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.
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.
Accounting & Finance
If you love numbers, balancing the books, and managing money, this is for you. It's all about keeping businesses financially healthy.
Administration
Every company needs organised people. This field is about running the office smoothly, filing, and looking after data.
Agriculture & Nature
Do you love the outdoors? This is about farming, growing food, and protecting our wildlife and environment.
Communication & Journalism
For the storytellers. You will learn how to report news, write articles, and communicate with the public.
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.
Crime Prevention & Security
If you want to protect your community and uphold the law, look into policing and private security.
Education
Shape the next generation. This field is for those who want to teach, train, and mentor others in schools or companies.
Engineering
Problem solvers wanted. Engineering uses science and maths to design and build everything from cars to power plants.
Housing Development
Focus on creating better living spaces. This involves planning towns, managing property, and developing housing projects.
Human Resources (HR)
This is about looking after the people in a company. You deal with hiring, salaries, and staff wellbeing.
Humanities
Study human culture, history, and behaviour. It helps you understand how societies work and why people act the way they do.
Information Technology (IT)
Coding, gaming, and fixing computers. IT is the backbone of the modern world. Perfect for tech-savvy youth.
Management & Planning
Learn how to lead teams and run businesses. This is for future bosses who like strategy and making big decisions.
Manufacturing
Turning raw materials into products we use every day. This involves working in factories and managing production lines.
Medicine & Medical Tech
Saving lives and diagnosing illnesses. This requires hard work and high marks, but it is very rewarding.
Para-Medical
Support the medical team. These careers are vital for patient recovery and emergency care.
Performing Arts
Lights, camera, action! If you have a talent for entertaining, dancing, or music, turn your passion into a career.
Public Relations & Marketing
Build brands and manage reputations. You create the image that the public sees for companies and celebrities.
Science & Mathematics
Discover new things through research and experiments. If you enjoyed Science and Maths at school, explore this field.
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.
Social Sciences & Legal
Understand rights and fight for justice. This covers law, criminal justice, and understanding social issues.
Technology & Processing
Work with advanced machinery and processing systems. This is often technical work in factories or labs.
Tourism & Hospitality
Show guests a good time. This includes hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and events. Great if you love meeting people.
Transport
Move people and goods across the country. This covers logistics, driving, and managing transport systems.
Visual Arts & Design
Create visual masterpieces. From drawing and painting to digital design and fashion. Let your creativity run wild.
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
AgricultureFarming & Forestry
Focuses on farming, crops, and animals.
For you if: You love nature and the outdoors.
Look for: Farm Management Learnerships
BANKSETA
BankingFinancial Services
Focuses on banks and financial advice.
For you if: You are good with numbers.
Look for: Tellers & Advisors
CATHSSETA
TourismArts, Hospitality, Sport
Covers hotels, travel, art, and sports.
For you if: You are creative or love meeting people.
Look for: Chef & Guide Learnerships
CETA
BuildingConstruction
Building houses, roads, and bridges.
For you if: You like working with your hands.
Look for: Bricklaying & Plumbing
CHIETA
ScienceChemical Industries
Plastics, pharmaceuticals (medicines), and chemicals.
For you if: You loved Physical Sciences.
Look for: Lab Technician Courses
ETDP SETA
EducationEducation & Training
Focuses on teachers and trainers.
For you if: You love teaching others.
Look for: Teaching Assistants
EWSETA
EnergyEnergy & Water
Electricity and water management.
For you if: You care about the environment.
Look for: Electrical Learnerships
FASSET
FinanceFinance & Accounting
Accounting, tax, and bookkeeping.
For you if: You want a high-paying corporate career.
Look for: Bursaries for CA's
FOODBEV
FoodFood & Beverages
Manufacturing food and drinks.
For you if: You want to know how chips are made.
Look for: Food Processing Learnerships
FP&M SETA
DesignFibre Processing
Wood, wool, leather, furniture, and clothing.
For you if: You love design/fashion.
Look for: Furniture & Clothing Mfg
HWSETA
HealthHealth & Welfare
Healthcare, nursing, and social work.
For you if: You want to help people.
Look for: Community Health Workers
INSETA
InsuranceInsurance
Insurance and risk management.
For you if: You are good at assessing risk.
Look for: Claims Assessors
LGSETA
GovLocal Government
Skills for municipalities (city councils).
For you if: You want jobs in your local town.
Look for: Municipal Bursaries
MERSETA
EngManufacturing & Engineering
Cars, metal, and machinery.
For you if: You want to be a mechanic or engineer.
Look for: Artisan Learnerships
MICT
TechMedia, Info, Comm & Tech
IT, computers, film, TV, and radio.
For you if: You are a "techie".
Look for: IT Support & Coding
MQA
MiningMining
Mining for gold, platinum, and coal.
For you if: You don't mind underground work.
Look for: Mining Engineering
PSETA
GovPublic Service
Training for national government departments.
For you if: You want a stable gov job.
Look for: Internships in Depts
SASSETA
SafetySafety & Security
Police, legal services, and private security.
For you if: You want to protect your community.
Look for: Policing & Legal Skills
SERVICES SETA
ServicesServices
Hairdressing, cleaning, call centres, and events.
For you if: You are a "people person".
Look for: Contact Centre Jobs
TETA
TransportTransport
Taxis, trains, buses, and airlines.
For you if: You love travel.
Look for: Cabin Crew & Pilots
W&RSETA
RetailWholesale & Retail
Shops and supermarkets.
For you if: You enjoy sales and customer service.
Look for: Retail Management
SA Youth / Harambee
EssentialNational 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.
Employment Services (ESSA)
OfficialDepartment of Labour
The official database for all government jobs.
Why visit:
This is where you search for specific government posts by location.
Tshepo 1 Million
GautengGauteng Province
A specific programme for youth in the Gauteng province.
Why visit:
If you live in Jhb/Pta, they offer placement and training.
YES4Youth
BusinessYouth Employment Service
Business-led initiative creating work experience for youth.
Why visit:
Great for getting 12 months of experience to put on your CV.
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.
National Dept Websites
Websites for specific ministries (Health, Police, etc).
Why look here?
Provincial jobs are often closer to home and might have fewer applicants than national jobs. Find your province and check their "Vacancies" page.
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 FormYour 4-Step Career Discovery Plan
Follow this roadmap to explore your interests and learn what careers might suit you best.
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.
Find Your Field
Read the 25 Study Fields above. Which one sounds exciting? Match your interests to a career path first.
Find Your SETA
Once you have a field (like Engineering), find the SETA that matches (MERSETA). Visit their site for opportunities.
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.