Learn about SASSETA Skills Development Programmes, including learnerships, internships, bursaries, apprenticeships and Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Discover who qualifies, programme benefits and how to apply.
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) plays a vital role in developing South Africa’s safety and security workforce through funded education, workplace training and professional development opportunities.
Each year, SASSETA works with government departments, private security companies, employers, TVET colleges, universities and accredited training providers to improve skills across the sector. Its programmes help unemployed youth, students, graduates and employed professionals gain recognised qualifications, practical experience and industry-relevant competencies.
Whether you want to become a police officer, correctional services official, security professional, legal practitioner or artisan, SASSETA offers several learning pathways that can help you build a rewarding career.
What Is SASSETA?
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established under the Skills Development Act.
Its primary responsibility is to identify skills shortages within the safety and security sector and invest in education and workplace training that addresses those needs.
SASSETA works closely with employers to improve workforce skills, increase employment opportunities and support economic development through quality training programmes.
Which Industries Does SASSETA Support?
SASSETA serves organisations involved in public safety, law enforcement, justice and private security.
These include:
South African Police Service (SAPS)
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Department of Correctional Services
South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
Private security companies
Legal services
Intelligence services
Metro Police departments
Traffic law enforcement agencies
Community safety organisations
Because these industries require highly skilled personnel, SASSETA continuously invests in training that improves professional standards and service delivery.
SASSETA Skills Development Programmes
Skills Development Programmes provide occupational training that helps participants develop practical knowledge and job-ready skills.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real workplace.
SASSETA’s WIL programme focuses mainly on learners from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges who require practical experience to complete their qualifications.
Depending on the qualification, learners may be placed with government departments, security organisations or participating employers.
For many TVET graduates, WIL is an essential step towards qualifying for employment.
SASSETA Bursaries
SASSETA partners with recognised universities and universities of technology to provide financial assistance to students pursuing qualifications aligned with the safety and security sector.
Bursaries may assist with:
Tuition fees.
Registration costs.
Prescribed textbooks.
Study materials.
Other approved academic expenses.
Fields Commonly Supported
Funding may be available for programmes related to:
Policing.
Corrections.
Defence.
Justice.
Legal Services.
Private Security.
Intelligence.
Metro Police.
Traffic Law Enforcement.
Bursary opportunities are advertised periodically, and eligibility requirements may vary each year.
SASSETA Internship Programmes
Internships are intended for graduates who have completed their qualifications and need workplace experience.
Interns gain practical exposure while working under supervision within participating organisations.
Internship Benefits
Interns can:
Apply academic knowledge.
Develop professional skills.
Build workplace confidence.
Gain industry experience.
Expand their professional networks.
Improve future employment opportunities.
Internships may be offered through government departments, public entities and employers within the safety and security sector.
SASSETA Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships focus on skilled trades and technical occupations that require extensive practical training.
Like learnerships, apprenticeships combine classroom learning with workplace experience. However, they place greater emphasis on technical occupations and usually conclude with a trade test.
Apprenticeship Benefits
Participants receive:
Practical hands-on training.
Mentorship from qualified professionals.
Industry-recognised qualifications.
Preparation for trade testing.
Skills that address South Africa’s shortage of qualified artisans.
These programmes are ideal for individuals pursuing technical careers within the safety and security sector.
Benefits of SASSETA Programmes
Participating in SASSETA-funded learning opportunities can help individuals:
Earn nationally recognised qualifications.
Gain practical workplace experience.
Receive professional mentoring.
Improve employability.
Develop industry-specific skills.
Build confidence in professional environments.
Access long-term career opportunities.
Strengthen their CV with recognised training.
These programmes contribute to developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting South Africa’s public safety and security needs.
Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Prepare certified copies of your supporting documents.
Complete the application accurately.
Submit your application before the closing date.
Late or incomplete applications are generally not considered.
Career Opportunities Supported by SASSETA
Training funded by SASSETA can prepare participants for careers such as:
Police Officer
Correctional Services Official
Security Officer
Traffic Officer
Metro Police Officer
Legal Administrator
Court Official
Intelligence Support Officer
Community Safety Practitioner
Private Security Professional
Compliance Officer
Artisan and Technical Specialist
Career opportunities depend on the qualification completed, workplace experience gained and employer requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) continues to play a vital role in developing South Africa’s safety and security workforce through Skills Development Programmes, Learnerships, Work Integrated Learning (WIL), Bursaries, Internships and Apprenticeships.
Whether you are a school leaver, TVET student, university graduate or working professional looking to improve your qualifications, SASSETA programmes provide valuable opportunities to gain recognised training, practical workplace experience and industry-relevant skills.
Because funding opportunities and application periods vary throughout the year, prospective applicants should regularly monitor official SASSETA announcements and participating institutions for the latest opportunities.
