When applying for a learnership in South Africa, your CV gets you noticed, but your motivational letter is what makes you stand out.
A motivational letter is your chance to tell your story, highlight your strengths, and explain why you’re the right candidate — even if you have little or no work experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a strong motivational letter for a learnership application.
Why Your Motivational Letter Matters
Learnership providers often receive hundreds of applications. While many candidates may meet the basic requirements, the motivational letter helps employers see:
- Your enthusiasm for the opportunity
- Your commitment to learning
- Your career goals and how the learnership fits in
- Your soft skills (attitude, motivation, teamwork)
Think of it as your personal pitch.
Step 1: Use the Right Format
Your motivational letter should be one page only, written in clear paragraphs. Use a professional font like Arial or Calibri, size 11 or 12.
Structure:
- Introduction – Who you are and what you’re applying for
- Body – Your skills, strengths, and goals
- Closing – Appreciation and call to action
Step 2: Start With a Strong Introduction
Begin by stating which learnership you’re applying for and where you found it. Then briefly introduce yourself.
Example:
“I am writing to apply for the Business Administration Learnership (Ref: BA2025) advertised on SAYouth.mobi. As a dedicated and motivated school leaver, I am eager to gain practical workplace experience and contribute positively to your organisation.”
Step 3: Highlight Your Strengths & Skills
In the body, explain why you are a good fit. Even if you don’t have work experience, you can highlight:
- Education achievements
- Skills (e.g., computer literacy, communication, problem-solving)
- Extracurricular roles (e.g., prefect, sports captain, volunteer work)
- Personal qualities (e.g., hardworking, eager to learn, reliable)
Tip: Use examples to make it real.
Example:
“During high school, I developed strong organisational skills as a member of the Student Representative Council. I also gained computer skills through my CAT subject, where I regularly worked with Microsoft Word and Excel.”
Step 4: Show Your Motivation & Career Goals
Employers want to know why you want the learnership and how it will help you achieve your career dreams.
Example:
“This learnership is an important step toward my goal of building a career in finance. I am eager to develop practical accounting skills, while contributing positively to your team.”
Step 5: End With a Professional Closing
Finish your letter by thanking the reader and showing enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Example:
“Thank you for considering my application. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to be part of your learnership programme and I am confident that I can add value while gaining valuable skills. I look forward to your response.”
Sign off with:
Sincerely, [Your Full Name]
Example Motivational Letter for a Learnership
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for the Business Administration Learnership (Ref: BA2025) advertised on SAYouth.mobi. As a dedicated and motivated school leaver, I am eager to gain practical workplace experience and contribute positively to your organisation.
I believe I am a strong candidate because of my willingness to learn and my solid academic foundation. I completed my Matric in 2023, where I passed with distinctions in English and Computer Applications Technology. During high school, I also served as a prefect, which helped me develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
This learnership is an important step toward my goal of building a career in administration and office management. I am excited about the opportunity to develop new skills while adding value to your team through my hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm.
Thank you for considering my application. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to be part of your learnership programme. I look forward to the possibility of contributing positively while growing my skills under your guidance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Key Takeaways
- Keep your motivational letter short (1 page) and professional
- Focus on skills, strengths, and potential — not just experience
- Show real motivation and link the learnership to your career goals
- Always customize your letter for each application
With the right structure, your motivational letter can turn a standard application into one that truly stands out.
For SETA related visit: Mysetalearnerships.co.za
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Lerato M. Khumalo is the founder of YouthLearnerships.co.za, a platform dedicated to helping South African youth access real learnerships, internships, and career opportunities. She’s passionate about youth development and committed to bridging the gap between education and employment.
