Implementation of Learnerships in the

Workplace

Christa BoshoffChrista Boshoff

May 2004May 2004

1.1 Informing Employers about FASSET Learnerships

Learnerships are intended to address gaps between current education and training provisions and the needs of the labour market and are often seen as the key to skills upliftment in terms of the Skills Development Act.

1.2 Importance of Learnerships

• The programme is outcomes-based

• The learner interacts within the working environment (practical)

• The learner interacts with clients and obtain an understanding of workplace dynamics

• The qualification is recognised nationally and is benchmarked against international standards

• Quality Assurance is ensured

–Provider Accreditation required

–Workplace assessors required

–Workplace moderators required

–Workplace mentors required

1.3 Participation in Learnerships1.3 Participation in Learnerships

• Plan a career path

• Identify the learnership that supports the chosen career path

• Find out as much information as possible about the learnership

• Enquire about the applicable criteria for entering the learnership

• Find an employer willing to provide practical work experience

1.4 1.4 Steps to follow to sign a learner onto a Steps to follow to sign a learner onto a LearnershipLearnership

a)a) Employers registered with FASSETEmployers registered with FASSET

• Apply for accreditation as an accredited provider (Employer) with a professional body / or FASSET

• Register the learner with a professional body and / or training provider

• Obtain approval of your Workplace Skills Plan

• Sign an employment contract with the learner

• Submit the Learnership Agreement to FASSET, together with proof of learner registration with a professional body, employer accreditation status, copy of employment contract, proof of levy payment to SARS, and proof of Workplace Skills Plan approval

The Steps continued…The Steps continued…

b) Employer not registered with FASSET wishing to b) Employer not registered with FASSET wishing to implement a FASSET Learnershipimplement a FASSET Learnership

• Contact the Seta you are registered with. They will then liaise with Fasset on your behalf

• The two Seta’s will conclude a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in terms of quality assurance

• The learnership agreement will be registered with your Seta

• Follow the same steps as for a Fasset Learnership above remembering that relevant documentation must be submitted to your Seta and not to Fasset

1.5 Benefits for signing on a Learner1.5 Benefits for signing on a Learner• Fasset makes available certain learnership grants for

the implementation of learnerships that meet the sector skills plan and criteria

• Employers receive a tax deduction as approved in the Budget Speech on implementation and completion of Learnerships

• Salaries of registered learners are excluded from Skills Development Levy calculations

• Regulations issued in terms of the Skills Development Act and Skills Development Levies Act (1999) allows for a Strategic Cash Grant, which enables employers to claim back 10% of their Skills Development Levy if they have undertaken education and training interventions in certain strategic areas.

1.6 The difficulties around implementation of Learnerships

• The application, implementation and technical requirements are complicated and significant in volume (paperwork)

• Requirements and guidelines of the NQF and SAQA not always clear to Employers, requiring intervention from consultants / SDF’s

• Seta’s do not always apply the requirements of the NQF and SAQA consistently

• Information on the process and steps to be followed not general public knowledge

1.7 Cost implications of Learnerships1.7 Cost implications of Learnerships• Grants received form Seta’s (Inflow) – utilised to

cover salaries, institutional training, etc

• Tax benefits in terms of implementation and completion (Inflow)

• Cost of institutional training (Outflow)

• Accreditation of Employer (Outflow)

• Salaries paid to Employees on Learnerships (Outflow)

• Access to registered assessors (Outflow)

• Access to registered moderators (Outflow)

• Access to workplace mentors (Outflow)

• Production down time (Outflow)

• HR time (Outflow)

• Better equipped and skilled employees (Inflow)

1.8 The role of Seta’s1.8 The role of Seta’sSeta’s drive, encourage and support skills Seta’s drive, encourage and support skills

development through:development through:

• A system of levies and grants

• Addressing skills shortages and needs within the sector

• The funding of specific sector strategic initiatives, e.g. free CPE seminars, SDF Breakfasts, Other interventions

• The provision of cash grants to Employers in support of the implementation of skills development initiatives which support sector specific strategic needs, e.g. demographic transformation of the sector through Learnerships

• Registration of learners

• Registration of learnerships

• Quality assurance of Providers, Assessors & Moderators

1.9 How to identify Learnership gaps in 1.9 How to identify Learnership gaps in your Organisationyour Organisation

Perform a Skills Audit

• Determine the current skills within the Organisation

• Determine the future required skills for the Organisation

• The future skills requirements should be mapped to the Business Strategy and Business Plan

• A Plan of Action must be developed to address the skills gaps identified

• Investigate Learnerships as a vehicle to address these skills gaps

1.10 How to convince Management to 1.10 How to convince Management to take on Learnerstake on Learners

• Package the information in terms of Learnerships in an as uncomplicated and summarised fashion as possible, armed with the results of the Skills Audit

• Highlight the benefits to the organisation

• This process will require dedicated SDF support in an attempt to demystify the whole process

1.11 Where to start?1.11 Where to start?

• Review the Fasset Learnership Readiness Pack and Summary.

• Contact the Fasset Call Centre, which is fully equipped to handle any enquiry and stakeholders who are starting out with Fasset are urged to contact them directly for information, answers or assurances.

• The Call Centre operates during working hours and can be reached on 086 101 001.

• Further details regarding the information are available at www.fasset.org.za.

2. FASSET Learnerships2. FASSET Learnerships

2.1 CIMA: The Chartered Institute of Management 2.1 CIMA: The Chartered Institute of Management AccountantsAccountants

Certificate in Business Accounting Level 5

The learnership is ideal for learners entering the workplace who will be involved in providing accounting support services. It is also aimed at current employees in similar positions that do not have any formal certificate in basic accounting skills.

Diploma in Management Accounting Level 6

This learnership is ideal for individuals moving into management positions and for those who wish to begin specialising in Management Accounting and could include the role of Cost Accountant; Accountant; Management Accountant; Financial Manager; Deputy Financial Manager.

Chartered Management Accountant Level 7

This qualification will allow learners who have met the minimum entrance requirements and have successfully completed this qualification, to register as Chartered Management Accountants with the designation ACMA.

2.2 CFA SA: Institute of Commercial and Financial Accountants of South Africa

Commercial and Financial Accountant: Commerce and Industry Level 7

This nationally recognised accounting qualification is indicated by the abbreviation CFA(SA). The Commerce and industry member may provide a number of accountancy related services to companies, close corporations, partnerships, sole proprietors, trusts and various other types of small business and non-corporate undertakings. This qualification does not allow performance of the role of accounting officer as defined by the Close Corporations Act.

Commercial and Financial Accountant: Public Practice Level 7

This nationally recognised accounting qualification is indicated by the abbreviation CFA(SA). Practicing members of the Institute are permitted to perform duties as an Accounting Officer and provide a number of accountancy related services to companies, close corporations, partnerships, sole proprietors, trusts and various other types of small business and non-corporate undertakings.

2.3 ACCA: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Level 5

Certified Accounting Technicians function as accounts support staff offering assistance to professional accountants. This qualification will afford access for employees without formal tertiary qualifications, to the ACCA Certified Chartered Accountant designation.

Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) Level 7

The Chartered Certified Accountant Programme confers the designation ACCA, members are recognised to perform the Audit Function in the UK and certain European and other countries. Access for employees without formal tertiary qualifications, by means of the ACCA Certified Accounting Technician Programme.

2.4 IPFA: The Institute for Public Finance and Auditing

Public Sector Accounting Level 4

Entry level Accounts Administrator or an Accounting Technician in the public sector and who realise the importance of being affiliated to a professional body such as IPFA that will equip them with the necessary skills to cope effectively with the demands of their changing environment.

Public Sector Accounting Level 5

Senior Accounts Administrator or an Accounting Technician in the public sector and who realise the importance of being affiliated to a professional body such as IPFA that will equip them with the necessary skills to cope effectively with the demands of their changing environment.

2.5 SAICA: South African Institute of Chartered 2.5 SAICA: South African Institute of Chartered AccountantsAccountants

Chartered Accountant: Audit Specialist Level 7

Chartered Accountants function as Heads of Accounts Departments in the roles of Financial Director, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Manager and Financial Controller being supported by accounting staff. Experienced Chartered Accountants have ample opportunity to move into specialist, operational and frontline positions. The audit specialism focus specifically on Auditing allowing registered CA's to perform the Professional Attest Function (signing of annual financial statements) in Public Accounting and Auditing Practice when registered with the PAAB.

Chartered Accountant: Financial Management Specialist Level 7

Chartered Accountants function as Heads of Accounts Departments in the roles of Financial Director, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Manager and Financial Controller being supported by accounting staff. Experienced Chartered Accountants have ample opportunity to move into specialist, operational and frontline positions.

2.5 SAICA: South African Institute of Chartered 2.5 SAICA: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (continued)Accountants (continued)

Associate General Accountant Level 6

It is envisaged that the General Accountant will operate in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. It will accordingly entail considerable responsibility and autonomy. AGA's provide a number of accountancy related services to companies, close corporations, partnerships, sole proprietors, trusts and various other types of small business and non-corporate undertakings.

Associate Accounting Technician Level 5

The range of an Associate accounting technician's roles may vary widely and could include, purchase accounting, inventory, payroll accounting, costing and budgeting, sales accounting, credit control, cash and banking, ledger accounts, preparation of accounts. Accounting technicians will be offering assistance to professional accountants.

2.6 ICB: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers2.6 ICB: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

Registered Accounting Clerk Level 3

The ICB's Registered Accounting Clerk qualification will entitle individuals to register as a Certificate member of the Institute with the designation CICB(SA). This qualification will grant access to the Registered Bookkeeper qualification. Individuals will operate in the accounting environment, providing assistance to the Bookkeeper or Accountant.

Registered Bookkeeper Level 4

The ICB's Registered Bookkeeper qualification will entitle individuals to register as an Associate member of the Institute with the designation AICB(SA). This qualification will grant access to among others the Institute of Administration and Commerce and South African Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators' qualifications. Individuals will operate in the accounting environment, providing assistance to the Accountant / Financial Manager.

2.7 GAP: Global Accounting Proficiency 2.7 GAP: Global Accounting Proficiency

Accounting Technician Level 5

GAP is a globally recognised accounting qualification for those with or without experience, interested in becoming proficient in their career as an accounting technician or accounting support professional.

2.8 FASSET 2.8 FASSET

Management Consulting Level 6

Aimed at Senior Management Consultants. This Learnership is still on the drawing board and input is being gathered from all the relevant stakeholders.

3. Learnerships that are Quality assured by other Seta’s that may be

of generic interest to Employers in the Fasset Sector

3.1 BANKSETA

• Asset Based Finance Level 4

• Credit Diploma Level 5

• Certificate in Management and Leadership Level 4

• Entry Level Banking Level 3

• Financial Services Co-operative Banking Level 5

• Fleet Management Level 5

• Frontline and Business Skills in Banking (Level to be advice)

• Human Resource Benefits in Banking Level 5

• Information Technology in Banking Level 5

• Internal Audit Technician Level 6

• Management Development Level 6

• Micro Lending Frontline Service Level 3

• Retail Banking – Credit Level 4

• Retail Foreign Exchange Level 4

• Treasury Programme Level 5

3.2 DIDTETA

• National Diploma in Intellectual Property Level 5

3.3 ESETA

• Masters of Commerce: Project Leadership and Management Level 8

• National Certificate in Project Management Level 5

• National Diploma in Project Management Level 5

• Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management Level 7

3.4 ETDP SETA

• Community Worker Level 4

• ECD Practitioner Level 4

• ECD Trainer Level 5

• National Certificate in ABET Practice Level 4

• National Diploma in ABET Practice Level 5

• Occupationally Directed ETD Practitioner Certificate Level 4

• Occupationally Directed ETD Practitioner Certificate Level 5

3.5 ISETT

• Certificate Programming Level 4

• Certificate Computer Programming Level 4

• Diploma Programming Level 5

• Advanced Diploma Programming Level 5

• Certificate IT Technician Level 4

• Diploma Electronic and Computing Systems Level 4

• Diploma Electronic and Computing Systems Level 5

• Advanced Diploma Electronic and Computing Systems Level 5

• Certificate in Information Technology: Systems Development Level 4

• Certificate in Information Technology: Technical Support Level 4

3.6 INSETA

• Healthcare Benefits Administrator Claims Assessor: NQF Level 4

• Junior Administrator: NQF Level 2

• Insurance Administrator: NQF Level 3

• Long Term Claims Assessor: NQF Level 4

• Long Term Insurance/Investment Call Centre Operator: NQF Level 4

• Long Term Insurance/Investment Administrator: NQF Level 4

• Long Term Insurance/Investment Product Developer: NQF Level 4

• Long Term Underwriter: NQF Level 4

• Retirement Fund Administrator: NQF Level 4

• Short Term Insurance Commercial/Industrial Underwriter: NQF Level 4

• Short Term Insurance: Personal/Domestic Call Centre Operator: NQF Level 4

• Short Term Insurance: Personal/Domestic Claims Negotiator: NQF Level 4

• Short Term Insurance: Personal/Domestic Lines Underwriter: NQF Level 4

• Unit Trust Investment: NQF Level 4

3.7 LGW SETA

• Advanced Level: Local Government Finance and Accounting Level 7

• Basic Level: Local Government Finance and Accounting Level 5

• Intermediate Level: Local Government Finance and Accounting Level 6

3.8 MAPPP SETA

• National Diploma in Integrated Marketing Communication Level 5

• National Diploma in Visual Communication Level 5

• National Diploma: Copywriting Level 5

3.9 POSLEC

•Candidate Attorney’s Level 7

•General Security Officer’s Level 3

•Postgraduate Certificate: Trade Mark Practice Level 7

•Postgraduate Diploma: Trade Mark Practice Level 7

3.10 PSETA

•Human Resource Management Level 4

•Local Employment and Skills Development Practices Level 4

•Project Management Level 4

3.11 SERVICES SETA• Brand Leadership Level 5• Contact Centre Operations Level 4• Contact Centre Management Level 5• Contact Centre Support Level 2• Customer Management Level 5• Domestic Services Level 1• Field Marketing Research Level 4• Generic Multi-sector Project Management Level 4• Information Administrator Level 5• Marketing Communications Level 4• National Certificate in Business Administration Level 3• National Certificate in Business Administration Level 4• Marketing and Sales Level 4• New Venture Creation (SMME) Level 4• Recruitment Consultancy Level 4• Secretarial/Administration Service Level 2• Secretarial/Administration Service Level 3• Supervisor Level 4• Team Leader Level 3

3.12 TETA

• National Certificate Professional Driving Level 3

4. Seta’s with which FASSET has Memorandums of Understanding

(MOU’s)• BANKSETA: Banking• FIETA: Forest Industries• ISETT: Information Systems, Electronics and Telecommunication

Technologies• MAPPP: Media, Advertising, Publishing, Printing and Packaging• MERSETA: Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services • POSLECSETA: Police, Private Security, Legal and Correctional

Services• PSETA: Public Services• SERVICES: Services• TETA: Transport• W&RSETA: Wholesale and Retail

5. How to use the Learnership Readiness Pack

• Practical Example

Thank you

Christa Boshoff CA(SA)