Discretionary Grants By Sector Education Training Authorities (SETA’s)
What is a Discretionary Grant?
In terms of the Skills Development Regulations, a Discretionary Grant is a grant paid to applicants at the discretion of the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). Discretionary Funding is targeted at encouraging stakeholders to contribute towards skills development. The majority of the discretionary funding is directed at the provision of PIVOTAL or learning programs, which consists of the following:
- Learnerships
- Work Integrated Learning
- Internships
- Bursaries
- Skills programs
The training interventions are expected to result in qualifications or part qualifications aligned to the National Qualifications Framework.
The SETA’s makes these funds available during a window period in which it accepts applications from the employers.
Discretionary Grants are allocated at the sole discretion of the relevant SETA depending on the availability of funds, adherence to specific criteria as per the relevant SETA Discretionary Grants Policy and Guidelines, as well as approval from the SETA Accounting Authority.
Who Qualifies for Discretionary Grants?
Employers that are up-to-date with their Skills Development Levy payments – including those who are exempt in terms of the Skills Development Levy act. Discretionary Grants are available to employers, training providers, workers, and the unemployed.
Planning for Discretionary Funding
If you do not submit your Workplace Skills Plan by 30 April, you will lose the opportunity for your company to be considered for Discretionary Funding for Skills Development.
Did you know that by not submitting your WSPs, ATRs and any Discretionary Grant LOIs you are effectively allowing the SETA to use your levies to fund training programs for other employers in your sector?
Understanding the process and exact specifications for funding can be complicated. LearnMe specializes in these processes and can help you to submit your Workplace Skills Plan in time. As BEE consultants, we can also give you advice, specific to your industry and training authority.
If you need help in preparing your Workplace Skills Plan, please contact us before 22 April to ensure there is enough lead time for us to prepare your submission before the cut off date.
Contact us today to help you submit in time so that you can be considered for Discretionary Funding.
Did you know that LearnMe is also a AgriSETA training provider?