Career Guidance

Find Your Future

Not sure what to do after school? Explore 25 career fields and connect with SETAs to find the path that suits you best.

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Overview of 25 Study Career Fields

Not sure what to study? Here is a simple breakdown of the main career fields in South Africa. Find what interests you, then look for the SETA that matches.

1

Accounting & Finance

If you love numbers, balancing the books, and managing money, this is for you. It's all about keeping businesses financially healthy.

Jobs: Accountant, Bookkeeper, Financial Advisor, Payroll Clerk.
2

Administration

Every company needs organised people. This field is about running the office smoothly, filing, and looking after data.

Jobs: Admin Clerk, Receptionist, Secretary, Office Manager.
3

Agriculture & Nature

Do you love the outdoors? This is about farming, growing food, and protecting our wildlife and environment.

Jobs: Farmer, Game Ranger, Veterinarian Assistant, Environmental Officer.
4

Communication & Journalism

For the storytellers. You will learn how to report news, write articles, and communicate with the public.

Jobs: Journalist, Radio DJ, Copywriter, News Anchor.
5

Construction & Surveying

This is for those who want to build the future - literally. From houses to bridges, you learn how to plan and build structures.

Jobs: Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Bricklayer, Site Manager.
6

Crime Prevention & Security

If you want to protect your community and uphold the law, look into policing and private security.

Jobs: Police Officer, Security Guard, Forensic Analyst, Private Investigator.
7

Education

Shape the next generation. This field is for those who want to teach, train, and mentor others in schools or companies.

Jobs: Teacher, Lecturer, Tutor, Corporate Trainer.
8

Engineering

Problem solvers wanted. Engineering uses science and maths to design and build everything from cars to power plants.

Jobs: Civil Engineer, Electrician, Mechanical Engineer, Welder.
9

Housing Development

Focus on creating better living spaces. This involves planning towns, managing property, and developing housing projects.

Jobs: Town Planner, Estate Agent, Property Developer.
10

Human Resources (HR)

This is about looking after the people in a company. You deal with hiring, salaries, and staff wellbeing.

Jobs: HR Manager, Recruiter, Labour Relations Officer.
11

Humanities

Study human culture, history, and behaviour. It helps you understand how societies work and why people act the way they do.

Jobs: Sociologist, Historian, Museum Curator, Author.
12

Information Technology (IT)

Coding, gaming, and fixing computers. IT is the backbone of the modern world. Perfect for tech-savvy youth.

Jobs: Software Developer, IT Support, Web Designer, Data Analyst.
13

Management & Planning

Learn how to lead teams and run businesses. This is for future bosses who like strategy and making big decisions.

Jobs: Business Manager, Project Manager, Operations Manager.
14

Manufacturing

Turning raw materials into products we use every day. This involves working in factories and managing production lines.

Jobs: Production Manager, Quality Controller, Factory Worker.
15

Medicine & Medical Tech

Saving lives and diagnosing illnesses. This requires hard work and high marks, but it is very rewarding.

Jobs: Doctor, Nurse, Radiographer, Pharmacist.
16

Para-Medical

Support the medical team. These careers are vital for patient recovery and emergency care.

Jobs: Paramedic, Physiotherapist, Optometrist, Dental Assistant.
17

Performing Arts

Lights, camera, action! If you have a talent for entertaining, dancing, or music, turn your passion into a career.

Jobs: Actor, Dancer, Musician, Choreographer.
18

Public Relations & Marketing

Build brands and manage reputations. You create the image that the public sees for companies and celebrities.

Jobs: Marketing Manager, PR Officer, Social Media Manager.
19

Science & Mathematics

Discover new things through research and experiments. If you enjoyed Science and Maths at school, explore this field.

Jobs: Data Scientist, Lab Researcher, Statistician, Chemist.
20

Services to the Community

Care for others and improve lives. This is for people with big hearts who want to work in NGOs or social work.

Jobs: Social Worker, Community Developer, Counsellor.
21

Social Sciences & Legal

Understand rights and fight for justice. This covers law, criminal justice, and understanding social issues.

Jobs: Lawyer, Paralegal, Police Detective, Social Researcher.
22

Technology & Processing

Work with advanced machinery and processing systems. This is often technical work in factories or labs.

Jobs: Chemical Technologist, Food Technologist, Process Controller.
23

Tourism & Hospitality

Show guests a good time. This includes hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and events. Great if you love meeting people.

Jobs: Hotel Manager, Chef, Tour Guide, Event Planner.
24

Transport

Move people and goods across the country. This covers logistics, driving, and managing transport systems.

Jobs: Pilot, Logistics Manager, Truck Driver, Dispatch Clerk.
25

Visual Arts & Design

Create visual masterpieces. From drawing and painting to digital design and fashion. Let your creativity run wild.

Jobs: Graphic Designer, Photographer, Fashion Designer, Artist.
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Learn About SETAs and Government Institutions

Click on a category below. We have explained exactly what each site is for and why it matters for your future.

How to use this list:

Find the industry that matches your school subjects or passion. Click "Visit Website" to go to their "Learnerships" or "Skills" page. Look for opportunities that say "Stipend Included" (paid).

AGRISETA

Agriculture

Farming & Forestry

Focuses on farming, crops, and animals.

For you if: You love nature and the outdoors.

Look for: Farm Management Learnerships

Visit Website

BANKSETA

Banking

Financial Services

Focuses on banks and financial advice.

For you if: You are good with numbers.

Look for: Tellers & Advisors

Visit Website

CATHSSETA

Tourism

Arts, Hospitality, Sport

Covers hotels, travel, art, and sports.

For you if: You are creative or love meeting people.

Look for: Chef & Guide Learnerships

Visit Website

CETA

Building

Construction

Building houses, roads, and bridges.

For you if: You like working with your hands.

Look for: Bricklaying & Plumbing

Visit Website

CHIETA

Science

Chemical Industries

Plastics, pharmaceuticals (medicines), and chemicals.

For you if: You loved Physical Sciences.

Look for: Lab Technician Courses

Visit Website

ETDP SETA

Education

Education & Training

Focuses on teachers and trainers.

For you if: You love teaching others.

Look for: Teaching Assistants

Visit Website

EWSETA

Energy

Energy & Water

Electricity and water management.

For you if: You care about the environment.

Look for: Electrical Learnerships

Visit Website

FASSET

Finance

Finance & Accounting

Accounting, tax, and bookkeeping.

For you if: You want a high-paying corporate career.

Look for: Bursaries for CA's

Visit Website

FOODBEV

Food

Food & Beverages

Manufacturing food and drinks.

For you if: You want to know how chips are made.

Look for: Food Processing Learnerships

Visit Website

FP&M SETA

Design

Fibre Processing

Wood, wool, leather, furniture, and clothing.

For you if: You love design/fashion.

Look for: Furniture & Clothing Mfg

Visit Website

HWSETA

Health

Health & Welfare

Healthcare, nursing, and social work.

For you if: You want to help people.

Look for: Community Health Workers

Visit Website

INSETA

Insurance

Insurance

Insurance and risk management.

For you if: You are good at assessing risk.

Look for: Claims Assessors

Visit Website

LGSETA

Gov

Local Government

Skills for municipalities (city councils).

For you if: You want jobs in your local town.

Look for: Municipal Bursaries

Visit Website

MERSETA

Eng

Manufacturing & Engineering

Cars, metal, and machinery.

For you if: You want to be a mechanic or engineer.

Look for: Artisan Learnerships

Visit Website

MICT

Tech

Media, Info, Comm & Tech

IT, computers, film, TV, and radio.

For you if: You are a "techie".

Look for: IT Support & Coding

Visit Website

MQA

Mining

Mining

Mining for gold, platinum, and coal.

For you if: You don't mind underground work.

Look for: Mining Engineering

Visit Website

PSETA

Gov

Public Service

Training for national government departments.

For you if: You want a stable gov job.

Look for: Internships in Depts

Visit Website

SASSETA

Safety

Safety & Security

Police, legal services, and private security.

For you if: You want to protect your community.

Look for: Policing & Legal Skills

Visit Website

SERVICES SETA

Services

Services

Hairdressing, cleaning, call centres, and events.

For you if: You are a "people person".

Look for: Contact Centre Jobs

Visit Website

TETA

Transport

Transport

Taxis, trains, buses, and airlines.

For you if: You love travel.

Look for: Cabin Crew & Pilots

Visit Website

W&RSETA

Retail

Wholesale & Retail

Shops and supermarkets.

For you if: You enjoy sales and customer service.

Look for: Retail Management

Visit Website

SA Youth / Harambee

Essential

National Youth Network

The biggest platform connecting young people to jobs and learning opportunities.

Why visit:

Free registration. They send you alerts for jobs in your area.

Visit Website →

Employment Services (ESSA)

Official

Department of Labour

The official database for all government jobs.

Why visit:

This is where you search for specific government posts by location.

Visit Website →

Tshepo 1 Million

Gauteng

Gauteng Province

A specific programme for youth in the Gauteng province.

Why visit:

If you live in Jhb/Pta, they offer placement and training.

Visit Website →

YES4Youth

Business

Youth Employment Service

Business-led initiative creating work experience for youth.

Why visit:

Great for getting 12 months of experience to put on your CV.

Visit Website →

The Golden Ticket: DPSA Circular

The DPSA Vacancy Circular is released every Friday. It is a PDF list of ALL national government jobs. Download it, open it, and search for "Admin Clerk" or your province.

Vacancy Circular (DPSA)

The weekly list of open government posts.

Key Tip: Check it every Friday afternoon.
View Circulars →

National Dept Websites

Websites for specific ministries (Health, Police, etc).

Key Tip: Look for "Careers" or "Vacancies" tabs.
List of Depts →

Z83 Application Form

This is the only application form accepted for government jobs. You cannot send just a CV. You must fill this out.

Tip: Keep a blank copy on your phone so you can fill it in digitally.

Download Z83 Form

Your 4-Step Career Discovery Plan

Follow this roadmap to explore your interests and learn what careers might suit you best.

1

Know Yourself

Look at your school report. Which subjects do you enjoy? Is it Maths, Art, or Life Sciences? Your interests tell you where to start.

2

Find Your Field

Read the 25 Study Fields above. Which one sounds exciting? Match your interests to a career path first.

3

Find Your SETA

Once you have a field (like Engineering), find the SETA that matches (MERSETA). Visit their site for opportunities.

4

Apply Correctly

Use the resources in this page. Download the Z83 form. Register on SAYouth. Take action!

The Bridge to Success

To use these tools, you need to understand what they actually are. Think of them as a bridge between You (School/No Experience) and The Job Market.

The SETAs

Sector Education & Training Authority

What they do:

Each SETA looks after a specific industry (e.g., CATHSSETA looks after tourism). They identify what skills are missing in that industry and pay to train young people like you.

How they help you:

They provide Learnerships (Study + Earn a stipend), Bursaries (Free money for study), and Internships (Work experience).

How to use them:

Don't just browse. Identify a SETA that matches your dream job (e.g., "I want to be a Chef" -> CATHSSETA). Bookmark their site and check their "Learnerships" page monthly.

Government Platforms

National, Provincial & Local

What they do:

These are actual employers. The National Government runs the country, Provincial Governments run provinces (like KZN), and Local Governments run your city.

How they help you:

They hire for real jobs with salaries (Administrators, Nurses, Police, Cleaners, etc.). They advertise these openly so everyone gets a fair chance.

How to use them:

The most important place is DPSA Vacancy Circular. It comes out every Friday. It lists every open job in the whole country. You must use the Z83 form to apply.

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