One of the most common concerns employers have when transitioning to Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualifications is whether compliance requirements will affect access to funding, discretionary grants, or mandatory grants.
The good news is that QCTO compliance does not negatively impact funding opportunities. In fact, QCTO qualifications are fully aligned with South Africa’s National Skills Development Plan and broader workplace training objectives. Employers can still access grants and funding opportunities through their relevant SETAs, provided they follow the required compliance processes.
This includes working with accredited training providers, maintaining proper Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs), and ensuring that learners are enrolled in recognised qualifications.
Leverage Leadership helps organisations navigate these compliance requirements while ensuring their skills development initiatives remain aligned with both business goals and funding frameworks.
What is discussed in this video?
You will still receive your funding and grants because QCTO qualifications are aligned with the National Skills Development Plan and strategy.
The important requirement is that the qualification and enrolment are QCTO-aligned in order to access SETA grants.
The compliance aspect comes in with using accredited service providers, completing timely uploads, and ensuring proper reporting?
Your Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Reports still apply. The moment you indicate your intention to run training for the next financial year, you are able to apply for grants in the same way as before.
So the processes around Annual Training Reports and Workplace Skills Plans remain the same — it’s simply a different regulatory body overseeing the qualifications.
Key Takeaways for Businesses
QCTO compliance does not prevent organisations from accessing SETA grants or workplace training funding. Instead, QCTO qualifications are designed to align with South Africa’s national skills development priorities, making them fully compatible with existing funding structures.
For businesses, the key to successful grant access remains proper compliance management — including working with accredited providers, maintaining accurate reporting, and ensuring timely submission of Workplace Skills Plans and Annual Training Reports.
By implementing QCTO-aligned training programmes, organisations can continue benefiting from funding opportunities while also investing in practical, industry-relevant workforce development.
Next Steps for Businesses
Contact us at Leverage Leadership for a discovery call and talk to our experts on how we can assist you with your training and our development programmes.
