In South Africa, getting ahead often starts with gaining the right skills. But what if you can’t afford expensive training or education? Don’t worry—the government has your back. Across the country, there are many free government training programmes designed to help you build skills, find work, and create opportunities.
Whether you’re a school leaver, unemployed youth, or someone looking for a career change, these programmes offer a way forward.
Free Government Training Opportunities in South Africa.
1. Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)
Have you ever heard of SETAs? These organizations were created by the government to make sure South Africans get skills that employers are looking for. Every industry—from farming to construction to IT—has a SETA.
What they offer:
Free skills training
Learnerships (learn while you work)
Internships for work experience
For example, the Services SETA supports people wanting to work in retail, hairdressing, hospitality, and more. Many of these programmes even give you a stipend while you learn.
How to apply: Visit the SETA website for your industry or ask at your local Department of Labour office.
2. National School of Government (NSG)
The NSG is where government workers get trained, but did you know they also offer free online courses for everyone? Their goal is to build ethical, capable leaders and workers in South Africa’s public sector.
Courses you can take include:
Managing customer care
Writing official letters and reports
Basic project management
How to apply: Visit elearning.thensg.gov.za to sign up for a free course.
3. First Work Experience PAY Programme (Western Cape)
If you live in the Western Cape and you’re between 17 and 24 years old with a matric, the PAY Programme can give you your first work experience inside a government department.
What you’ll get:
12 months of work experience
On-the-job training
A mentor to guide you
By the end of the year, you’ll be more confident and ready to apply for permanent jobs.
How to apply: Check announcements on the Western Cape Government website or visit your local municipal office.
4. Free Online Courses (City of Ekurhuleni & Gauteng)
Living in Gauteng? Then you’ve got access to free online courses thanks to your local government. The City of Ekurhuleni and the Gauteng government are offering digital learning programmes to help you start a business, learn coding, or improve your computer skills.
Available courses include:
Entrepreneurship
Digital marketing
Business management
How to apply: Visit your local library or municipal office to find out how to sign up, or go directly to their online portals.
5. Esri South Africa GIS Training
Love maps or geography? Esri South Africa offers free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training for unemployed youth between 18 and 30 years old. GIS is used in everything from farming to city planning.
What you’ll learn:
How to use GIS software
How to create maps and analyze data
Practical projects to boost your CV
How to apply: Visit esri-southafrica.com for application forms.
6. Youth Skills Programme (Department of Tourism)
The tourism sector offers many job opportunities, and the Department of Tourism wants to help young people get in. Their Youth Skills Programme provides training, mentorship, and work placements in hospitality, guiding, and tourism services.
Benefits:
Accredited training certificate
Hands-on work experience
Pathway into hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses
How to apply: Look out for recruitment announcements on tourism.gov.za.
7. Drivers License Training (Garden Route District)
No driver’s license? No problem. The Garden Route District offers free Code C driver’s license training to help unemployed people get qualifications for jobs in transport and logistics.
What you get:
Driving lessons
Theory test preparation
Paid exam fees
How to apply: Contact the Garden Route District Municipality offices or check their website.
8. Health Sector Training (Department of Health)
Want to work in healthcare? The Department of Health offers free online courses to upskill health workers. Courses cover topics like vaccine management and adult primary care. Even if you’re not employed yet, completing these courses can boost your CV.
How to apply: Visit knowledgehub.health.gov.za to enroll in a free course.
9. Other Government Skills Development Initiatives
Don’t forget: other government departments also offer training programmes. Departments of Labour, Social Development, Public Works, and more run skills workshops, job placement services, and apprenticeships—especially for young people and unemployed adults.
Visit gov.za or your local Department of Labour office for more information.
Why You Should Apply
These free government training programmes in South Africa are more than just free lessons—they are stepping stones to:
Getting a job
Starting a small business
Improving your education
Building confidence and work experience
Don’t let a lack of money hold you back. These programmes are open to all eligible South Africans, giving you a chance to unlock your future without paying fees.
Check also: Government Relief Programmes from Social Development Department
In a country where many people face barriers to education and employment, free government training programmes in South Africa provide a lifeline. These opportunities are designed to empower individuals with practical skills, valuable work experience, and nationally recognized qualifications—all at no cost.
Whether you’re aiming for a career in tourism, healthcare, IT, or public service, there’s a programme waiting for you. By taking advantage of these free training initiatives, you can improve your employability, increase your chances of finding a job, and build a better future for yourself and your family.
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—take the first step by applying for a free government training programme today. Your journey toward growth and success starts now.
