Skills Development Facilitator

A Skills Development Facilitator is responsible for the planning, implementing and reporting of the training in an organisation, with SETA-related duties.

Click here to view a video that explains the Skills Development Facilitator roles.

Appointment of a SDF

In larger organisations, a currently-employed training or Human Resources manager may be appointed as an internal SDF. In smaller organisations there is often no dedicated training or HR professional fulfilling this role and so a manager or company owner will take it on. The role can also be outsourced to a professional external SDF.

Functions of an SDF

• Assists the employer and employees to develop a Workplace Skills Plan which complies with the requirements of the SETA;
• Submits the WSP to the relevant SETA;
• Advises the employer on the implementation of the WSP;
• Assists the employer to draft an Annual Training Report (ATR);
• Advises the employer on the quality assurance requirements set by the SETA;
• Acts as a contact person between the employer and the SETA;
• Serves as a resource regarding all aspects of skills development;
• Communicates SETA initiatives, grants and benefits to the employer; and
• Communicates with branch offices, and all employees in the main office and branch offices, concerning events and grants being offered at the SETA.

The employer must provide the SDF with the resources, facilities and training necessary to perform the functions set out.

An SDF is a:

Facilitator: To facilitate the development of an employer’s skills development strategy.

Expert: To serve as an expert resource for accrediting the employer as a training provider and for the implementation of appropriate learnerships and skills programmes.

Administrator: To complete and submit the WSP and ATR.

Advisor: To advise the employer/s and employees on the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and on the implementation of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP).

Educations and needs evaluator: To assess the skills development needs of the organisation.

Mediator: To serve as a contact person between the employer and the relevant SETA.

Click here to view an explanation about the functions of the Skill Development Facilitator.