What are SETAs responsible for? Discover how SETAs fund learnerships, approve training providers, manage skills development levies, and support workforce growth in South Africa.
If you are exploring learnerships, internships, or workplace training opportunities in South Africa, you have likely come across the term SETA. But many people still ask: What are SETAs responsible for?
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play a central role in South Africa’s skills development system. They connect government, employers, training providers, and job seekers to ensure the workforce remains competitive and qualified.
This in-depth 2026 guide explains exactly what SETAs are responsible for, how they function, how they are funded, and why they matter for students, unemployed youth, employers, and professionals.
What Are SETAs?
SETAs are statutory bodies established under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to oversee skills development within specific economic sectors.
They were created under the Skills Development Act to:
- Improve the quality of education and training
- Increase workplace skills
- Promote employment and productivity
- Address skills shortages in key industries
Each SETA focuses on a specific sector of the economy, such as transport, finance, health, construction, or manufacturing.
What Are SETAs Responsible For?
To answer the core question — What are SETAs responsible for? — we must look at their official mandates and practical functions.
SETAs are responsible for:
- Managing and distributing skills development funding
- Developing sector skills plans
- Approving workplace skills plans
- Accrediting training providers
- Registering learnerships and skills programmes
- Monitoring training quality and compliance
- Supporting unemployed youth through funded programmes
- Promoting partnerships between employers and training institutions
Let’s break these down in detail.
1. Developing Sector Skills Plans (SSPs)
Each SETA conducts industry research to identify:
Related Opportunities 2026
- Skills shortages
- Future workforce needs
- Emerging occupations
- Industry trends
This information is compiled into a Sector Skills Plan (SSP), which guides national training priorities.
For example, the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) focuses on transport and logistics skills gaps.
These plans ensure that training aligns with real economic demand.
2. Funding Learnerships and Skills Programmes
One of the most visible responsibilities of SETAs is funding learnerships.
SETAs distribute funds collected through the Skills Development Levy. Employers contribute 1% of their payroll to this levy.
SETAs then use these funds to support:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Skills programmes
- Workplace training
This system helps unemployed youth gain qualifications while assisting businesses in developing talent.
3. Accrediting Training Providers
SETAs ensure that training providers meet quality standards.
They:
- Evaluate institutions
- Approve course materials
- Conduct quality audits
- Monitor training outcomes
Accreditation ensures that qualifications meet National Qualifications Framework (NQF) standards.
Without SETA accreditation, a training provider cannot legally offer registered learnerships.
4. Registering Learnership Agreements
SETAs register learnership agreements between:
- The employer
- The learner
- The training provider
This formal agreement ensures:
- Clear learning outcomes
- Defined workplace experience
- Structured theoretical training
- Legal compliance
This protects learners and employers alike.
5. Monitoring and Evaluating Training Quality
Another key answer to What are SETAs responsible for? is quality assurance.
SETAs monitor:
- Workplace training environments
- Assessment processes
- Certification standards
- Learner progress
They ensure public funds are used correctly and effectively.
6. Supporting Employment Equity and Transformation
SETAs contribute to:
- Youth employment
- Economic inclusion
- Skills access for disadvantaged communities
- Workplace transformation
By funding training for unemployed youth and marginalized groups, SETAs support national development goals.
7. Encouraging Workplace Skills Development Plans
Employers submit Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) to SETAs annually.
SETAs review and approve these plans to ensure:
- Alignment with sector priorities
- Effective training investment
- Employee development strategies
Approved employers may receive mandatory and discretionary grants.
8. Facilitating Artisan Development and Apprenticeships
In technical sectors, SETAs support artisan development.
For example, the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) promotes apprenticeships in construction trades.
These programmes address critical technical skills shortages.
How Many SETAs Exist in South Africa?
There are currently 21 SETAs, each responsible for a specific industry sector.
Examples include:
- Banking
- Finance
- Agriculture
- Health
- Manufacturing
- Transport
- Education
- Information Technology
Each SETA operates under the authority of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Who Benefits from SETAs?
1. Unemployed Youth
Access to funded learnerships and workplace training.
2. Employers
Skills development funding and workforce improvement.
3. Training Providers
Accreditation and programme registration support.
4. Employees
Opportunities for upskilling and career advancement.
SETAs create a structured ecosystem connecting education and employment.
Why SETAs Are Important for South Africa
South Africa faces significant challenges:
- Youth unemployment
- Skills mismatches
- Economic inequality
- Industry-specific shortages
SETAs help bridge the gap between education and employment by ensuring training responds to industry needs.
They are a key driver of workforce competitiveness and economic development.
Challenges Facing SETAs
Despite their importance, SETAs face criticism around:
- Administrative inefficiencies
- Delayed funding processes
- Mismanagement concerns
- Limited public awareness
However, reforms continue to improve transparency, digital systems, and accountability.
How to Work with a SETA
If you are:
A Student
- Apply for SETA-funded learnerships
- Verify training provider accreditation
An Employer
- Submit Workplace Skills Plans
- Apply for discretionary grants
A Training Provider
- Apply for accreditation
- Register learnerships
Understanding what SETAs are responsible for helps you navigate the system effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are SETAs responsible for in simple terms?
SETAs are responsible for managing skills development funding, approving training programmes, supporting learnerships, and improving workforce skills in specific industries.
2. Who funds SETAs?
SETAs are funded through the Skills Development Levy paid by employers and overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
3. Do SETAs give money directly to individuals?
Usually, funding goes through employers or training providers, but some bursaries and grants may support individuals directly.
4. How do I know if a training provider is SETA accredited?
You can verify accreditation through the relevant SETA or the Department of Higher Education and Training.
5. Are SETAs government institutions?
Yes. They operate under the Department of Higher Education and Training and are established by law.
Final Thoughts
So, What are SETAs responsible for?
They are responsible for funding skills development, regulating training standards, approving workplace skills plans, supporting learnerships, and ensuring South Africa’s workforce remains competitive.
SETAs play a central role in connecting education with employment and strengthening the national economy. For students, employers, and training providers, understanding their responsibilities is essential for accessing opportunities and navigating the skills development system successfully.
How to Qualify for a SETA in South Africa (2026 Guide)
If you’re asking “How do I qualify for a SETA?”, you’re likely interested in applying for a learnership, internship, bursary, or skills programme funded by a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).
In South Africa, SETAs operate under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and are responsible for managing skills development funding within specific industries.
Qualification requirements depend on whether you are applying as:
- An unemployed individual (learnership applicant)
- An employee
- An employer
- A training provider
This guide explains each pathway clearly.
1. How to Qualify for a SETA Learnership (Unemployed Individuals)
This is the most common reason people ask about qualifying for a SETA.
General Requirements
Although requirements vary by programme and sector, most SETA learnerships require:
- South African citizenship
- Age between 18–35 years (some programmes extend to 18–40)
- Unemployed status at time of application
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
- Basic English literacy
- No criminal record (for some sectors)
Some technical learnerships may require:
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Computer literacy
- Driver’s license (for logistics or transport)
Each SETA focuses on a specific industry. For example, the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) funds transport and logistics learnerships, while other SETAs cover finance, health, construction, or manufacturing.
Documents You Usually Need
Prepare certified copies of:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Academic transcripts (if applicable)
- SARS number (sometimes required)
Certification should usually be within the last 3 months.
Important Note
You do not apply directly to “SETA” in most cases. You apply to:
- Companies offering SETA-funded learnerships
- Accredited training providers
- Government or sector-specific portals
SETA provides funding and oversight, but employers and providers manage recruitment.
2. How to Qualify as an Employee (Workplace Skills Programmes)
If you are already employed, your company may submit a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) to its relevant SETA.
To qualify:
- Your employer must be registered with the correct SETA
- Your employer must pay the Skills Development Levy (if required)
- The training must align with the sector skills plan
In this case, the employer applies for grants, and employees are nominated for training.
3. How Employers Qualify for SETA Grants
If you are a business owner asking how to qualify for a SETA, the process is different.
Employer Requirements:
- Register your business
- Register with the correct SETA (based on your industry)
- Pay the 1% Skills Development Levy (if payroll exceeds the threshold)
- Submit an annual Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report
Approved employers may receive:
- Mandatory grants
- Discretionary grants
- Learnership funding
4. How Training Providers Qualify for SETA Accreditation
Training institutions must meet strict standards to qualify.
Requirements typically include:
- Registered business entity
- Qualified facilitators and assessors
- Quality management system
- Aligned curriculum to National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
- Internal moderation systems
SETAs evaluate and accredit providers before they can offer funded programmes.
How to Increase Your Chances of Qualifying
Competition is high, especially for unemployed youth programmes.
Practical Tips:
- Apply early when programmes open
- Ensure documents are certified
- Tailor your CV to the industry
- Avoid paying application fees (SETA applications are free)
- Prepare for interviews or assessments
Do You Need Matric to Qualify?
In most cases, yes. Matric is the minimum requirement for many SETA learnerships.
However:
- Some entry-level skills programmes accept Grade 10 or Grade 11
- Artisan or apprenticeship routes may have different academic criteria
Always check the specific programme requirements.
Is There an Income Requirement?
For unemployed youth programmes:
- You must be unemployed at the time of application
For employer grants:
- Employers must meet levy contribution requirements
How Long Does the Process Take?
Application timelines vary, but generally:
- Shortlisting may take 2–8 weeks
- Learnership duration is typically 12 months
- Some programmes last 18–24 months
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply directly to SETA?
Usually no. You apply through companies or accredited training providers offering SETA-funded programmes.
2. Is there an application fee?
No. Legitimate SETA learnerships are free. Avoid scams asking for payment.
3. Can I qualify if I already studied at college?
Yes, depending on the programme. Some advanced learnerships require post-school qualifications.
4. Can I apply if I am over 35?
Some programmes accept older applicants, but many youth-focused learnerships prioritize ages 18–35.
5. Do SETA programmes guarantee a job?
No. Employment is not guaranteed, but many learners gain permanent employment after completion.
Final Summary
To qualify for a SETA programme in South Africa, you must meet eligibility criteria based on your status:
- Unemployed individuals need Matric, South African citizenship, and required documents.
- Employers must register and pay the Skills Development Levy.
- Training providers must be accredited.
Understanding which SETA covers your sector and applying through official channels significantly improves your chances.
