What SETA Do Roles and Responsibilities Explained
Role of SETA In a country facing high unemployment rates and a significant skills gap, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a crucial role in bridging the divide between education and employment. SETAs are government-established bodies responsible for promoting and facilitating skills development within specific economic sectors. They are a key component of South Africa’s National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS), aimed at improving workforce readiness and economic competitiveness.
But what exactly does a SETA do? Why is it important? And how can learners and employers benefit from SETA-accredited programmes? This post unpacks the critical role SETAs play in South Africa’s education and employment ecosystem.
Understanding Role of SETA: An Overview
SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. There are currently 21 SETAs in South Africa, each tasked with serving a specific sector of the economy—from agriculture and construction to finance, manufacturing, and services.
Each SETA is responsible for:
- Developing sector-specific skills plans
- Facilitating learning programmes such as learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes
- Accrediting training providers
- Disbursing grants from the Skills Development Levy (SDL)
- Ensuring that training is aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
Related: What is a SETA Certificate and Why is it Important in South Africa?
Key Roles and Responsibilities of SETA
1. Developing Skills Plans
SETA works closely with industry stakeholders to identify skills shortages and anticipate future skills needs. This information is compiled into a Sector Skills Plan (SSP), which guides the planning and implementation of relevant training and education initiatives.
By identifying what skills are needed, SETAs help ensure that training programmes are demand-driven, increasing the chances of employment for graduates.
2. Funding Skills Development
One of the most important roles of SETA is to manage and disburse the Skills Development Levy (SDL)—a tax paid by employers to support education and training.
SETAs allocate funds to:
- Employers who run accredited training programmes
- Learners in the form of stipends
- Training providers for delivering SETA-accredited courses
This funding model makes it easier for both employers and individuals to access quality skills development opportunities.
3. Promoting Learnerships and Apprenticeships
SETAs coordinate and oversee learnerships, which are structured programmes that combine theoretical learning with practical workplace experience. Learnerships typically run for 12 months and lead to a nationally recognized qualification.
Apprenticeships and internships are also supported by SETAs, offering hands-on training for trades and professions.
These programmes are especially important for young people entering the workforce, as they provide both skills and work experience—often leading directly to employment.
Visit Services SETA Website – Services SETA: Our primary function
4. Accrediting Training Providers
SETAs are responsible for ensuring the quality of education and training by accrediting training providers and assessors. This accreditation ensures that learners receive qualifications that are recognised and valued by employers.
Before a training provider can offer SETA-accredited programmes, they must go through a rigorous quality assurance process. This maintains the credibility and effectiveness of the South African training system.
5. Facilitating Partnerships Between Industry and Education
SETA acts as a bridge between the private sector and education institutions. By facilitating partnerships between employers, universities, colleges, and technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, SETAs help ensure that training is aligned with real-world workplace needs.
These collaborations help learners transition from education to employment more smoothly, while also helping businesses access skilled talent.
Related: SETA Accreditation Types in South Africa: A Complete Guide
Why SETA Matters: Impact on Learners and Employers
For Learners
- Access to Funding: Learners can receive stipends and bursaries to cover training and living costs.
- Recognised Qualifications: All SETA programmes are NQF-aligned and nationally recognised.
- Workplace Experience: SETA-funded learnerships include real-world work experience, increasing employability.
- Career Advancement: Gaining a SETA-accredited qualification opens doors to better jobs and higher earnings.
For Employers
- Skills Development: Employers can address specific skills gaps within their workforce.
- SDL Refunds: Companies can claim back a portion of their SDL by participating in SETA programmes.
- B-BBEE Compliance: Participation in SETA training improves a company’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) score.
- Improved Productivity: Training enhances employee performance, innovation, and job satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
The role of SETA in South Africa is more than administrative—it is transformational. By aligning education with the needs of the economy, SETAs empower individuals with practical skills, reduce unemployment, and support business growth. Whether you are a young person looking to gain your first job or an employer aiming to upskill your team, SETA offers valuable opportunities to shape a better future for all.
Interested in starting a SETA-accredited programme or applying for a learnership?
Explore your sector’s SETA today and take the first step towards a skilled and empowered South Africa.
Please be cautious of fake job postings and recruitment scams.