Learnership Programme Manager

SUMMARY:
The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee and manage the company’s learnership programmes for unemployed and disabled learners and the bursary programme. This includes ensuring the programmes align with business needs, regulatory requirements, and the company’s skills development objectives. The role also ensures compliance with industry standards, such as SETA (Sector Education and Training Authorities) and BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment), while managing the operational aspects of programme execution, including recruitment, budget management, training, and monitoring learner progress. Additionally, the role contributes to the BBBEE scorecard and the WSP/ATR submission to the relevant SETAs.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Learnership Programme Management (Unemployed & Disabled)

• Plan, implement, and oversee unemployed and disabled learnership programmes aligned with business needs, industry standards, and BBBEE requirements.
• Identify and evaluate suitable training providers, conducting due diligence including reference checks and capability assessments.
• Negotiate costs and service delivery agreements to ensure value for money and quality outcomes.
• Work with Group Training Manager and Group Legal to draft and finalise Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to protect company interests.
• Work closely with Business Units to determine appropriate learnership types, schedules, and learner placement opportunities.
• Oversee the recruitment of unemployed learners and coordinate with providers on disabled learner recruitment, in partnership with Marketing.
• Partner with line managers to define learner selection criteria based on workplace requirements.
• Ensure accurate learner data management, including enrolments, agreements, and system uploads.
• Coordinate structured learner induction programmes across the business.
• Monitor attendance, leave, and stipend information, ensuring accurate and timely submission to Payroll.

POSITION INFO:
Bursary programme administration

• Distribute communication for the annual bursary applications and evaluate applications received. Take into consideration length of service, tuition fee and credibility of the intended institution.
• Shortlist the bursary applications and conduct interviews with the Group Training Manager.

• Ensure learnership programmes contribute effectively to BBBEE scorecard requirements.
• Prepare and maintain all required compliance documentation, including:
• Fully signed Learnership agreements
• Invoices and proof of payments
• Enrolment and completion records
• Maintain and update tax rebate tracking tools and ensure timely distribution of required documentation (e.g., UI19 forms).
• Ensure timely processing and payment of training invoices, stipends, and associated costs.
• Maintain accurate financial records (invoicing tracker, Invoice & proof of payments) and provide input into budget planning and forecasting

• Contribute to monthly organisational development and training reports, providing clear updates on unemployed learnership programmes (Abled and Disabled) and bursary holders.
• Compile and present training reports aligned to Employment Equity objectives.
• Maintain effective relationships with training providers, Line managers, BU head, and learners to ensure programme success.
• Provide regular feedback to management on programme performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.

• Human Resources Management Diploma or relevant qualification
• Occupational Directed Education and Training Development Practice “OD ETDP” Certificate.
• Skills Development Facilitator

• Mature individual with a minimum of 8 years’ experience within a learning and development environment.
• 3 years in a management role
• Experience in supervising staff in a large organization
• Ability to manage own workload and that of the team with minimal supervision
• A high level of attention to detail is essential
• Integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of ethics.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, particularly when managing deadlines or dealing with challenges.