What to Do If You’ve Signed a Learnership Contract but Got Ghosted
Signing a learnership contract often brings expectations of a clear path ahead—structured skills training, real work experience, and even a stipend. But what do you do when the company or provider seemingly goes off the grid after you sign? No communication, no updates, no training, no stipend. Just silence.
If you’re, unfortunately, in a situation where you’re ‘ghosted’ after signing a learnership contract, here is a process you can follow to regain some control:
Step 1: Go Through Communication Records and Relevant Documents
Before coming to a conclusion, it would help to check the following:
For your signed learnership contract, make sure to check the company details and the commencement date. Of course, check the company details too.
For a good amount of time, scroll through your WhatsApp, Twitter, SMS, and Email for any updates regarding the plans.
Make a note of the SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) responsible for the learnership.
This can help you in the future and make the process smoother.
Step 2: Attempt to Reach Out Again
You may have been ‘ghosted’ but it could also be a simple misunderstanding.
Use the contact numbers provided on the contract or the company website.
Send emails to every person you have dealt with until now.
If the address is nearby, go there and bring a friend for safety. You can travel together.
Be succinct. For instance:
“Hello, I would like to follow up concerning the learnership I signed for on [date]. I have not received any further communication. Please update me on the status.”
If you don’t receive feedback within a reasonable timeframe, tier up to the next step.
Step 3. Get in Touch with the Relevant SETA
In South Africa, SETAs are responsible for administering learnerships. Each learnership sits with a specific SETA, for instance:
MICT SETA – Media, Information, and Communication
Services SETA
HWSETA – Health and Welfare
And others
Steps to follow:
Locate the matching SETA in the document which has the course name or your contract.
Access the SETA’s corresponding website for the contact information.
Submit a formal complaint or inquiry that has the following information:
Your full name and identity number
The name of the learnership
The name of the provider or employer
A copy of your contract, even the signed one will do
A summary of the events that have occurred
This is important because: SETAs have the authority to fund and regulate learnerships. If there are any suspicious activities, they can look into it.
Step 4. Report the Employer or Training Provider
If there is suspicion of fraudulent activities, for example, if they took your ID and bank details and went MIA, you can report it.
You can reach out to:
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The Department of Labour
The South African Police Service (SAPS) if there are suspicions of criminal conduct.
Make sure you have a paper trail. Save all emails, SMSes, and even screenshots.
Step 5. Safeguard Your Information
If you submitted:
Certified ID copy
Bank account information
Proof of address
Your qualifications
Your identity could be at risk of being misused. Here’s what you can do to mitigate this risk:
Alert your financial institution to monitor your account for potentially fraudulent transactions.
Evaluate your credit report with banks and service providers like TransUnion, Experian, or ClearScore.
Notify suspected identity theft to South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS).
Step 6. Share Your Experience (Judiciously)
It’s possible to share your experiences to caution others. You may:
Share your thoughts on LinkedIn, on HelloPeter, or in Facebook groups related to learnerships.
Leave a company review if it exists on any review platforms.
Maintain the facts, keep it professional, and don’t resort to slander (accusations without evidence).
Example:
“I entered into a learnership agreement with [Company Name] in [Month, Year]. To date, there has been no follow-up on their part, and all attempts to reach out have been unsuccessful. Exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with them.”
Step 7. You Can Start Looking For Other Options Now
Do not let this discourage you from chasing your goals. You can continue looking for:
Inquire with local NGOs or youth centers about any available learnerships or internships.
In Closing
Getting ghosted after signing a learnership contract is annoying and especially upsetting when so much is invested. You have options and you also have rights. Stay vigilant and take control while you continue to move forward. The right opportunity is waiting for you.