Build Your Career in Safety and Security with SASSETA
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is calling on unemployed youth and sector professionals to apply for its 2025/2026 Skills Development Programmes. These programmes offer a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable qualifications, stipends, and practical experience in policing, private security, and correctional services. If you’re passionate about contributing to South Africa’s safety and security environment, this is your chance to kickstart or advance your career.
About SASSETA
Funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, SASSETA drives skills development across the safety and security sector. It provides learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills programmes that lead to nationally recognized qualifications. With a focus on policing, private security, and corrections, SASSETA supports continuous learning and transformation within this vital industry.
Purpose of the Programmes
The main goal of SASSETA’s programmes is to:
- Facilitate skills transfer and development within the sector
- Foster a culture of continuous learning
- Enhance capacity and professional growth in safety and security roles
- Support employment and sector transformation through funded learnerships, bursaries, and internships
Programme Overview and Structure
| Programme | Qualification | Duration | Eligibility | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learnerships | NQF Level 3–6 (e.g., Policing, Private Security) | 12–18 months | Grade 12 | R2,500–R4,500 monthly stipend |
| Bursaries | Undergraduate (e.g., BCom Criminology, Security Management) | 1–4 years | Grade 12 + tertiary acceptance | Up to R65,000 (tuition, books, accommodation) |
| Internships | NQF Level 6–7 (e.g., Corrections Management, Policing) | 12–24 months | Diploma/Degree | R2,500–R4,500 monthly stipend |
| Skills Programmes | Short courses (e.g., Firearm Training, Conflict Management) | 1–6 months | Grade 12 | Partial funding, no stipend |
Each programme combines theory, practical work, and assessments, delivered through SASSETA-accredited providers, ensuring industry standards and national recognition.
Key Responsibilities per Programme
Learnerships
- Engage in safety and security operations such as patrolling and conflict resolution
- Attend classroom training and complete workplace assessments
- Follow sector regulations and ethical codes
Bursaries
- Maintain good academic standing and provide progress updates
- Focus on studies related to criminology, security management, or related fields
Internships
- Assist with security operations, incident reporting, and risk assessment
- Support corrections management and community safety initiatives
- Participate in mentorship and skills workshops
Benefits of SASSETA Programmes
- Monthly stipends between R2,500 and R4,500 for learnerships and internships
- Bursary support up to R65,000 covering tuition, books, and accommodation
- Accredited NQF qualifications from Level 3 up to Level 7
- Real-world experience boosting your employability in safety and security
- Access to mentorship and expert-led accredited training
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Age between 18 and 35 for learnerships and bursaries; no age limit for internships
- Minimum Grade 12 for learnerships and skills programmes; tertiary acceptance needed for bursaries; diploma or degree required for internships
- Unemployed or currently employed in the safety and security sector, depending on the programme
- No previous participation in the same SASSETA programme
- Clear criminal record verified through background checks
Who Should Apply?
Preference is given to candidates who:
- Belong to Employment Equity groups (Black, Coloured, Indian, women, persons with disabilities)
- Reside in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, or rural areas
- Are committed to completing the programme and contributing to the sector
Essential Skills and Attributes
- Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
- Genuine interest in safety and security
- Physical fitness and good situational awareness for learnerships and internships
- Basic computer skills and report writing
- Commitment to ethical behavior and public safety standards
Why Join SASSETA Skills Development Programmes?
Joining SASSETA offers a pathway to develop recognized qualifications and gain meaningful experience in one of South Africa’s most critical sectors. These programmes empower you to contribute to national safety while building a promising career.
How to Apply
Applications close in early 2026, with bursary deadlines typically in March. To apply:
- Prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications (Grade 12, diploma/degree, or tertiary acceptance letter)
- Certified proof of residence dated within the last six months
- Clearly indicate the programme you’re applying for (e.g., Learnership: Policing, Bursary: BCom Criminology).
- Submit your application by:
- Email: info@sasseta.org.za
- Hand delivery: Building 2, Waterfall Corporate Campus, 74 Waterfall Drive, Midrand
- Postal mail: PO Box 7612, Halfway House, 1685
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 60–90 days of closing. If you don’t hear back within 90 days, consider your application unsuccessful. No application fees apply.
Contact Details
- Email: info@sasseta.org.za
- Phone: +27 11 087 5555 / 5500
- Physical: Building 2, Waterfall Corporate Campus, 74 Waterfall Drive, Midrand
- Postal: PO Box 7612, Halfway House, 1685
- Website: sasseta.org.za