Fraudsters target apprenticeships

The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) has warned about a scam targeting those seeking apprenticeship or learnership opportunities.

In a statement issued by MerSeta, it is stated the scam targets unsuspecting learners looking for apprenticeship or learnership opportunities. Students are asked to deposit money

at a Shoprite or Spar supermarket, as well as a bank, in order to access the training.

The matter was reported to the SAPS.

Mr Neil Lewis, from MerSeta said, “The MerSETA wishes to state that a learner wishing to undergo merSETA-funded training does not need to pay to undertake their apprenticeship or learnership.

“Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), the merSETA in this case, may fund the training and in return, the employer pays wages or an allowance to the learner undergoing training. The merSETA member companies or merSETA-accredited training providers provide apprenticeship and learnership training,” said Mr Lewis.

The following are the correct application processes:

Apprenticeship process

•  The apprentice is registered in a listed trade in terms of the prescribed training provisions.
•  An agreement is signed by the employer and the apprentice (guardian if under 18 years of age).
•  The apprentice is indentured in a designated trade in terms of the Training Act provisions.
•  A four-subject N2 certificate with the relevant trade theory has to be completed at a TVET college. Employers pay for classes and assessment fees at the TVET college.
•  A Trade Test application is made to the merSETA once all relevant training has been completed.
•  A trade test/assessment is conducted at a merSETA-accredited trade test centre.
•  If successful, the learner is awarded a National Trade Certificate and deemed to be a qualified artisan.

Apprenticeship wages

A percentage of the artisan minimum rate is determined by the relevant industry bargaining council per level (4 levels). Admission requirements are chamber-specific, whilst the duration of apprenticeship programmes is determined by each trade and level. For chamber-specific admission requirements and programme duration, visit the merSETA website or call your nearest merSETA Regional Office.

The learnership process:

•  Training providers are accredited to provide the chosen learnership by the merSETA ETQA.
•  Application by the learner is made to the training provider registered with merSETA against qualifications.
•  The learner is selected.
•  A tripartite learnership agreement is signed between the employer and the learner if the learner is unemployed.
•  The learning programme and process is discussed and agreed to with the training provider.
•  The employer funds the learnership, which may be through grants obtained from the merSETA.
•  Upon successful completion of the learnership, a National Qualification is awarded to the learner.
•  The learner receives a statement of results for unit standards achieved if the learnership is not successfully completed.
•  Once the learnership is completed, the employer can decide whether to sign the learner on for a new learnership, employ the learner or release the learner for future employment by another organisation if he/she was originally unemployed.

Learner allowance

•  The unemployed/pre-employed learner is paid an allowance. The minimum allowance for learners is regulated.
•  The merSETA only pays for apprenticeships and learnerships registered with the organisation and NOT for internships outside the merSETA.
•  The merSETA cautions all learners that any other application process that deviates from these as noted above could potentially be a bogus scam and should be investigated before engaging in the process.