In South Africa our biggest and most valuable asset is our people. How disappointing that we come from a history of not investing in this untapped wealth. The Skills Development Act of 1998 was written as a means of ensuring that companies start questioning their people development strategies and implementation. This was done through the skills development levies that most companies pay to their Seta (Sector education and training authority) and the skills development claim process.

Companies will receive a grant from this levy if they engage with the Seta processes - this includes the training plan, consultation and training report on a yearly basis. It's not as complicated as you may think....

Thrive Learning Facilitation offers Skills Development services, ensuring compliance to legislation, SETA grant disbursement as well as points on your BEE scorecard. The sensible integration of all your training inputs into one training and development plan ensures that people development strategies are integral to your company's overall business and transformation imperatives.  Most importantly, we help you to make business sense of the Skills Development Act - in this way it becomes strategically meaningful and not just a paper-based exercise.

Skills Development Facilitator Service 

We offer a 1 year Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) Service - ensuring that maximum grants are received for your efforts. This is done on a retainer basis and includes all or some of the following services: 

• Comprehensive Skills Needs Analysis - using your current system and structures;
• Representative Training Committee set up, co-ordination and facilitation to ensure adequate and widespread consultation takes place (Only required if your company has more than 50 employees);
• Completion and submission of Seta documentation - including a Workplace Skills Plan and an Annual Training Report (1^st April - 31^st March respectively) meeting all requirements as set out by your Seta;
• Sourcing of accredited training providers and ongoing training implementation support throughout the year - this is done through electronic or call centre advice;
• Monthly "Thrive Update" which lets you know of any relevant opportunities, developments and changes in the Skills Development world;
• Serve as a contact person between the company and your Seta with regards to grant claims and reimbursements;
• Advice and assistance with additional discretionary grants rebates;
• Assistance and advice with your record keeping system and database to ensure complete and accurate capturing of Learner records;
• Learnership advice and assistance where relevant;
• Assisting and advising where appropriate to help your company to make the most of the Skills Development Act whilst keeping within business and national objectives.

 Service outcomes:

• At least 50% grant claim against your SDL contributions;
• Sensible coordinated training and development plan for your organisation - ensuring effective transformation, improved productivity and higher retention of staff;
• Allocated Skills Development Facilitator throughout the year - giving you guidance and support as and when required;
• Compliance with Skills Development legislation and guidelines;
• Potentially maximum score on your BEE scorecard (skills development allocation).

Skills Development Administration Service

Thrive offers an administration service for SMME clients who would like to do their own internal planning and would simply like to get their SDL grants back form their Seta. 

This service includes:

• Completion and submission of Seta documentation - including Workplace Skills Plan (1^st April - 31^st March) and Annual Training Report meeting all requirements as set out by your Seta;
• Assistance and advice with the implementation of the WSP - sourcing of accredited training providers and ongoing support throughout the year - this is done through electronic or call centre advice;
• Serve as a contact person between your company and SETA with regards to grant claims and opportunities for the year period;
• Assisting and advising where appropriate to help make the most of the Skills Development Act whilst keeping within business and national objectives.

 Service outcomes:

• At least 50% grant claim against your SDL contributions;
• Allocated Skills Development Facilitator throughout the year - giving you guidance and support as and when required;
• Compliance with Skills Development legislation and guidelines.