• Computer literacy
• Business communication
• Organisational skills
• Attention to detail

These skills can help learners build strong foundations for future careers in insurance, administration, banking, finance, and customer service.

Why This Learnership Matters

South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment levels, making learnership programmes extremely important. Programmes like the Santam Learnership create opportunities for unemployed youth to gain meaningful workplace exposure and recognised training.

The insurance industry offers stable career opportunities for individuals with the right skills and experience. This programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment by giving young people access to structured development opportunities.

For many learners, this may be their first exposure to a professional working environment. The experience gained during the programme can help improve confidence, employability, and long-term career prospects.

Work Environment and Professional Growth

Participants in the programme will work in a professional environment where they are expected to maintain high standards of conduct and professionalism.

Learners will be encouraged to:

• Communicate professionally
• Work effectively with teams
• Meet deadlines
• Follow company policies
• Respect workplace diversity
• Take initiative
• Participate actively in training

The programme also promotes continuous learning and personal development.

Employment Equity and Inclusion

Santam supports employment equity, transformation, and diversity in the workplace. Applications are encouraged from individuals from various backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities.

The company aims to create an inclusive working environment where all learners can grow and succeed.

Tips for a Successful Application

Applicants should carefully prepare their applications to improve their chances of being shortlisted.

Helpful Application Tips

• Ensure your CV is updated
• Double-check all contact details
• Submit clear certified documents
• Ensure your Matric results meet requirements
• Prepare documents before the closing date
• Write professionally
• Follow all application instructions carefully
• Apply as early as possible

A complete and professional application can increase the chances of being considered for the programme.

Career Opportunities After Completion

Completing a learnership programme can open doors to future opportunities within the insurance and financial services industry.

Possible career paths may include:

• Insurance administrator
• Customer service consultant
• Claims assistant
• Call centre consultant
• Office administrator
• Client service advisor
• Junior insurance consultant
• Financial services support roles

The qualification and experience gained may also help learners apply for additional training opportunities or entry-level positions in related industries.