Overview of our design, development, and implementation of occupational qualifications and learning programmes.
Overview
The primary purpose of the Curriculum and Learning Programmes Development Unit (CLPU).
It is to manage and facilitate the design, development and implementation, of Occupational Qualifications, Learning Programmes including Learnerships and Skills Programmes, Courseware, and piloting of any other Learning interventions that supports skills development needs as identified in the merSETA Sector Skills Plan.
Learnerships are Learning Programmes that have a structured learning component and a structured workplace experience component which leads to a qualification registered by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). Learnerships must be associated with a Legacy Qualification, Trade, Profession or Occupation and must be registered with the Director General in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
The QCTO develops and registers Learnerships with the Department of Higher Education and Training in line with the Regulations in terms of Sections 36, 16(d), 17(3) and 17(6) of the Skills Development Act 97 (Act No. 97 of 1998). In terms of the Skills Development Act, An Apprenticeship means a Learnership in respect of a Listed Trade and includes a Trade Test in respect of that Trade. The QCTO develops and registers Learnerships with the Department of Higher Education and Training in line with the Regulations in terms of Sections 36, 16(d), 17(3) and 17(6) of the Skills Development Act 97 (Act No. 97 of 1998).
In terms of the Skills Development Act 1998 (Act 97 of 1998), An Apprenticeship means a Learnership in respect of a Listed Trade and includes a Trade Test in respect of that Trade.
Below is a set of relevant documents related to Learnerships:
In line with the provisions of the Learnership Regulations of 2007 and the Skills Development Act No. 97 of 1998 as amended Section 17 (4) the CLPU is responsible for the Termination of Learnerships Agreements. The CLPU at merSETA Head Office is responsible for the Termination of “One Sided” Learnership Agreements. The merSETA Regional Offices are responsible for the Termination of “Mutual” Learnership Agreements.
Below is a set of relevant documents related to Terminations:
These are programmes that are Unit Standard and Occupationally based that when completed will constitute a credit/s towards a qualification that is registered by SAQA on the OQF. merSETA also registers “Skills Sets” which are unit standard base. Both Skills Programmes and Skills Sets must lead to employable skills within the Sector to be approved. Any employer or skills development provider within the Sector may apply for the registration of a Skills Programme or Skills Set with the SETA. When the training providers apply they should have a supporting letter from the company/industry.
Below is a set of relevant documents related to Skills Programmes:
One of the functions of SETAs as provided for Section10 (1)(c)(2) of the SDA is promoting Learning Programmes by supporting the development of Learning Materials. Fit for purpose Learning Materials to support Unit Standard based sector related qualifications exist. This set of Learning Materials is copyrighted to merSETA and is only made available to Accredited Training Providers of the merSETA. The merSETA continues to support the development of fit for purpose Learning Materials by developing courseware for registered occupational qualifications.
Below is a set of relevant documents related to Learning Materials Development:
Ms Portia Letsoalo is the contact person in respect of Courseware/Learning Programmes and is contactable at Email Address: pletsoalo@merseta.org.za and Tel: 010 219 3493
Occupational Qualifications Development
The NQF Act Number 67 of 2008 provides the legislative framework for standards setting and quality assurance in South Africa including the development of Occupational Qualifications. One of the functions of the CLPU is to design and develop fit for purpose occupational qualifications through stakeholder driven processes, ensure that the qualifications are submitted to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for evaluation and approval and are ultimately registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the SAQA. This is a function delegated by the QCTO to the SETA. The merSETA is the Development Quality Partner (DQP) entrusted with the function to facilitate the design and development of occupational qualifications on behalf of the Sector. This function (of being the DQP) can be done by Professional Bodies or Associations within the Sector.
The SETA ensures identification of the required qualifications to meet the Sector skills requirements through the Chambers and then as the DQP facilitates and funds the development. The development is done through Community of Expert Practitioners constituted by Subject Matter Experts from the Manufacturing and Engineering Sector and other relevant Sectors. The SETA then registers Learnerships with DHET against registered occupational qualifications to provide the learning delivery mechanism for the qualifications.
Below is a set of relevant documents related to Occupational Qualification development:
Mr Sibusiso Hlubi is the contact person in respect of Occupational Qualifications Development and is contactable at Email Address: shlubi@merseta.org.za and Tel: 010 219 3367
Benefits of working with us
Our Value Add
Structured Learning: These programmes provide a structured learning component combined with workplace experience, leading to qualifications recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Skills Development: They focus on developing occupational qualifications, learnerships, and skills programmes that address the specific needs of the manufacturing, engineering, and related services sectors.
Employment Opportunities: By equipping learners with relevant skills and qualifications, these programmes help reduce unemployment and promote participation in the economy.
Financial Incentives: Employers who participate in these programmes can benefit from grants and tax rebates, making it financially advantageous to invest in employee training.
Health and Safety Training: Some programmes include essential training on health and safety, basic firefighting, and first aid, ensuring the well-being of both students and clients.
Curriculum and Learning Programmes Development Manager
If you are accepted for a learnership, you will have to sign two legal documents: the first is a Learnership Agreement and the second is an Employment Contract. The Learnership Agreement is signed by yourself, the organisation that will be employing you for the duration of the learnership (the employer), and the training provider (such as a college) that will be offering the classroom-based training of the learnership. The Learnership Agreement clearly spells out the rights and responsibilities of these three parties who sign the document. The second document is the employment contract that you will have to sign with the employer. This contract is only valid for the time period of the learnership.
During the learnership you will have to complete assignments, for example written tests, projects, practical tasks and demonstrations. You will be formally assessed in the classroom and in the workplace. That means that you will be tested in some way. If you successfully complete all these assignments, you will be awarded a qualification that is recognised throughout the country.You will be given an official certificate that will state the qualification, which will indicate the area in which you have developed skills during the learnership.
It usually takes a year to complete a learnership, although there are some learnerships that are completed over two or more years. It is possible for learners to complete a learnership in a shorter time through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is a process through which learners will be able to get formal recognition for parts of the programme that they have already completed through previous learning or work-based experience.
One of the conditions of a learnership is that unemployed people must be employed by an employer for the duration of the learnership. This means that unemployed people can only enter into a learnership if there is an employer that is willing and able to take unemployed people into a learnership programme. Unemployed people can apply to enter a learnership if there is an employer that is calling for applications for unemployed people. Employers sometimes advertise in newspapers for unemployed learners, or they communicate the message in the city, town or community in which their premises are situated. If you are an unemployed person who is interested in entering a learnership you could contact the nearest labour centre or provincial office of the Department of Labour. Before approaching any of these bodies to tell them about your interest in entering a learnership you should think about the area in which you would like to do the learnership. For example, you may have a particular interest in working in the catering field, or you may wish to study further in marketing. Maybe you are very good with fixing computers and would like to study further to get a qualification in that field. This will assist you to find a learnership that matches your interest, talents or career goals.
Our curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure it is aligned with current market needs. This approach guarantees that learners acquire skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in their respective fields.
Comprehensive Learning Pathways
We offer comprehensive learning pathways that cater to various levels of expertise, from entry-level to advanced. Our programmes are designed to support continuous professional development and career progression.
Practical, Hands-On Training
Our learning programmes emphasize practical, hands-on training to complement theoretical knowledge. This approach ensures that learners are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in the workplace.
Blended Learning Approaches
We utilize blended learning approaches that combine traditional classroom instruction with online learning. This flexible model allows learners to benefit from the best of both worlds, accommodating different learning styles and schedules.
Accredited Qualifications
All our learning programmes lead to accredited qualifications recognized by relevant authorities. This accreditation ensures that our graduates are well-regarded by employers and meet industry standards.
Supportive Learning Environment
We provide a supportive learning environment that includes access to experienced instructors, mentoring, and career guidance. Our aim is to create a nurturing atmosphere where learners can thrive and achieve their full potential.
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