Right now, many South African youth are unemployed and need real work experience. The OUTsurance OSS Hastings Learnership Programme 2026 gives you 18 months of paid training, so you can start a career in insurance or customer service.
What the learnership is
This is a fixed‑term learnership agreement (not a permanent job) that lasts 18 months. You will work in Centurion, Gauteng and receive a monthly stipend of R9 000 while you study and work.
Who can apply
- South African citizen
- Age 18 to 35
- Matric (Grade 12) qualification
- Computer literate, especially Microsoft Office
- No prior work experience required
- Unemployed for the last six months
- Willing to work in a call‑centre environment and in the insurance/financial services sector
Employment equity may give preference to candidates from designated groups.
What you will gain
The programme combines on‑the‑job training with formal learning. You will develop:
- Professional workplace behaviour
- Customer‑service standards
- Effective communication (phone and email)
- Computer and Microsoft Office skills
- Confidence dealing with customers
- A solid employment history for your CV
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Visit the official OUTsurance application page: Apply here.
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully.
- Prepare your CV and a motivation letter (see tips below).
- Upload the required documents (ID, Matric certificate, proof of unemployment).
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
Tailor your CV
Show transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, volunteering, and computer literacy. List any experience you have from school projects, community work or family businesses.
Highlight Microsoft Office
Make sure Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint are clearly listed on your CV.
Write a clear motivation letter
Explain why you want to work in insurance, how you handle difficult situations, and what you hope to learn. Keep the tone professional and free of slang.
Prepare for behavioural interview questions
Typical questions include:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why insurance?
- How do you deal with a angry customer?
- Give an example of solving a problem.
- Why should we choose you?
Practice your answers beforehand.
Show willingness to work weekends
The roster includes Friday‑to‑Monday shifts, Saturdays (8 h), Sundays (5 h) and occasional public holidays. Be ready to confirm you can work these hours.
Official working schedule
- Friday to Monday shifts
- Nine‑hour days
- Saturdays – 8 hours
- Sundays – 5 hours
- Two weekdays off (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday)
- One weekday dedicated to formal qualification training
- Public holiday work as scheduled (except UK holidays)
Key competencies the employer looks for
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Relationship building
- Initiative and professionalism
- Adaptability and positive attitude to change
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure
- Good communication
- Motivation to learn
Understanding the R9 000 stipend
The amount is a stipend, not a salary. It supports you while you learn but does not guarantee a permanent job after the 18‑month period.
What you will likely study
- Customer service basics
- Contact‑centre operations
- Insurance administration
- Telephone and email communication
- Computer systems and time management
- Teamwork, ethics and compliance
- Financial‑services customer care
Career paths after the learnership
- Contact‑centre Agent
- Customer Service Consultant
- Claims or Insurance Administrator
- Client Service Consultant
- Call‑centre Team Support
- Sales Support Consultant
- Policy Administrator
- Financial Services Administrator
These roles can lead to further study and promotion.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not reading the requirements fully
- Submitting an incomplete or poorly formatted CV
- Missing required documents
- Using an unprofessional email address
- Missing the application deadline
- Copy‑pasting generic motivation letters
- Not preparing for the interview
Conclusion – take the next step
If you meet the criteria, start preparing your CV and motivation letter today. The learnership gives you valuable experience, a decent stipend and a foot‑door into the insurance and financial services sector. Even if you are not selected, the preparation will strengthen future applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is work experience required? No, the programme is open to candidates with no prior work experience.
- What qualification do I need? A Matric (Grade 12) certificate.
- Is this a permanent job? No. It is an 18‑month learnership agreement.
- How much is the stipend? R9 000 per month.
- Can graduates apply? Yes, if they meet all other eligibility criteria, including six months of unemployment.
- Will I receive formal training? Yes. One day each week is set aside for formal qualification training.
- Will I work weekends? Yes, weekend shifts are part of the roster.
- Where is the learnership based? Centurion, Gauteng.
- Can applicants from other provinces apply? Yes, but you must be able to work in Centurion.
- Does completing the learnership guarantee permanent employment? No, there is no guarantee of a permanent job after the program ends.
