QCTO changes looming in South Africa: What businesses need to know
With the inevitable QCTO changes looming in South Africa, it is paramount for businesses to understand the key differences between SETA and QCTO, the responsibilities that QCTO will handle, the transformative influence of lifelong learning and career advancement.
To some, the pending shift is overwhelming and brings a host of concern to Skills Development Providers (SDPs). This shouldn’t be the case, in fact this shift will bring a surge of energy to the educational system and help combat youth unemployment issues which are continuing to rise in South Africa. The Daily Maverick recently reported that a “decade ago, 5.1 million people were unemployed in Q1 of 2014. That number is 8.2 million in Q1 of 2024. By aligning with labour market needs and equipping individuals with specific skills, it can help decrease the youth unemployment rates we are facing.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the multifaceted impact that QCTO will have on individuals, educational institutions, and industries across South Africa. QCTO is not only shaping the educational landscape but also empowering individuals to thrive in dynamic professional environments.
“We should view this change as a positive step towards building a highly skilled workforce that can progress in a linear direction with their careers” says, Dylan Stopford – CMO of Edge Training.
What is the purpose of QCTO? And how does this differ from the original role of SETAs?
In short, the responsibilities of QCTO serve to oversee the development, accreditation, and certification of occupational qualifications that create a more skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce in South Africa. The QCTO also manages the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF), which is one of the three integrated sub-frameworks of the National Qualifications Framework. Please see diagram below:
While both the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are involved in vocational education and training in South Africa, they do serve different roles and functions.
3 key differences between QCTO and SETA’s:
Development of Qualifications:
- QCTO: The primary role of QCTO is to design and develop occupational qualifications that are aligned with industry specific needs and standards. The body focuses on creating qualifications that are nationally recognised and provide individuals with the skills and competencies required for specific occupations.
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- SETA: SETAs are responsible for identifying skills development needs within specific sectors of the economy. While SETAs may still be involved in the development of qualifications, they primarily focus on facilitating skills development initiative and allocating funds for training programmes within their respective sectors. For example: MICT SETA & TETA SETA.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance:
- QCTO: Accredits Skills Development Providers, such as training institutions and assessment centres, to ensure that they meet the necessary quality standards for delivering occupational qualifications. QCTO also monitors and evaluates the quality of training and assessment processes to maintain standards.
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- SETAs: SETAs accredit training providers within their sectors and oversee the quality of training programs funded through their initiatives. However, their focus is broader and includes facilitating skills development initiatives, such as learnerships, internships, and workplace-based training, to address skills shortages in specific sectors.
Promotion of Lifelong Learning:
- QCTO: Aims to promote lifelong learning by offering a range of occupational qualifications based on specific roles within organisations and the respective pathways for skills development. QCTO encourages individuals to continue learning and upgrading their skills throughout their careers.
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- SETAs: While SETAs may also promote lifelong learning through skills development initiatives, their primary focus is on addressing skills gaps within specific sectors of the economy and facilitating training programmes to meet those industry needs.
What lifelong learning advantages will individuals have with QCTO Occupational Qualifications?
There is a significant impact on individual learners in South Africa by providing sustainable lifelong learning opportunities. With the shift, learners are able to acquire new skills specific to occupations, improve or upskill on existing skills, remain relevant and up to speed with the latest trends and adapt to technologies more frequently. This approach paves the way for skills development or training that promotes continuous professional development.
QCTO aims to equip individuals with related industry knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience through their accredited qualifications. Thereafter, individuals are expected to complete a written examination (EISA) by means of an assessment centre to obtain their qualification.
Not only do these qualifications incorporate knowledge, practical and workplace modules but are also developed for recognition and credibility, both nationally and internationally. Below is a breakdown of Historical (SETA) Learnerships VS Occupational (QCTO) Qualifications:
5 advantages that individuals can expect with the QCTO changes looming in South Africa:
- Access to Quality Education and Training: QCTO develops and accredits occupational qualifications that are designed to meet the needs of industry and the demands of the labour market. By offering nationally recognized qualifications through QCTO-accredited training providers, individual learners have access to quality education and training that equips them with the knowledge, practical skills, workplace experience and further competencies required for various occupations around the world.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): QCTO facilitates the recognition of prior learning (RPL), allowing individuals to receive credit for skills and knowledge acquired through informal learning or work experience. This enables learners to access further education and training based on their existing competencies, without having to repeat training for skills they already possess. RPL promotes inclusivity and enables individuals to progress in their careers more efficiently.
- Career Pathways and Articulation: QCTO provides clear and structured pathways for skills development and career progression through its qualification’s framework. Individual learners can pursue qualifications at different levels, from entry-level to advanced, and transition between qualifications to meet their career goals. QCTO qualifications are designed to be flexible and enable learners to articulate their skills and competencies across different occupations and industries.
- Employability and Job Opportunities: QCTO-accredited qualifications are recognized by employers across various sectors, enhancing learners’ employability and job prospects. By completing QCTO qualifications, individuals demonstrate their readiness to enter the workforce or progress in their current roles, making them more attractive candidates to potential employers. Additionally, QCTO qualifications are designed to address the skills needs of industry, increasing learners’ chances of securing employment in high-demand occupations.
- Lifelong Learning and Continuous Development: QCTO promotes lifelong learning by offering a range of occupational qualifications and pathways for skills development. Through QCTO-accredited programs, individual learners have opportunities to continuously develop their skills, stay relevant in their professions, and adapt to evolving industry trends. Lifelong learning enables individuals to remain competitive in the job market and pursue career advancement opportunities throughout their lives.
How will QCTO impact educational training providers in South Africa?
Starting June 2024, the QCTO will oversee the implementation, assessment, and certification of occupational qualifications, part-qualifications, and skills programmes.
1. Streamlined Quality Assurance: The QCTO introduces a single national quality assurance system for qualifications, simplifying the skills development landscape and ensuring credibility and accessibility for all providers.
2. Accreditation Requirements: Education and training providers must be accredited by the QCTO to offer occupational qualifications, ensuring standards are met and aligning programs with industry needs.
3. Responsibilities of bodies: SETAs will report to the QCTO and, while they remain licensed until 2030 and maintain their current roles, they will also take on new responsibilities as Development Quality Partners (DQP) and Assessment Quality Partners (AQP)
4. Occupational Qualifications Focus: QCTO’s oversight emphasizes occupational qualifications, part-qualifications, and skills programs, driving skills development and addressing industry-specific needs.
5. Alignment with OQSF: Providers need to align training programs with the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) standards set by the QCTO to offer quality, standardized national qualifications.
6. Transition to New Qualifications: Providers must phase out ‘historical’ qualifications by June 2023 and transition to occupationally directed qualifications, ensuring compliance with QCTO guidelines and timelines for learner enrolments and certifications. Training, assessments, moderations, and achievements for these qualifications will only continue for learners registered before 30 June 2024. A teach-out period will support learners enrolled before this deadline until 30 June 2027. However, after 30 June 2027, statements of results and certificates for these historical qualifications will no longer be issued.
As a business in South Africa, it is crucial that you become familiar with the QCTO’s framework and qualifications as these play a vital role in shaping the skills development landscape as we know it. We at Edge Training are working to provide businesses with the opportunity to invest in accredited training programmes that contribute to B-BBEE compliance, staff upskilling, and the development of a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs. The impending QCTO changes are something to look forward to, even though transitioning can seem uncomfortable at the best of times, as a training provider it is in our best interest to be flexible and adapt to changes like these.
If you are looking for a solution to your skills development training needs, visit: www.edgetraining.co.za and one of our representatives will contact you.