Overview
ETQAs were established as part of The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) structure to ensure consistency as well as quality in training and education across all fields. ETQAs were accredited by SAQA to quality assure the provision of nationally recognised education and training qualifications and/or unit standards within the chemical sector. 

In terms of the Skills Development Act (SDA), 1998, (Act No 97 of 1998) and Section 26 I (2) of the Skills Development Amendment Act 97 of 2008 and the QCTO delegation Policy of 11 June 2011, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) has delegated certain quality assurance functions to the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)’s Education Training and Quality Assurer (ETQA) unit, as of the 1 October 2012  until further notice. Currently QCTO is monitoring various ETQAs with the foresight of forging streamlined processes relating to quality assurance functions.

Accreditation
Is the certification status that is granted to a training provider for a stipulated period of time by QCTO, wherein the provider demonstrates the capacity to fulfil the function with SAQA and QCTO quality assurance system and specific criteria as defined by the primary focus ETQA. 

The accreditation process is directed by the SAQA principle of ONE PROVIDER, ONE ETQA. A provider regardless of the sector in which they are active, can only be accredited by one ETQA, but they can request the Extension of Scope with other SETA/s in order for them to be Programme Approved.

As from 1 July 2018, all new applications for SDP accreditations to offer historically registered qualifications must be made directly to the QCTO. SETA QAPs will remain responsible for the accreditation applications for single unit (Skills Programmes) and implementation of Learnerships. SDP will be required to complete a Letter of Intent for full qualifications and the application must be directed to QCTO (accreditation@qcto.org.za.) View Documents →

An Artisan
An Artisan is a person who is highly skilled with their hands. Artisans work primarily in a technical field, doing skilled manual labour. For the person to be registered with NAMB as an Artisan, they need to be 19 years and older; and at least have 3 years working experience on the field.

In order to become a qualified artisan and receive national recognition, learners must pass the trade test. This assessment can be completed at a National Trade Test Centre that is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. 

Workplace
 The CHIETA understands the workplace approval process as critical in the integrated learning process and will ensure that such workplaces meet the requirements as described in the occupational qualifications. For a company to be Workplace approved they need to ensure that they have Mentors who are Subject Matter Experts on the qualification/s they are pursuing and they have adequate equipment to meet the minimum requirements as a Workplace. View Documents →

Workplace Based Learning Programme (WBLP) 
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) promulgated the SETA Workplace-Based Learning Programme Agreement Regulations (2018). The new Regulations came into effect on 1 April 2019, replacing the Learnership Regulations (2007). The Workplace-Based Learning Programme Agreement and all supporting documents must be received within 30 working days of the learner’s signature date. 

Conditional Placement of Learners
Once a learner has signed an agreement, the employer must conditionally place the learner on the relevant workplace-based learning programme pending the SETA’s registration and compliance process. If the learner is unemployed prior to signing the agreement, a contract of employment comes into effect when the learner is conditionally placed on the learning programme. Once the SETA registers the agreement, the employer must confirm the learner’s placement. If the SETA declines to register the agreement, the employer must terminate the learner’s conditional placement whether or not funding has been secured. View Documents →