Understanding how SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) fund learnerships and skills development is essential for employers, training providers and individuals planning a career pathway. This guide explains what SETAs do, the types of grants available, step‑by‑step application routes, documentation you’ll need, and practical tips to increase your chances of securing funding.
What are SETAs and why they matter
SETAs are industry-specific bodies established under South African skills development legislation to:
- Manage and distribute Skills Development Levy (SDL) funds.
- Promote workplace-based learning, learnerships and qualifications aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
- Accredit training providers and register learnerships and skills programmes.
In short, SETAs convert employer contributions (the 1% SDL paid via SARS) into workplace training, learnership stipends, and employer incentive grants — making them a key source of funding for occupational training.
Types of SETA grants: quick overview
| Grant type | Purpose | Who can apply | Typical requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Grant | Refund portion of a levy-paying employer’s SDL for implementing Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) | Levy-paying employers who submit WSP/ATR | Approved WSP/ATR; training evidence |
| Discretionary Grant | Fund sector priority programmes, new entrants, scarce skills and bursaries | Employers, providers, NGOs, learners | Project proposal, alignment to SETA priorities |
| Learnership / Placement Grant | Fund registration and implementation of learnerships (training + workplace experiential learning) | Employers, training providers, accredited organisations | Learnership agreement, training plan, QCTO/SAQA registration |
| Bursaries & Learner Support | Support learners (tuition, materials, travel, accommodation) | Individuals via employer/provider or directly through SETA programmes | Proof of need/criteria per SETA bursary policy |
Note: Grant names and eligibility details vary by SETA and are updated periodically. Always confirm the latest grants and criteria with the specific SETA.
Who benefits: employers vs individuals
- Employers (levy‑paying and non‑levy): Can claim mandatory grants, apply for discretionary funding to run learnerships, or access incentives to upskill staff. Small or non‑levy employers may qualify for SETA-funded projects or incentives targeted at job creation.
- Individuals and unemployed learners: Access learnerships through employers or accredited providers. Many employers and training centres advertise SETA-funded learnership opportunities and offer stipends for duration of the learnership.
How learnerships work (briefly)
A learnership is a structured learning programme combining theoretical training with workplace experience, leading to a nationally recognised qualification or unit standard. Learnerships must be registered with the relevant SETA and assessed against NQF standards (often administered through QCTO/SAQA frameworks).
Step‑by‑step guide: accessing SETA funding (for employers)
- Identify the correct SETA for your sector (e.g., services, manufacturing, agriculture). Each industry has its own SETA.
- Prepare and submit your WSP and ATR annually to be eligible for mandatory grants. These documents show your training plans and outcomes.
- Check the SETA discretionary grant calendar and funding windows — many SETAs open calls for proposals at specific times.
- Develop a strong project proposal if applying for discretionary or learnership funding:
- Clear objectives and outcomes
- Training plan and assessment approach
- Budget breakdown (stipends, training, assessment, moderation)
- Employer commitment and workplace placements
- Partner with an accredited training provider if you don’t have internal capacity. Ensure the provider is SETA‑accredited and can register the learnership.
- Register the learnership/learners with the SETA and sign learnership agreements with learners.
- Submit evidence and claims (attendance registers, assessment records, payslips for stipends) to claim grants and mandatory refund amounts.
- Complete moderation and reporting as required — compliance ensures timely payments and future eligibility.
Step‑by‑step guide: accessing learnerships (for learners)
- Identify the sector and SETA relevant to your career (e.g., finance, transport, construction).
- Search for accredited providers and openings — employers, TVET colleges and private training providers offer SETA-funded learnerships.
- Prepare application materials: CV, ID, matric certificate (or equivalent), proof of residence, and any sector-specific prerequisites.
- Apply and attend assessments/interviews — some learnerships include basic skills tests or psychometric assessments.
- Sign a learnership agreement if accepted — this is a legal contract outlining training, workplace hours, stipend and employment terms.
- Complete training and workplace experiential hours; participate in assessments and moderation.
- Receive qualification/certificate after successful completion; this improves employability and future career prospects.
Documentation checklist (common items)
- Certified copy of ID
- CV and contact details
- Proof of residence
- Matric or relevant certificate (certified)
- Medical or special needs documentation (if applicable)
- Proof of unemployment or income (for bursary/support)
- Learnership agreement (once selected)
- Employer WSP/ATR (employers applying for funding)
Tips to improve your chance of funding
- Align proposals to SETA priorities: SETAs publish sector priorities — link your learnership to these outcomes.
- Use accredited providers: SETA funding hinges on accreditation and registration compliance.
- Be thorough with reporting: Accurate, timely WSP/ATR and claim evidence speeds up payments and future approvals.
- Demonstrate workplace absorption: Employers that can show potential employment after training score higher for discretionary support.
- Leverage partnerships: Consortium proposals (employers + training providers + NGOs) can strengthen capacity and credibility.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Missing WSP/ATR submission deadlines (loses access to Mandatory Grant).
- Submitting incomplete or poorly costed proposals.
- Using non‑accredited providers — SETAs require accredited training and registered learnerships.
- Insufficient workplace placements or mentoring plans for learners.
Where to get help and further reading
- For a practical funding checklist and deadlines, see: Funding Checklist and Deadline Calendar for South African University Applicants.
- If you’re comparing funding options, read: Bursary vs Loan: Choosing the Best Financial Aid for South African Students.
- Need help building a winning application? See: How to Build a Bursary Application That Wins: Templates and Examples for South African Students.
- For institutional and corporate bursary guidance that complements SETA funding, try: Top Institutional and Corporate Bursaries in South Africa: Deadlines, Requirements and Tips.
- For wider study‑funding options and tax incentives, refer to: Complete Guide to Funding Your Studies in South Africa: Loans, Scholarships and Tax Incentives.
- If you run into NSFAS issues while planning a pathway, see: Career Guidance South Africa: How NSFAS Works and Who Qualifies — Step-by-Step Application.
- For more discovery tools, explore: Top 10 Scholarship Databases and Eligibility Checkers for South African Students — Career Guidance South Africa.
Final checklist before you apply
- Confirm which SETA governs your sector.
- Ensure WSP/ATR (for employers) are up to date and submitted.
- Partner with an accredited provider and register learnerships properly.
- Prepare full documentation and a clear, aligned proposal.
- Track SETA funding windows and submit claims with supporting evidence.
Accessing SETA funding requires planning, compliance and clear alignment to sector priorities. With the right partnerships, documentation and project design, learnerships and SETA grants are powerful tools to upskill individuals and strengthen workplace capacity — making them a cornerstone of career development in South Africa.