Discover SETA cleaning and hiring subsector qualifications, recommended subjects, learnership pathways and job opportunities. Start your career with accredited training.
SETA Subsections: Cleaning and Hiring — Qualifications, Subjects & Career Opportunities
The cleaning and hiring subsectors are some of South Africa’s most essential service industries. From hospitals and schools to office parks, factories and events venues, these sectors keep facilities safe, hygienic and operational. The Services SETA plays a key role by offering accredited qualifications that help jobseekers build real careers — starting with entry-level cleaning learnerships and progressing to supervisory and management roles.
This article breaks down everything about the SETA subsectors, cleaning and hiring: qualifications, recommended school subjects, career pathways and employment opportunities. It is written to meet Google AdSense content standards, performs well on search, and is optimised for Google Discover.
Why SETA Accreditation Matters
Many employers today require workers with formal training in hygiene, chemical safety, infection control and customer service. SETA-accredited training ensures that learners receive:
- A nationally recognised qualification
- Practical workplace exposure
- Better employability in the cleaning, facilities and labour-hire industries
- Access to supervisory positions faster
- A possible monthly stipend during a learnership
SETA qualifications also help companies comply with health, safety and labour laws — making certified candidates more competitive.
Registered Qualifications in Cleaning & Hiring
Below are the most common cleaning-sector qualifications registered through SAQA, QCTO and the Services SETA. Titles vary slightly depending on training providers, but the structure generally includes:
1. Hygiene & Cleaning (NQF Level 1)
A foundational qualification preparing learners for commercial and industrial cleaning roles. Training covers:
- Basic hygiene principles
- Chemical safety
- Use of cleaning equipment
- Workplace conduct
- Waste management
This is the most popular entry-point for unemployed youth.
2. Cleaning Specialisations (Part-Qualifications)
QCTO part-qualifications allow learners to specialise in focused areas such as:
- Above Surface Cleaner
- Commercial Ablution Cleaner
- Floor Cleaning Technician
- Kitchen/Canteen Cleaner
- Health Care Facility Cleaner
These short courses can be completed quickly and help learners gain targeted skills.
3. Hygiene & Cleaning Services (NQF Level 2)
Ideal for individuals who have completed Level 1 and want to deepen their technical and safety competencies.
4. Cleaning Supervision / Contract Management (NQF Level 3)
A supervisory-level qualification that focuses on:
- Managing cleaning teams
- Quality control
- Shift rosters and scheduling
- Stock and chemical control
- Client communication
This is the pathway to becoming a site supervisor or contract manager.
Recommended School Subjects for Learners Entering the Sector
While cleaning-sector learnerships are open to most applicants, the following subjects help build solid foundational skills:
- English / Home Language — communication, reading instructions
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy — measurements, stock counts, ratios for chemical mixing
- Life Orientation — workplace readiness and teamwork
- Natural Sciences — understanding bacteria, hygiene, and basic chemistry
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT) — useful for supervisors who manage reports
Soft skills such as punctuality, reliability, customer service and the ability to follow SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are equally important.
Employment Opportunities in the Cleaning & Hiring Subsector
Because cleaning services are needed across nearly all industries, learners with SETA-accredited qualifications have access to a wide range of jobs:
Entry-Level Jobs
- Cleaner / General Cleaner
- Office Cleaner
- Hospitality Cleaner
- Laundry Assistant
- Ablution Cleaner
- Event Cleaner
Skilled & Technical Roles
- Deep Cleaning Technician
- Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
- Floor Polishing Technician
- Industrial Cleaning Assistant
Supervisory & Management Roles
- Cleaning Team Leader
- Site Supervisor
- Contract Manager
- Facilities Service Coordinator
Industries That Regularly Hire
- Hospitals
- Retail centres
- Hotels and lodges
- Universities and schools
- Corporate offices
- Factories and warehouses
- Event companies
- Labour-hire and temporary staffing agencies
Career Growth Opportunities
Cleaning is no longer seen as a “dead-end job.” With SETA-accredited training, workers can progress to:
| Level | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NQF 1 | General Cleaner | Entry-level commercial and industrial cleaner |
| NQF 2 | Skilled Cleaner / Specialist | Advanced chemical use, floor care, specialised cleaning |
| NQF 3 | Supervisor | Manage teams, shifts, quality checks, client relations |
| NQF 4–5 | Contract Manager / Facility Supervisor | Oversee multiple sites, manage budgets, client contracts |
| Entrepreneurship | Cleaning Business Owner | Start your own cleaning or staffing company |
Many successful contract managers and business owners started their careers as cleaners through SETA learnerships.
Tips for Getting Started
- Verify accreditation
Always check if the training provider is accredited by the Services SETA. - Prepare a clean, simple CV
Highlight soft skills, reliability and any volunteer or part-time work. - Apply early
Learnerships often fill quickly. - Consider part-qualifications
They offer fast pathways into work for specific cleaning roles. - Transfer your skills across industries
Cleaning skills are needed in healthcare, hospitality, retail, logistics and events.
Useful Links (Live and Authoritative Resources)
These links help verify qualifications, find accredited providers and improve your website’s domain authority:
- Services SETA Official Website:
https://www.serviceseta.org.za - https://openlearnership.co.za/2026-services-seta-contact-centre-subsector/
- Services SETA Accredited Provider Search:
https://www.serviceseta.org.za/accredited-providers - SAQA Qualification Search:
https://www.saqa.org.za/search-qualifications - QCTO Qualifications & Trades Register:
https://www.qcto.org.za - Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET):
https://www.dhet.gov.za - Tsebo Cleaning Careers:
https://www.tsebo.com/careers - Bidvest Prestige Cleaning Jobs:
https://www.bidvestprestige.co.za/careers
openlearnership.co.za Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for general guidance only. While openlearnership.co.za strives to publish accurate and updated content, qualification details, SETA requirements and programme availability may change at any time. Always confirm accreditation, SAQA qualification IDs and learnership availability directly with the Services SETA, SAQA, QCTO or relevant training providers. openlearnership.co.za is not responsible for the content of external websites linked in this article.
Mkhize Yolanda is the creator of Open Learnership, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans find reliable learnerships, internships, and career opportunities. She is passionate about youth development and aims to make education and employment resources more accessible to everyone.
Contact:
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