FAQs
We hope this section helps to clear up some training questions that you have ...
: Why choose KSD for training?
: There are many training providers out there, but only one with passion, proven results, a range of courses to suit all your company requirements, and a sense of humour. We're very serious about your staff, but we believe that only fun, enjoyable training can get the message across. We always give out learner manuals, and we always have beautifully designed PowerPoint presentations to keep the staff interested. Your staff will love our training, and you will love the results!
We will always deliver the very best customer service to you, and have a host of great, happy customers to prove it!
: What are Soft Skills?
: Soft skills are those skills that are not strictly practical, but still very important, such as selling and customer service, communication and management. (Something like welding would be an example of a hard skill.)
: What are Life Skills?
: Life Skills are an increasingly vital area for training. Many companies struggle with problems among the staff such as HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, financial problems and unprofessional behaviour that have a serious effect on productivity and harmony in the workplace.
Our Life Skills programmes are the most popular courses we offer, which is why we now have a dedicated trainer able to deliver these courses in English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho, so they are accessible to all levels of staff.
: Will training improve my BEE score card?
: Yes, skills development and training is an absolutely vital part of BEE legislation. There are 7 elements that make up a BBBEE scorecard and Skills Development is one of these elements.
: What is accredited training?
: Accredited training is training that is based on one or more Unit Standards, as designed by SAQA. This means that our aligned courses fulfill all the requirements of the unit standard, and that learners will be able to be assessed when they have completed the course and a Portfolio of Evidence, if they choose to and are proven competent in the relevant Unit standard/s.
: What is a unit standard?
: A unit standard is basically a set of criteria covering a specific topic. It tells the learner exactly what they have to know to achieve credits. For instance, our Customer Service Module 1 course is based on Unit Standard 114903: Interact with customers, for which the learner can gain 8 credits.
: What is SAQA?
: SAQA is an acronym for the South African Qualifications Authority. SAQA oversees all the training that goes on in South Africa, and approves the unit standards. The SETAs ultimately report to SAQA.
: What is a SETA?
: SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. There are 23 different SETAs (see our Skills Development page) to administer the training for different sectors, such as Wholesale and Retail, Hospitality and Tourism, and so on. A company that has an annual payroll of R500 000 or more, pays Skills Development Levies (SDL) and companies will select which SETA they should belong to based on their core busniess. The SETAs will provide (amongst other things) guidance regarding the scarce and critical skills in the industry and assist with the implementation of learnerships.You are responsible for making the most of your SETA!
: How do I get my money back from the SETA?
: Every company that pays SDL is entitled to claim back funding from their respective SETA.
You can get money every year through the Mandatory Grant, for which you must submit a plan of the training you would like to do. This plan is called a Workplace Skills Plan and an Annual Training report; where you report on the training that you completed for the year.There is also Discretionary Grant Funding available from time to time, which offer funding for specific projects, e.g. for HIV/Aids training.Theses projects will be determined by the scarce and critical skills. Many companies don't realise how much funding they qualify for. It is very beneficial to apply for this funding, and not as complicated as many people think! Please contact usif you need any assistance.
: How do I qualify for funding from the SETA?
: Anyone who is registered with the SETA can qualify for funding. You just need to apply and comply with the terms and conditions. Some SETAs will allow companies that are non-levy paying to apply for Discretioanry Grant Funding. Please contact us if you need any assistance.
: What is a Skills Development Facilitator?
: Your Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) must take care of your training and skills development needs, be your liaison with your SETA and apply for Mandatory and Discretionary Grants throughout the year. An SDF should assist you with the formation of a training committee and help you conduct a skills audit where required. An SDF should also ensure that you comply with legislation so they should have a broad knowledge of Skills Development Act as well as the Skills Development Levies Act. Often, companies just don't have manpower or the expertise to tackle this sometimes complicated and tedious task, so your SDF can be someone external, such as KSD.
: Why choose KSD as your Skills Development Facilitator?
: Dealing with the SETAs can be very time-consuming and complicated, especially if you are a small company, or just have better things to do! At KSD, we can do as much or as little as you would like, from just applying for your Mandatory Grant each year, to maintaining your training records and running your whole training department. We know the legislation and rules, how the SETAs work, and, most importantly, we know the people who get things done! Please speak to us to help you maximise your benefits from the SETAs.