South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) were established to promote skills development and bridge the gap between education and employment. Each SETA is responsible for a specific sector and provides accredited courses, learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills programmes relevant to that sector.
Whether you’re a school-leaver, a graduate, an employee seeking to upskill, or a business owner, understanding the full list of SETA courses can help you make informed decisions about your career or workforce development.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of all SETA courses available in 2025 across all 21 SETAs in South Africa.
What Is a SETA Course?
A SETA course is an accredited training programme recognised by a specific SETA under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). These courses can range from short skills programmes to full qualifications, learnerships, and occupational certificates. They are offered through accredited training providers and are often funded or subsidised.
List of All 21 SETAs and Their Most Common Courses
Below is a list of the 21 registered SETAs in South Africa and examples of courses they offer:
1. ETDP SETA – Education, Training and Development Practices
- Assessor and Moderator Training
- Facilitator Training (Train the Trainer)
- Skills Development Facilitator (SDF)
- Early Childhood Development (ECD)
- Curriculum Development
- Adult Education and Training (AET)
2. HWSETA – Health and Welfare
- Community Health Work
- Auxiliary Nursing
- Social Auxiliary Work
- Home-Based Care
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Pharmacy Assistant
3. MERSETA – Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services
- Welding
- Fitting and Turning
- Electrical Engineering
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- CNC Machining
- Mechatronics
4. MICT SETA – Media, Information, and Communication Technologies
- IT Technical Support
- Systems Development
- End-User Computing
- Digital Marketing
- Film and Television Production
- Graphic Design
5. CETA – Construction Education and Training Authority
- Building and Civil Construction
- Carpentry
- Bricklaying
- Plumbing
- Quantity Surveying
- Construction Supervision
6. FASSET – Finance and Accounting Services
- Bookkeeping
- Payroll Administration
- Accounting Technician
- Tax Technician
- Internal Auditing
- Financial Management
7. BANKSETA – Banking Sector
- Banking Services
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Financial Advising
- Customer Relationship Management in Banking
- Credit Management
- Business Banking
8. TETA – Transport Education and Training Authority
- Professional Driving (Code 10/14)
- Freight Handling
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Rail Operations
- Maritime Transport
9. W&RSETA – Wholesale and Retail
- Retail Operations
- Store Management
- Merchandising
- Wholesale Distribution
- Sales and Marketing
- Retail Buying
10. AGRISETA – Agriculture
- Animal Production
- Crop Production
- Poultry Farming
- Farm Management
- Beekeeping
- Agribusiness
11. SERVICES SETA
- Business Administration
- Contact Centre Operations
- Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
- Cleaning and Hygiene
- Funeral Services
- Project Management
12. CHIETA – Chemical Industries
- Chemical Plant Operations
- Laboratory Analysis
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Petrochemical Processing
- Chemical Manufacturing
13. INSETA – Insurance Sector
- Short-Term Insurance
- Long-Term Insurance
- Claims Assessing
- Underwriting
- Financial Services Customer Support
- Wealth Management
14. LGSETA – Local Government Sector
- Municipal Financial Management
- Public Administration
- Ward Committee Training
- Community Development
- Local Government Law
- Environmental Practice
15. CATHSSETA – Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport
- Professional Cookery
- Hospitality Services
- Tour Guiding
- Sports Coaching
- Event Management
- Museum and Heritage Site Operations
16. PSETA – Public Service Sector
- Public Management
- Office Administration
- Records Management
- Public Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Ethics in Government
17. MQA – Mining Qualifications Authority
- Mineral Processing
- Blasting Assistant
- Mine Surveying
- Occupational Health and Safety in Mining
- Underground Mining Operations
- Rock Breaking
18. FP&M SETA – Fibre Processing and Manufacturing
- Clothing Manufacturing
- Printing and Packaging
- Leatherworks
- Paper and Pulp Production
- Textile Technology
19. EWSETA – Energy and Water Sector
- Electrical Engineering
- Renewable Energy Technician
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation
- Water Reticulation
- Energy Auditing
- Water Treatment Process Control
20. SASSETA – Safety and Security
- Policing
- Security Services
- Legal Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Correctional Services
- Paralegal Practice
21. FOODBEV SETA – Food and Beverages
- Food Processing
- Beverage Packaging
- Quality Control in Food Production
- Bakery Operations
- Food Safety Management
Types of SETA Courses
SETAs fund and accredit different types of training programmes, including:
1. Learnerships
- Structured 12-month programmes combining theory and practical workplace experience
- Lead to full NQF-registered qualifications
- Stipends often paid to unemployed participants
2. Skills Programmes
- Short modules or unit standards that form part of a qualification
- Focused on specific skills like First Aid, Computer Literacy, or Customer Service
- Can be employer-funded or SETA-subsidised
3. Internships
- Practical on-the-job experience for recent graduates
- Last 12 to 24 months depending on the programme
- Available for sectors like IT, HR, Marketing, and Finance
4. Apprenticeships
- Usually for trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical, or mechanics
- Lead to Red Seal or trade test qualifications
- Involve extensive workplace training
5. Bursaries
- Full or partial funding for studies related to the SETA’s sector
- Often targeted at scarce or critical skills areas
How to Enrol in a SETA Course
Step 1: Identify Your Sector
Figure out which SETA governs your area of interest or employment (e.g., MICT SETA for IT, HWSETA for Nursing, etc.).
Step 2: Find an Accredited Training Provider
Only register with accredited providers. You can search on the SETA website or the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) database.
Step 3: Apply for a Course or Programme
- Apply through training providers or SETA websites
- Submit your CV, ID, matric certificate or qualifications, and motivational letter
- Some courses are free or funded with stipends, while others may have a fee
Final Thoughts
With 21 SETAs offering a wide variety of courses, South Africans have more opportunities than ever to gain practical, in-demand skills for the local job market. Whether you want to become a certified welder, early childhood educator, IT technician, or even a tour guide, there’s likely a SETA course tailored to your goal.
Explore your options, choose an accredited training provider, and take advantage of the funding and support available in 2025. A SETA course might just be the bridge to your next career move.