South Africa employers, training providers and eligible organisations can apply for services SETA grants when there are funding opportunities available to cover approved training initiatives. The grants support projects that focus on workplace skills development, access to occupational training, and addressing skills needs within the services sector.
Depending on the type of funding needed, organisations should understand the differences between discretionary and mandatory grants. Those applying for funding should identify their needs, research eligibility criteria, and prepare the necessary documents before submitting a request through the appropriate services SETA portal.
The services SETA website has more information: https://www.serviceseta.org.za/
What Types of Services SETA Grants Exist?
There are different types of services SETA grants that provide funding for skills development needs.
1. Discretionary Grants
Discretionary funding is provided for approved training and workplace development projects that align with the services SETA funding priorities.
Depending on the needs of the call, some of the approved training that qualify for discretionary funding include:
- Learnerships
- Skills programmes
- Apprenticeships
- Candidacy programmes
- Other qualifying initiatives
Organisations should check the requirements before submitting an application, as approval is not guaranteed even for qualifying projects.
2. Mandatory Grants
Mandatory services SETA grants are for qualifying organisations that submit the required information regarding skills development needs in the workplace.
In most cases, companies that apply for mandatory grants need to prepare a skills plan and an annual training report. The report provides details of training that has taken place within the company while the skills plan details the needs of the business.
Organisations should review the guidelines to confirm the requirements for levies, registration and submission for these mandatory reports. Payroll size should not be the sole determinant for applying for a mandatory grant.
3. Special Projects and Expressions of Interest
From time to time, the services SETA publishes specific funding opportunities or expressions of interest for projects that will address specific skills development concerns.
Depending on the funding call, organisations that may be eligible for special projects and expressions of interest include qualifying non-profit organisations and skills development providers. Review each call to confirm the specific requirements, beneficiaries, documentation, and eligibility criteria.
Who Can Apply for Services SETA Funding?
Depending on the type of funding and the advertisement, there are different categories of organisations that may apply for services SETA grants.
Some of the organisations that may qualify for services SETA grants include:
- Employers within the specified scope of the services SETA
- Eligible training providers
- Organisations that have approved workplace learning projects
- Non-profit organisations or qualifying entities that submit an expression of interest
Depending on the application, the organisation may be required to confirm that they are registered, that they meet the relevant tax requirements, and that they have the necessary accreditation.
The mere fact that a training provider is accredited does not guarantee that they will be approved for a services SETA grant. As such, it is advisable for training providers to review the application guidelines before submitting an application.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Services SETA Grants?
The documents that you need to submit when applying for services SETA grants will vary depending on the application. As such, applicants should review the advertised guidelines and prepare the documents that they will submit.
Applications usually require applicants to submit:
- Company or organisation registration documents
- Relevant tax documentation
- Skills development levy registration documents
- Accreditation documents, if applicable
- A statement describing the proposed project
- Proposed training and learnership documentation, if applicable
- Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report documents, for mandatory grants
Organisations should ensure that documents are accurate, up-to-date, and consistent with the information provided within their portal.
Avoid providing documents based solely on a generic checklist and focus on the information that the guidelines specify.
How to Apply for a Services SETA Discretionary Grant
Applications for discretionary services SETA grants should be made in accordance with the application guidelines.
Step 1: Confirm that an Application Window is Open
Navigate to the services SETA website and review the current application guidelines and deadlines.
Discretionary grants typically have a limited application period. As such, organisations should confirm that the application window is open before proceeding.
Step 2: Confirm your Organisation’s Eligibility
Review the application advertisement to confirm whether your organisation is eligible and if the project that you wish to apply for is approved.
Review the application guidelines and ensure that you understand the requirements for submitting documents, accreditation, tax and learner requirements.
Step 3: Access the Discretionary Grant Portal
Navigate to the services SETA discretionary grant portal and register or log in to the application page. Always ensure that you are on the correct portal and that you are applying for the correct type of grant.
Step 4: Submit Your Proposal and Documents
Provide the correct information regarding the training that you wish to apply for. Depending on the application, you may be required to provide details including:
- The type of training
- The number of learners
- The outcome that you expect
- Your capacity to provide the training
Step 5: Submit the Application
Ensure that you have completed all the required fields and that you are submitting the application to the correct email or portal. Always confirm the deadline and allow sufficient time to troubleshoot any issues before the deadline specified in the application guidelines.
Step 6: Retain Proof of Submission
Always retain documentation confirming that you have submitted the application. In addition, retain copies of the documents that you have submitted for review, in case services SETA requests them. In addition, always review any communication from services SETA to confirm that the application has been received and if additional information is required.
How Employers Apply for Mandatory Grants
Employers that need funding for mandatory grants should follow the current application guidelines for the mandatory grants.
In general, the process for mandatory grants involves the following steps:
- Confirm that you are eligible for a mandatory grant
- Ensure that all your records and those of your Skills Development Facilitator are updated
- Prepare your Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report documents
- Review the submission guidelines and deadline
- Submit the required information to the appropriate portal
- Retain proof that you have submitted the application
Review the current guidelines at the services SETA employer website. If the deadline has passed, you should contact the services SETA to confirm if late applications will be accepted.
Are Services SETA Grant Applications Open?
Applications for services SETA grants are usually opened and closed on a rotational basis throughout the year. Each funding call has its own set of deadlines and requirements.
Before you proceed to submit a request for funding, it is advisable to review the guidelines and deadline on the official services SETA website. If an application window is not open, you can always review the portal and the website to see when the next application period will open.
While the portal may be accessible, it does not mean that applications will be accepted.
Contact Services SETA Regarding Your Grant Application
If you have any questions regarding the application process, you can always contact services SETA. Email your questions to [email protected] or navigate to their website at https://www.serviceseta.org.za/
When contacting services SETA, provide sufficient information regarding the type of organisation that you represent and the type of funding that you need to help them assist you.
What If you are an Individual Looking for a Learnership or Bursary?
Services SETA grants are different from bursaries and learnerships.
If you are unemployed and you are looking for a learnership, internship, or bursary, you will need to apply for an advertised opportunity with an employer, training provider, or programme administrator. Individuals should confirm the application requirements, qualification, deadline, and application portal for each opportunity. Funding for organisation does not mean that individuals can apply for the same opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Services SETA grants can provide much-needed funding for training and skills development needs. However, organisations need to confirm which type of funding they need: discretionary, mandatory or a specific project. The application process will vary depending on the funding that you need.
As such, the most prudent first step is to confirm which funding is required, confirm the eligibility criteria, prepare the required documents, and review the application guidelines to confirm the application window.
Navigate to the services SETA website and the discretionary grant portal to confirm the current application guidelines.
