As part of this series to assist businesses in selecting the right QCTO training provider and understanding the difference between qualifications and training between QCTO and SETA in parts 1 and 2 we covered:
- What to Know When Choosing a Leadership Course in South Africa
- Checklist for Choosing a Training Provider for QCTO Leadership Courses
In the final post of this series we provide you with a practical guide we refer to as our QCTO Starter Kit, to ensure all your questions are covered.
Navigating the QCTO landscape can feel overwhelming. This guide provides clarity and empowers you to make informed decisions for your organisation’s future.
A Practical guide to QCTO
Navigating the QCTO landscape can feel overwhelming. This guide provides clarity and empowers you to make informed decisions for
your organisation’s future.
- National Standard: Understanding the implications of the new standards.
- Employability: Preparing your workforce for the future of work.
- Modern Learning: Embracing innovative training methodologies.
- Myth: QCTO is just another compliance exercise.
- Reality: QCTO is an opportunity to enhance your training programmes and improve employee performance.
Who benefits?
- Employers: Direct ROI through capable employees.
- Learners: Job-ready on day one. SDFs: Clear frameworks and better planning.
- SA’s economy: Stronger, more agile workforce.
THE SHIFT ISN’T OPTIONAL, BUT IT CAN BE STRATEGIC
- Myth: QCTO is only relevant for large organisations.
- Reality: QCTO affects all organisations offering qualifications an skills programmes.
QCTO vs. Legacy
- Unit Standards-based
- Less integrate learning pathways
- High administrative load
- Phasing out by 2027
Why switch?
- Legacy Qualifications = theory-heavy, outdated modules.
- QCTO Qualifications = practical, job-relevant, employer- informed training.
- Occupationally directed
- End-to-end competence: Knowledge, Practical & Work Experience
- External quality assurance at exit
- More aligned to real business needs
- Knowledge Modules – What you know
- Practical Modules – What you can do
- Workplace Modules – Where you apply it
- External Integrate Summative Assessment (EISA) – Final competency check
Case Study Snapshot – Clothing
Junction
“Implementing QCTO-aligned training programmes has significantly improved the skills and productivity of our workforce. We’ve seen a real return on investment.”
- Timeline: Streamlined training, increased efficiency, and improved ROI.
- Quick Stat: 25% increase in employee productivity after QCTO implementation.
Is Your Organisation QCTO Ready?
You don’t have to know it all. You just need a partner who does.
- Do our current qualifications link directly to roles?
- Are we seeing measurable ROI from training?
- Are we future proofing leadership and technical roles?
- Are we leveraging our SDL/SETA contributions strategically?
- Are your training programmes aligned with the latest industry standards?
- Do you have a clear understaning of the QCTO requirements?
- Have you identified any skills gaps within your workforce?
- Are you prepare to adapt your training programmes to meet the evolving needs of the industry?
Step by Step
- Assessment: Identify current training gaps.
- Alignment: Align programmes with QCTO standards.
- Implementation: Roll out updated training programmes.
- Monitoring: Track progress and outcomes.
- Improvement: Continuously improve training based on feedback and results.
Why Leverage Leadership?
- Expertly mapped QCTO pathways
- Fully accredited qualifications
- Work-ready, human-centred leadership development
- SETA engagement, admin, and reporting - handled
- + 27 (0)74 928 2917
- +27 (0)82 213 5897
- Nadia Leita
- Nadia Freeman




