WHAT IS A SETA?

“SETA” is an acronym for Sector Education and Training Authority. Their focus is to help implement the National Skills Development Strategy and to increase the skills of people in their sector. The functions and responsibilities of SETAs include the accreditation of training providers.

WHAT IS SETA ACCREDITATION?

According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), accreditation means that a person, a body or an institution has been certified as “having the capacity to fulfil a particular function in the quality assurance system set up by the South African Qualifications Authority.” 

SETA accreditation can only be attained by a training provider if it successfully completes the stringent application process prescribed by a relevant SETA. SETA accreditation is therefore the result of a process whereby a SETA determines whether a training provider has the necessary capacity and ability to provide quality training in line with National Qualifications Framework (NQF) standards.

THE PURPOSE OF SETA ACCEDITATION:

The purpose of SETA accreditation is to make sure that education and training is of a high standard and quality and that it is relevant to the needs of the industry sector in question. If a training provider has SETA accreditation, it means that the training provider’s courses comply with the NQF standards, and that the courses offered have been evaluated to ensure that they are in line with these standards. 

SETA accreditation also aims to ensure that there is uniformity of similar courses offered by different training providers. SETA accreditation therefore provides the assurance that a training provider will be capable of providing relevant training and education that is in line with national standards. Another purpose of SETA accreditation is to ensure that the courses being offered by accredited training providers are relevant to industry needs and will equip students with the skills that they will need in the workplace.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS: 

Each Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) is responsible for the accreditation of training providers within its own industry sector, and each SETA sets out its own accreditation process which needs to be followed.

The first step in the accreditation process would be for a training provider to determine which SETA’s accreditation it requires. This will depend on the training provider’s primary focus, i.e. which sector its courses predominantly fall under. For example, if a training provider wants to be accredited as a training provider for SETA accredited project management courses, it should apply to the Services SETA. 

Training providers can only apply for SETA accreditation of unit standards (modules) or qualifications that are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The accreditation process usually involves the submission of an application form, together with a comprehensive set of supporting documents. The SETA will then evaluate the application and perform a site evaluation to determine whether the training provider meets all the requirements. If the training provider satisfies the requirements, it will be accredited. If the provider does not pass the evaluation, it may be given a time period in which to take remedial action.

BENEFITS OF BEING A SETA ACCREDITED TRAINING PROVIDER:

• Being a SETA Accredited Training Provider signals to potential and current clients that your training is of a very high standard and that your company has excellent quality management principles and processes in place. This will guarantee that learners will have the best training possible.
• Companies who use your training programmes can put this training on their skills development grant applications (Workplace Skills Plan, Annual Training Report & Pivotal Training Plan) and receive mandatory and discretionary grants in return – this effectively makes your training more affordable.
• Any company that makes use of you, as an accredited training provider, will improve their BBBEE Score Card which will help them maintain their BBBEE level.
• Programmes that are aligned to unit standards (modules of competency) and are fully accredited will ensure knowledge is transferable both within and outside of the industry.
• Through effective assessment strategies, you will know the competence levels and strengths of your learners before and after your training intervention.
• In many cases, companies and organisations will not use training providers that are not SETA accredited. This will leave you in a vulnerable position when positioning and marketing your training.

BENEFITS OF SETA ACCREDITATION TO LEARNERS:

• If a learner completes a SETA accredited course through a training provider that has SETA accreditation, the learner can earn the appropriate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) credits. NQF credits can count towards full qualifications that are recognized throughout South Africa. In other words, SETA accreditation means that a course or qualification can be formally recognized. This is of benefit to the student, as employers in certain sectors often require their employees to have formal qualifications. Formal recognition is also beneficial to learners who wish to change from one course to another without having to repeat subjects or courses that they may already have completed.
• SETA accreditation is also an indication to learners that a training provider is reputable, and not a fly-by-night institution.
• Another benefit of SETA accreditation is that it assures learners that they will be receiving training that they will be able to apply in the workplace and that they will be equipped with skills that are sought after by employers within the particular industry sector.