Many of us in the training and Skills Development industry breathed a collective sigh of relief with the recent announcement of the extension of some historical SETA-registered qualifications. While it is only a temporary reprieve, it will buy some much-needed time for all stakeholders to be better prepared for the final change over.
Despite the QCTO-induced anxiety of the past few months, it is important not to lose sight of all the advantages of implementing QCTO programmes.
Benefits of QCTO qualifications
- Longer duration: Many QCTO qualifications run for a period of more than one year, allowing employers to retain learners for an extended period of time, providing increased exposure to the workplace, greater mentorship and more time to evaluate their strengths and potential. It also reduces the administrative burden of having to recruit new learners and sign new learnership agreements every year.
- Occupation-specific: QCTO qualifications are designed around occupational profiles, ensuring that the training is aligned with the actual skills and competencies required in the workplace. This means learners will be more proficient, productive and capable of meeting job demands, making it much more likely for learners to be absorbed into permanent employment on completion of the learnership.
- Ease of understanding: The curriculums are easier for learners, employers and training providers to understand and navigate because they are structured in a consistent manner, according to a standardised format.
- Quality assurance: The QCTO is responsible for the oversight of the design, accreditation and assessment of qualifications, ensuring uniformity and high standards. In addition, a focus on external summative assessments ensures that the qualifications are reliable and that learners have achieved the necessary competencies.
- Compliance and competitive edge: By aligning with QCTO standards, organisations demonstrate a commitment to high-quality training and development. This not only ensures compliance with industry regulations but also positions companies as leaders in their field.
- Alignment to industry needs: QCTO qualifications are developed with significant input from industry bodies and employers, ensuring they remain relevant and responsive to market needs.
