A learnership is a training course which combines theoretical training at a FET College or Training Centre with relevant work experience, leading to a recognized national qualification sanctioned by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Learnerships are based on a legally binding contract involving an employer, a learner and a service provider. This contract aims to ensure that the training provided is of the highest quality.

A learnership qualification has 3 main components, which are Unit Standard based:

Fundamental:

This category in a qualification refers to those outcomes that are critical to a learner’s learning requirements – viz the ability to communicate (Language & Communication), the ability to calculate (Numeracy skills) as well as certain life skills (HIV & AIDS, IT skills, personal finances etc)

Core:

The Core consists of those more transferable, compulsory outcomes applicable to a specific field or discipline eg Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Welder etc.

Elective:

Elective refers to those outcomes that enable a learner to select certain specialised areas in order to achieve specialist skills in the qualification.

Responding to the above, The Newcastle Training Centre has established a highly recommended, nationally renown Fundamentals Unit catering for any qualification (NQF Level 1 – NQF level 4) requiring Fundamental Training & Assessment.

On-site Fundamental Training

Is available, but only by prior arrangement, and under certain conditions.

Current Products & Services (Fundamentals):

PRODUCT & SERVICE	LEVEL	NATIONAL CERTIFICATE
Fundamental Training & Assessment		Electrical	Mechanical	MC&I	Fabrication
Communication	2 - 4
Numeracy	2 - 4
Life Skills
Computer basics	1 - 3
HIV & AIDS	1 - 2
Portfolio Building	1 - 2