The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA) invites applications for its 2025/2026 skills development initiatives. These include learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills programmes aimed at unemployed youth and sector workers in fibre processing and manufacturing industries. The programmes offer monthly stipends, bursary funding, and nationally recognized qualifications. Applications typically close early in 2026, often around March.
About FP&M SETA
Established in 2011 and funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, FP&M SETA supports skills development in diverse subsectors such as clothing, footwear, forestry, furniture, and printing. The authority focuses on strengthening value chains, enhancing workforce skills, and driving innovation through 4IR and 5IR technologies to promote sustainability and customized manufacturing.
Programme Options
Learnerships
Learnerships offer a mix of practical training and classroom learning over 12 to 18 months. Fields include Textile Manufacturing and Furniture Making. Stipends range from R2,500 to R4,000 monthly. Applicants must have completed Grade 12.
Bursaries
Bursaries cover undergraduate studies in areas like Fashion Design and Industrial Engineering. They fund tuition, books, and accommodation up to R70,000. Programmes last from one to four years. Applicants need Grade 12 and acceptance to a tertiary institution.
Internships
Internships provide practical experience in Printing Technology, Forestry, and related fields over 12 to 24 months. Monthly stipends between R2,500 and R4,000 are offered. Applicants must hold the relevant diploma or degree.
Skills Programmes
Short courses from one to six months focus on skills such as Packaging Operations and Print Media. These programmes receive partial funding but no stipends and require Grade 12 completion.
Programme Structure and Outcomes
Programmes combine theoretical instruction, workplace experience, and assessments. On completion, participants receive nationally recognized NQF qualifications or certificates, boosting career prospects within the fibre processing and manufacturing sectors.
All training is delivered through FP&M SETA-accredited providers to ensure quality and relevance.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with valid ID.
- Be aged 18 to 35 for learnerships and bursaries (no age limit for internships).
- Have completed Grade 12 for learnerships and skills courses; Grade 12 plus tertiary acceptance for bursaries; diploma or degree for internships.
- Be unemployed or employed in relevant fibre manufacturing sectors, depending on the programme.
- Not have previously participated in the same FP&M SETA programme.
- Have a clear criminal record verified by background checks.
Preference is given to candidates from employment equity groups including Black South Africans, Coloureds, Indians, women, and persons with disabilities. Applicants residing in Gauteng, Western Cape, or KwaZulu-Natal are encouraged to apply.
Required Skills and Attributes
Candidates should possess:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Interest in fibre processing and manufacturing with a willingness to learn.
- Manual dexterity and keen attention to detail (especially for learnerships and internships).
- Basic numeracy and computer literacy.
- Adaptability to emerging 4IR and 5IR technologies in manufacturing.
Benefits of Joining FP&M SETA Programmes
Participants can expect:
- Monthly stipends ranging from R2,500 to R4,000 for learnerships and internships.
- Bursary funding for tuition, books, and accommodation up to R70,000.
- Nationally recognized qualifications from NQF Level 2 through Level 7.
- Enhanced employment opportunities within dynamic fibre processing and manufacturing sectors.
- Access to mentorship and accredited training institutions.
How to Apply
Submit your application by early 2026, with bursaries usually closing in March. Applications can be:
- Emailed to info@fpmseta.org.za,
- Hand-delivered to Thynk Park, 1st Floor, 8 Summit Road, Dunkeld West, Randburg, Johannesburg,
- Or mailed to PO Box 31276, Braamfontein, 2017.
Required documents include:
- A detailed CV.
- Certified copies of your South African ID.
- Certified copies of qualifications or a tertiary acceptance letter (for bursaries).
- Certified proof of residence, not older than six months.
- Clearly state the programme you’re applying for (e.g., Learnership: Textile Manufacturing, Bursary: Fashion Design).
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. There are no application fees.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 60 to 90 days after the closing date. Background checks on criminal record, citizenship, and qualifications will be conducted. If no response is received within 90 days, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Information
For further enquiries:
- Email: info@fpmseta.org.za
- Phone: +27 11 403 1700
- Physical Address: Thynk Park, 1st Floor, 8 Summit Road, Dunkeld West, Randburg, Johannesburg
- Postal Address: PO Box 31276, Braamfontein, 2017
Visit the official website: www.fpmseta.org.za.
The FP&M SETA Skills Development Programmes offer a valuable pathway for youth and professionals to build careers in South Africa’s fibre processing and manufacturing industries. Apply early for the 2025/2026 intake.