Exploring the efficacy of the grant funding process of a SETA within the context of South African skills development

Abstract

Continuous introduction of innovations and rapid technological changes in industry necessitate the constant need for skill development within the workplace. For companies to grow, stay competitive, and remain economically sustainable, they must ensure that their employees’ skills, knowledge, and capabilities incorporate the latest developments and trends. Therefore, employee development within the manufacturing and engineering sectors becomes imperative and benefits both the employee and employer. To encourage skills development, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) have become critical links as providers of incentive funding to ensure that companies implement and/or participate in skills development initiatives that aim to upskill, reskill and multi-skill their workers. The research investigated the alleged bureaucratic claiming process from SETAs which might prevent companies from fully benefiting from the skills development system. This investigation was guided by the research question: How do merSETAaffiliated companies/organisations experience the grant-claiming process? Exploring the efficacy of the SETA grant funding process, this inquiry used a qualitative research methodology to investigate whether SETA funding is a beneficial process for all involved.