Communicare is offering a 12-month Social Counselling Work Learnership in the Western Cape for unemployed matriculants interested in community development.
Introduction
Communicare, through its community development arm Vulamathuba Empumelelo, has opened applications for a Social Counselling Work Learnership in the Western Cape. This opportunity is designed for individuals who are passionate about social work, counselling, and community development and who are seeking structured, accredited workplace experience.
The learnership provides a combination of formal theoretical training and hands-on workplace exposure, enabling learners to build practical skills while contributing meaningfully to vulnerable communities within the Cape Town Metro.
About Vulamathuba Empumelelo
Vulamathuba Empumelelo is the community and social development division of Communicare Social Enterprise. It was established to deliver targeted developmental interventions to both Communicare tenants and non-tenants living within the Cape Town Metro.
The organisation focuses on promoting economic mobility through education, skills development, training, and capacity-building programmes. Its core objective is to create sustainable opportunities that support personal growth, social stability, and long-term community upliftment.
About the Social Counselling Work Learnership
This is a full-time, accredited 12-month learnership that combines structured theory with supervised workplace training. Learners will receive practical exposure under the guidance of qualified Social Workers while completing required coursework through an accredited training provider.
The programme follows a blended learning approach consisting of intensive theoretical instruction and practical application in real-world community settings. Upon successful completion of all coursework and submission of a Portfolio of Evidence, learners will be declared competent.
Social Counselling Work learners will be placed with a host organisation that supports Early Childhood Development centres in Phillipi and must be willing to travel as required. A monthly stipend will be provided for the duration of the learnership.
Learnership Structure
Theoretical Training
- Approximately 30% of the programme consists of intensive theory delivered by an accredited training provider
- Learners must successfully complete all coursework requirements
Workplace Training
- Approximately 70% of the programme is practical workplace training
- Learners will perform duties aligned with the qualification outcomes
- Ongoing supervision and mentorship will be provided by a qualified Social Worker
Key Responsibilities
Learners will be expected to:
- Assist Social Workers in providing care, support, protection, and developmental services to vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities
- Support Social Workers in addressing matters related to social instability
- Perform administrative and support duties related to social work programmes
- Participate actively in assigned programmes and workplace activities
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have obtained a Matric certificate (Grade 12)
- Be unemployed
- Be a South African citizen
- Be able to commit to the full 12-month learnership period
- Be available to participate from March 2026 until February 2027
- Be fluent in English and at least one other South African language
- Have experience in community-based work
- Possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
- Be enthusiastic, motivated, and willing to learn
A valid driver’s licence will be advantageous but is not mandatory. Preference will be given to applicants who have previously completed Vulamathuba Economic Mobility Programmes such as Matric support, Job Readiness, or Skills Programmes.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit the following:
- A covering letter
- An updated CV with two contactable references, limited to a maximum of two pages
- Originally certified copies of an identity document and Matric certificate, not older than three months
- A copy of a valid driver’s licence, if applicable
Incomplete applications or applications missing certified documents may not be considered.
Employment Details
- Work Level: Student or Graduate
- Job Type: Contract
- Salary: Market related stipend
- Duration: Between 9 and 12 months
- Employment Equity Position: No
- Location: Western Cape
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through Communicare’s official recruitment platform. The closing date for applications is 02 January 2026.
To apply for this job please visit communicare.mcidirecthire.com
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 14 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The Communicare Social Counselling Work Learnership offers a meaningful pathway for unemployed matriculants who are committed to making a difference in their communities. Through structured learning, professional mentorship, and real-world exposure, this programme equips learners with practical skills and experience that support long-term careers in social work, counselling, and community development.
