About the merSETA

About us

Learn more about our mission, values and the team behind our success

Overview

Welcome to the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) “About Us” page, your gateway to understanding our mission, vision and impact.

The (merSETA) is dedicated to developing a skilled workforce to drive innovation and growth within our sector. We oversee the creation of occupational qualifications and learning programmes, ensuring they meet industry needs. Our commitment to excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement empowers individuals and businesses to thrive.

The merSETA is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

Established to promote skills development in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998 (as amended), the 21 SETAs broadly reflect different sectors of the South African economy. The merSETA covers the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services sector.

Our Mission

To drive transformative skills development and training in the mersector, empowering individuals and communities, addressing skills shortages, fostering employment and alleviating poverty. Through stakeholder collaboration and strategic funding, we aim to unlock potential, support sustainable industry growth, and contribute to the nation’s economic viability and social well-being.

Our Vision

Leading catalyst for innovative skills development.

Our Values

Adhering to moral and ethical principles, demonstrated through honesty, fairness and consistency in actions and decisions, fostering trust and credibility in all interaction

Service excellence through taking responsibility for actions, decisions and outcomes while consistently delivering exceptional
quality and value to stakeholders

Embracing creativity and technology as catalysts for creative problem-solving, leading to groundbreaking solutions that meet evolving industry and societal needs.

Working together across diverse backgrounds and perspectives, creating a culture where everyone feels valued, heard and
empowered to contribute toward shared goals.

Recognising the inherent worth and dignity of individuals and
communities, fostering an environment of honesty and reliability that
strengthens relationships and cohesion.

The merSETA is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities(SETAs).

Established to promote skills development in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998 (as amended), the 21 SETAs broadly reflect different sectors of the South African economy. The merSETA encompasses Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services.

Our Mission

To drive transformative skills development and training in the mersector, empowering individuals and communities, addressing skills shortages, fostering employment and alleviating poverty. Through stakeholder collaboration and strategic funding, we aim to unlock potential, support sustainable industry growth, and contribute to the nation’s economic viability and social well-being.

Our Vision

Leading catalyst for innovative skills development.

Our Chambers

Subsectors & Chambers

The various industry sectors are represented by six chambers within the merSETA. Collectively, these six sub-sectors comprise approximately 40 000 companies, of which about 14 600 are levy-paying. The total workforce across these companies is approximately 600 000 employees, and the levy income generated amounts to roughly R1.308 billion. The six chambers are:

Motor Retail & After Markets



Auto Manufacturing



Metals & Engineering



New Tyre Manufacturing



Plastics Manufacturing



Automotive Components Manufacturing

.

National Skills Development Strategy

NSDS

The merSETA like all other SETAs play a central role in making sure that the National Skills Development Strategy is fullfilled. The merSETA does not collect levies but instead receives collected levies from the Department of Higher Education and Training. Seventy percent of the levies are disbursed as grants and 10% is kept for administration. The merSETA does not train – instead it facilitates the process of training by paying grants, registering moderators and assessors, identifying scarce skills, accrediting providers, monitoring the quality and implementing projects to close the skills gap.

5,000 +

Artisans Trained

800 +

Partnerships

1,200,000,000

Discretionary Grants Paid Out

600,000 +

Workforce Employed by Chambers

Leaders in closing the Skills gap

Benefits of working with us

Our Value Add

Financial Support: Grant funding assists clients in offsetting costs related to skills development initiatives, making training programs more accessible and affordable.
Workforce Competence: Training programs and grants contribute to a skilled and competent workforce, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Industry Relevance: The merSETA ensures that training aligns with industry standards, keeping clients at the forefront of technological and procedural advancements.
Strategic Planning: Services like strategy development and research empower clients with insights, enabling them to make informed decisions for long-term industry success.
Quality Assurance: Accreditation and quality control measures ensure that clients receive high-quality training, enhancing the credibility of their workforce and services.
Innovation & Adaptability: By fostering apprenticeships and learnerships, merSETA supports clients in cultivating an innovative and adaptable workforce capable of meeting evolving industry needs. item

Features

Comprehensive Skills Development

The merSETA is dedicated to offering comprehensive skills development programmes that cater to various levels of expertise in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Our programmes are designed to enhance both technical and soft skills, ensuring our participants are well-rounded professionals ready to meet industry demands.

Industry-Aligned Qualifications

Our occupational qualifications are developed in close collaboration with industry leaders to ensure they are relevant and up to date. We focus on providing practical, hands-on training that equips learners with the skills needed to excel in their chosen careers, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Innovative Learning Programmes

We pride ourselves on creating innovative learning programmes that address the unique needs of the manufacturing and engineering sectors. By incorporating the latest technological advancements and industry trends, our programmes prepare learners for the future of work, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Extensive Labour Market Research

The merSETA conducts extensive labour market research to stay ahead of industry trends and anticipate future skills requirements. This research informs our programme development, helping us to adapt and refine our offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of employers and learners alike.

Strong Industry Partnerships

We have established strong partnerships with leading companies, educational institutions, and government bodies. These collaborations allow us to provide high-quality training and support, ensuring our programmes are aligned with industry standards and offer real-world relevance and value to our learners.

Commitment to Excellence

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in everything we do, from the design of our programmes to the support we offer our learners. We strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and effectiveness, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to their fields and drive industry growth.

FAQs

The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for ensuring the adequacy and effectiveness of the risk management process, internal control systems, the internal audit function and reviewing the annual financial statements.

merSETA is stakeholder-driven and in terms of the Skills Development Act, it must be equally represented by organised labour and organised Employers.

The Governing Board is defined as the Accounting Authority in terms of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 (as amended) and Treasury Regulations.

The Governing Board of merSETA comprises 15 members in a non-executive and independent non-executive capacity. Twelve of the members are nominated and represent organised labour and organised employers from the Sector. The remaining three members are independent and are directly appointed by the Minister. The term of office of members of the Governing Board is five years.

We Care: It’s about caring for people we render services to.
We Belong: It’s about working together with colleagues.
We Serve: It’s about going beyond the call of duty.

merSETA is one of the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established to promote skills development in terms of the Skills Development Act of 19981.

Mission: To increase access to high quality and relevant skills development and training opportunities in order to reduce inequalities and unemployment and to promote employability and participation in the economy.
Vision: To be leaders in closing the skills gap.

Contact Us

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Join the NSDMS Today!

Take the next step in advancing your career and supporting the growth of our industry by registering on the NSDMS. Gain access to essential resources, streamline your skills development processes, and join a community dedicated to building a skilled workforce in the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector. Sign up today and be part of the change!