From SETA to QCTO : Understanding the Transition
The changes to the skills development landscape are imminent – is your BEE plan ready?
The skills development landscape as we know it, is in the process of undergoing significant changes come 30 June 2024. Not only do these changes impact your skills development plan, reporting to the SETA, but could also significantly affect your BEE scorecard!
As the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) takes over the accreditation, implementation and certification of all occupational qualifications from SETAs, companies need to understand what the implications of these changes are to ensure that they safeguard their skills development initiatives and ensure that there is minimal risk not only to their Skills Development scorecard, but on the BEE scorecard as a whole.
The impending change from SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) to QCTO qualifications is part of the government's efforts to streamline and improve the country's education and training.
These changes will undoubtedly affect:
- Current accredited training
- Registering new qualifications
- Learnerships - cost, implementation; timing; absorption
- Workplace Skills Plans
What is the QCTO?
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is a Quality Council established in 2010 in terms of the Skills Development Act (Act 97 of 1998) as amended in 2008.
The QCTO also offers guidance to skills development providers (private and public) and assessment centres who must be accredited by the QCTO in order to implement occupational qualifications. The QCTO is responsible for quality assurance and the oversight of the design, accreditation, implementation, assessment and certification of occupational qualifications, part-qualifications and skills programmes.
The differences between the QCTO and SETA
One of the key differences between SETA and QCTO qualifications is that QCTO qualifications are standardised across all sectors. This means that a qualification obtained in one sector is recognized in all other sectors. Other key differences include:
SETA Learnerships
Learnerships comprised of two components:
- 30% classroom time
- 70% on the job work experience
- Assessments were conducted by accredited Training Service Providers following the completion of each learning programme throughout the duration the learnership (12 months).
Duration:SETA learnerships are mostly 12 months long.
QCTO Learnerships
Learnerships are comprised of three components.
- Knowledge component – classroom sessions exploring theory.
- Practical component – includes simulated workplace training subject to assessment by accredited workplace assessors.
- External Integrated Summative Assessment – a final exam written at an Accredited Assessment centre.
Duration: The duration of QCTO learnerships will depend on the number of credits for specific qualifications.
What does this mean for you and your company?
As of 1 July 2024 companies will need to follow a new process to register both employed and unemployed learners for full qualifications, part qualifications, and skills programmes. Below are the steps to follow:
If you’d like more information to help you successfully navigate this transitional period, feel free to leave your details or email us info@ilearn.co.za. Someone from our team will reach out to you and find out exactly how we can assist and help you reach new heights in your business.