List of SETAs in South Africa, In today’s competitive job market, having the right skills is everything. Whether you’re a young South African entering the workforce or a business looking to upskill your employees, there’s one powerful tool you need to know about: SETA – Sector Education and Training Authority.

South Africa is home to 21 SETAs, each focused on developing skills in a specific industry. These authorities provide accredited training, manage learnerships, and help shape a workforce that’s ready for the future. But what exactly do SETAs do, and how can they benefit you?

Let’s dive into the world of SETAs and uncover how they’re transforming South Africa’s economy – one skill at a time.

What is a SETA?

A SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) is a body established by the South African government to promote and coordinate skills development in specific economic sectors. SETAs work under the oversight of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and are aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy.

Their role is to:

• Identify skill shortages in their sector.
• Design and implement training programs.
• Fund learnerships and bursaries.
• Accredit training providers.
• Ensure quality assurance and compliance with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

SEE ALSO: JMPD Trainee Programme 2025–2026: Become a Metro Police…

Established in 1998 under the Skills Development Act, SETAs continue to play a crucial role in tackling youth unemployment, empowering workers, and supporting industry growth.

Why Are SETAs Important?

SETAs act as the bridge between education and employment. Here’s how they benefit both individuals and businesses:

🔹 For Learners

• Earn While You Learn: SETA learnerships offer paid, structured learning that combines theory with on-the-job training.
• Recognised Qualifications: Learners receive NQF-aligned qualifications that are nationally recognised.
• Improved Employability: Practical experience + accredited skills = better job prospects.

🔹 For Employers

• Access to Funding: Companies can apply for SETA grants to fund staff training and development.
• Tax Incentives: The Skills Development Levy paid by employers can be reclaimed through SETA programmes.
• Skilled Workforce: Companies get employees trained in industry-specific, in-demand skills.

Full List of SETAs in South Africa (2025 Edition)

Here’s the updated, List of SETAs in South Africa each catering to a specific sector of the economy:

Each SETA offers learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills programmes tailored to their specific industry.

What Is a SETA Learnership?

A learnership is a work-based learning programme that leads to an NQF-registered qualification. It consists of:

• Theoretical training at an accredited institution.
• Practical work experience at a company.

Learnership Benefits:

• Nationally recognised qualification.
• Stipend during the programme (earn while you learn).
• Real work experience and industry exposure.

Who Can Apply?

SETA Funding: How It Works

SETAs distribute funding through two main types of grants:

1. Mandatory Grants

• Available to levy-paying employers.
• Used to train existing staff.
• Requires submission of a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR).

2. Discretionary Grants

• Support for unemployed youth, internships, learnerships, and special projects.
• Allocated based on skills priorities outlined in the Sector Skills Plan (SSP).

Funding Can Be Used For:

• Accredited training programmes.
• Skills development for people with disabilities.
• Capacity building for public services and TVET colleges.

How Do SETAs Ensure Quality?

SETAs are accredited by SAQA to function as Education and Training Quality Assurance Bodies (ETQAs). This means they:

• Accredit training providers.
• Monitor delivery standards.
• Ensure assessments are fair and valid.
• Issue certification for qualifications.

The Impact of SETAs on South Africa

SETAs help create a pipeline of talent that supports industry and economic growth. Their impact includes:

• Upskilling youth and adults.
• Reducing unemployment.
• Aligning training with industry needs.
• Driving innovation and productivity.
• Promoting inclusive access to education and training.

How Training Providers Like BOTI Can Help

Partnering with the right training provider can simplify SETA compliance and funding access. BOTI (Business Optimization Training Institute) offers:

• Custom SETA-accredited courses.
• Assistance with funding applications.
• Practical skills training aligned with employer needs.

📞 Contact BOTI at 011-882-8853 or visit www.boti.co.za to learn how they can support your organisation or career journey.

Final Thoughts: Your SETA Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re a learner hoping to break into the job market or a business eager to train your team, SETAs are your gateway to accredited skills development in South Africa.

By choosing the right SETA for your industry and engaging in a learnership or funded programme, you can:

• Gain in-demand skills.
• Improve your career prospects.
• Access recognised qualifications.
• Contribute to South Africa’s growing economy.

🎓 Ready to take the next step? Explore SETA websites, apply for learnerships, and invest in your future today.