South Africans interested in SETA skills programmes should not be misled into believing that one offering is the “best”. Instead, they should compare it to the occupation they want to pursue and determine if the learning outcome is relevant.
Sector Education and Training Authorities operate within different sectors of the South African economy and the training, entry requirements, and skills foci of programmes can vary.
Someone comparing ICT, project management, generic management, administration or other fields of SETA-supported training should consider which seta skills programme is right for their intended occupation.
There’s no best skills programme
SETA training covers different industries.
SETA skills programmes are offered in varying industries and occupations;
a course that focuses on information and communications technology, for instance, may be relevant to someone following an IT career path, but may not be relevant to someone in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality or other sectors.
A similar principle applies to management and business-related programmes.
Programmes should therefore be compared against their learning outcomes, relevance, recognition and purpose rather than branding designations such as “best”.
What to look for in a SETA programme
The title of the course is merely a starting point. Learners should look beyond the advertised name and determine what the training entails.
1. Does the programme align with your intentions?
Begin by determining what occupation you want to pursue.
If you want to work in a particular industry, identify the skills typically associated with that occupation and determine which training programme addresses them.
This approach can be more informative than relying on assumptions about which programmes are better.
2. Determine what you’ll be learning
Learners should be able to identify what they will be learning on a programme.
Check if a description of learning outcomes, competencies, subjects or occupational skills is provided.
If a SETA programme advertisement only includes a name but no information about what learners can expect to study, request more information before applying.
3. Confirm the outcome of the programme
Skills development does not always result in learners receiving a nationally recognised qualification, certificate or other formal outcome.
Depending on the programme, the result may include learning components, credits, a certificate, a partial qualification or another outcome.
Beforehand, confirm what the outcome of the programme is.
4. Does the programme include practical training?
Some programmes contain elements of workplace exposure while others do not.
If gaining practical experience is one of your motivations for doing the course, ask for clarification regarding the delivery method and whether any elements of the programme involve workplace exposure.
5. Determine the eligibility criteria
SETA programme eligibility criteria can vary between different opportunities.
Some programmes have specific requirements in relation to education, age, current employment, location, prior learning or other criteria.
Being eligible for one programme does not necessarily mean you will be eligible for another.
Is ICT, project management or generic management the best?
ICT, project management and generic management are some of the areas in which SETA-sponsored skills development opportunities can be found.
However, it is not possible to determine that one of these opportunities is objectively the best unless certain criteria are provided, such as the intended occupation, the programme’s learning outcomes, and the current requirements of the employers in that industry.
For the aspiring IT worker, training in an ICT-related field is directly relevant to the intended career.
Someone considering a project coordination role, on the other hand, would have different skills needs and someone else may be pursuing an administrative, technical or industry-specific career.
The question that should be asked is, then, not which course is the best, but which programme applies to the relevant occupation.
Does a SETA course guarantee you a job?
No.
Having completed a SETA course does not guarantee that an employer will offer a learner a position. This consideration is important, as many learners are misled by advertisements that suggest they will receive employment if they complete a certain course.
Employment can depend on a variety of factors, including vacancies, requirements of the employer, qualifications, experience and other elements pertinent to the candidate for the role.
Applicants are advised to be wary of programmes that guarantee employment for simply having completed the course.
Are skills programs free?
SETA training programmes can sometimes be fully funded, but applicants should not assume that this is the case for all programmes that include a SETA reference.
Funding can vary, and before applying, learners should confirm:
- who is funding the training
- whether tuition is covered
- if there are any registration or other fees applicable
- what costs are included
- who is providing the training
- if the funding applies to the current intake
A request for payment should be independently verified, particularly if a programme has previously been advertised as fully funded.
Choosing a programme
One approach to programme selection is to begin with the intended occupation.
Step 1: What career are you considering?
Determine your area of work interest.
Step 2: What skills are associated with it?
Identify the skills typically associated with the work area of interest and those needed.
Step 3: Determine which similar programmes are available
Consider the actual content, learning outcomes, duration, entry requirements and delivery method.
Step 4: Compare recognition
Confirm what the outcome of the programme is and if the learning or credits are recognised.
Step 5: Determine the provider
Establish who will be providing the training, and if the provider has the necessary status for the particular programme, if applicable.
Step 6: Verify the opportunity
Check the latest application information, closing date and contact details.
Questions to ask
Before applying to a programme, a learner should be able to answer:
- what occupation is being supported?
- what skills will be developed?
- who is providing the training?
- which organisation funds it?
- what formal outcome will I receive?
- are credits included?
- is there any workplace learning involved?
- how long is the programme?
- is there a cost?
- is there a stipend provided?
- who qualifies?
- when is the deadline for applications?
- where do I apply?
If a SETA programme advertisement cannot answer these questions, learners should independently verify this information before applying.
The relevance of training
Skills development is most beneficial when it has direct relevance to a learner’s intended application.
For one learner, an ICT skills programme may be appropriate for their intended work area.
For another, however, the most relevant skills development opportunity may be in a technical specialisation in a particular sector.
This means that learners should not apply simply because a course is being advertised as one of the best, but should ensure that the training they sign up for actually supports them with useful and recognised learning.
Avoid outdated programme advertisements
SETA-funded training opportunities can have specific application windows, and old advertisements can continue to circulate on social media, WhatsApp groups and job sites once applications have closed.
Before applying to any SETA course, it is important to confirm that:
- the programme is currently open
- the closing date for applications is still valid
- the advertised requirements have not changed
- the application method is still in force
- the organisation responsible for the programme can be verified
This step is especially important before sending any personal information, including identity documents or banking details.
Final thoughts
There is no universally best SETA skills programme applicable in every situation for South Africans.
ICT, project management, generic management and other areas of training can provide useful learning opportunities, but they are only relevant if they address the needs of the intended occupation.
Programmes should be compared against the learning outcomes they offer, their recognition, relevance, eligibility, practical application, funding, provider information and application requirements.
The most important question, then, is not, “Which SETA course is the best?”
Rather, the most relevant question is, “Which recognised training opportunity can provide me with the learning outcomes relevant to the work I want to do?”
That is the most helpful way to approach skills development opportunities in general.
Editorial Policy
Our articles are written for the South African reader based on verifiable information that can be confirmed using officially sanctioned or authoritative resources. We seek to differentiate information provided by sources from general guidance and avoid implying that promotional statements are factual information.
Requirements, funding and application dates can change. Readers are therefore urged to confirm current information with the organisation responsible for the specific training programme.
Sources and Verification
Information regarding an individual SETA programme should be verified against the latest information provided by the relevant SETA, training provider, employer, government institution or other organisation responsible for the programme.
This article provides general educational information regarding the evaluation of skills development opportunities. It does not indicate any particular programme as superior, nor does it replace the requirements of an individual programme.
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Disclaimer
This is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with any SETA, government department, employer or training provider.
We make no guarantees regarding admission, funding, certification, stipends and employment. Readers are urged to confirm programme requirements, funding and application information directly with the organisation responsible for the opportunity before applying, submitting documents or making any payments.
