What is a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF)?

A Skills Development Facilitator is a professional who assists organisations with skills development planning, SETA compliance, WSP/ATR submissions, and accessing training grants. SDFs act as the liaison between employers and SETAs.

Why does my company need an SDF?

Having an SDF ensures:

• Compliance with the Skills Development Act and SETA requirements
• Maximised grant funding for training programmes
• Professional handling of WSP and ATR submissions
• Strategic workforce development planning
• Access to accredited training providers

Is an SDF mandatory for all companies?

Companies with a payroll above a certain threshold (typically R500,000 annually) must pay a Skills Development Levy and are encouraged to appoint an SDF to access grants and ensure compliance.

What is a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)?

A WSP is an annual strategic document that outlines an organisation's training needs and plans for the upcoming year. It must be submitted to your SETA by the specified deadline (typically April 30).

What is an Annual Training Report (ATR)?

An ATR is a report detailing all training activities completed in the previous year. It shows how the organisation implemented its WSP and must be submitted alongside the WSP.

When are WSP/ATR submissions due?

Deadlines vary by SETA but are typically around April 30 each year. Late submissions may result in penalties or loss of grant funding eligibility.

What happens if we miss the submission deadline?

Missing the deadline may result in:

• Loss of discretionary grant funding for that year
• Inability to claim mandatory grants
• Non-compliance penalties
• Negative impact on future grant applications

What is a SETA?

A Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) is an organisation that ensures quality training and skills development within specific economic sectors in South Africa. There are 21 SETAs covering different industries.

How do I know which SETA my company falls under?

Your SETA is determined by your primary business activity and SIC code. SpecCon can help identify the correct SETA for your organisation.

What types of grants are available?

There are two main types of grants:

• Mandatory Grants: Up to 20% of your Skills Development Levy can be claimed back for compliant training
• Discretionary Grants: Additional funding for strategic training programmes, learnerships, internships, and skills programmes

How much grant funding can we receive?

Grant amounts vary based on your levy contribution, SETA policies, and the type of training undertaken. Mandatory grants can recover up to 20% of your levy, while discretionary grants depend on approved projects.

Can we claim grants for all types of training?

No, training must be:

• Conducted by accredited providers
• Aligned with registered qualifications or skills programmes
• Properly documented with attendance registers and assessments
• Submitted within specified timeframes

How do I become a certified SDF?

To become a certified SDF, you must:

• Complete an accredited SDF training programme (typically NQF Level 5)
• Pass the required assessments
• Register with the relevant SETA
• Maintain ongoing professional development

How long does SDF certification take?

SDF training programmes typically take 3-6 months depending on the course structure and your pace of learning. SpecCon offers flexible learning options to suit working professionals.

Is SDF certification recognised nationally?

Yes, QCTO and SETA-accredited SDF qualifications are nationally recognised and accepted across all industries in South Africa.

What is SETA accreditation?

SETA accreditation allows training providers to offer recognised qualifications and skills programmes. It ensures training meets quality standards and enables learners to receive nationally recognised certifications.

How long does the accreditation process take?

The accreditation process typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the SETA, complexity of qualifications sought, and completeness of documentation.

Can SpecCon help with our accreditation application?

Yes, SpecCon provides comprehensive accreditation support including documentation preparation, quality assurance systems, compliance audits, and submission management.

What services does SpecCon provide?

SpecCon offers:

• Skills Development Facilitation services
• WSP and ATR preparation and submission
• SETA liaison and compliance support
• SDF training and certification programmes
• Accreditation support for training providers
• Professional SDF network and placement services

How much do your services cost?

Our fees vary based on the scope of services required. We offer customised packages to suit different organisational needs. Contact us for a personalised quotation.

How do I get started with SpecCon?

Simply contact us via email at help@speccon.co.za or through our contact form. We'll schedule a consultation to understand your needs and propose the best solution.

Do you work with companies of all sizes?

Yes, SpecCon works with organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations, across all industry sectors.

Can you help if we're already non-compliant?

Absolutely. We specialise in helping organisations regain compliance, rectify past issues, and establish sustainable skills development practices going forward.