Embracing the winds of change in Skills Development.

Over the past decade, the skills development industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, transitioning from SETAs (Sector Education Training Authorities) to QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). For over two decades, SETAs played a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of skills development. However, the establishment of QCTO in 2010 marked a significant turning point.

The Department of Labor aptly captured this shift with a catchphrase “from difficulties to opportunities,” highlighting the positive aspects of this change. It is imperative for all stakeholders, especially skills development providers, employers, and learners, to align themselves with the new system and embrace the change that is already underway.

This transformative journey has encompassed various aspects, including the shift from Legacy qualifications to occupational qualifications, and replacing the traditional Portfolio of Evidence (PoEs) with the more comprehensive External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA). Furthermore, the system has evolved from being widely diverse to a more centralized and standardized framework.

The QCTO’s quality framework encompasses various aspects, ranging from qualification design and development to implementation, external integrated summative assessments, and certification of successful candidates.

Key highlights of the QCTO quality framework include:

• Quality Assurance of Occupational Qualifications. A comprehensive realignment of qualifications, emphasizing competency in knowledge, theory, practical skills, and work experience, is underway, with over 350 qualifications already aligned to specific occupations, aiming to eliminate accumulation of irrelevant credits, and offering specialization.

• Accreditation of Skill Development Providers. For occupational qualifications, skill development providers must apply directly to QCTO. The application process for accreditation has been streamlined, incorporating occupational qualification-specific criteria.

• Quality Assurance of Assessments. The QCTO quality framework promotes the use of External Integrated Summative Assessments in place of Portfolio of Evidence (PoEs) assessments. This shift aims to eliminate discrepancies in interpreting standards across sectors. To ensure quality, the QCTO will appoint a suitable organization to oversee external assessments.

• Certification. The responsibility for issuing occupational qualification certificates lies with the QCTO. The QCTO is committed to providing valid, verifiable, and credible certificates, reinforcing their dedication to quality assurance.

As a QCTO-accredited training provider, Performance Development Group is well-prepared to navigate these changes. With our expertise, we stand ready to support employers and learners in embracing and capitalizing on the exciting opportunities that arise from this transformative shift.

Sources:

Department of Labour Gazzette

QCTO

HWSETA