The training landscape in South Africa is undergoing a significant transformation, with a shift from legacy learnerships to the new Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualifications. This change, while anticipated, has brought both challenges and opportunities, particularly for industries reliant on specialised training, such as contract cleaning, according to CSG Skills Institute acting CEO, Marietjie Swanepoel.
The transition from legacy learnerships to QCTO qualifications
For years, legacy learnerships have been the backbone of vocational training in South Africa, providing structured learning paths for various industries. However, the evolving needs of the economy, coupled with a drive towards more industry-specific skills, have necessitated a move towards QCTO qualifications. Unlike legacy learnerships, which were often more generic, QCTO qualifications are designed to be more aligned with the specific needs of each industry, ensuring that the training provided is directly applicable to the sector job roles.
The transition was scheduled for the end of June 2024, with legacy learnerships expected to be discontinued in favour of the new QCTO qualifications. However, as with any significant change, the rollout has encountered challenges, leading to the extension of certain legacy learnerships to ensure that there is no gap in skills development during the transition period.
Impact on the contract cleaning industry
The contract cleaning industry, which forms a significant part of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA), is one of the industries most impacted by this shift. Services SETA is now required to report to the QCTO, which will serve as the custodian of industry-specific qualifications.
Historically, the majority of contract cleaners have been trained through legacy learnerships offered by Services SETA. These learnerships, while effective, were often more general in nature, covering a broad range of skills that may not have been entirely relevant to specific cleaning tasks. With the introduction of QCTO qualifications, this is set to change.
Extended legacy learnerships: Bridging the gap
While the majority of legacy learnerships were set to be discontinued, certain key programmes within the contract cleaning industry have been extended. Notably, the Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Level 2, and Hygiene and Cleaning Specialist Level 3 learnerships have been granted extensions. This extension provides a crucial buffer, allowing contract cleaners to continue their training as the new QCTO qualifications are phased in.
New qualifications: What it means to contract cleaners
The introduction of QCTO qualifications marks a significant shift towards more specialised training within the contractcleaning industry. Unlike the broader scope of legacy learnerships, the new QCTO qualifications are designed to meet the specific needs of the industry, ensuring that contract cleaners are equipped with the exact skills required for their roles.
The new qualifications include titles such as Commercial Cleaner and Healthcare Specialist, which are tailored to the unique demands of different cleaning environments. These qualifications not only provide a more focused training approach but also ensure that cleaners are better prepared to meet the specific challenges of their work environments.
In addition to full qualifications, the QCTO has also introduced part qualifications. These include Commercial Kitchenette Cleaner, Commercial Ablution Cleaner, Above Floor Cleaner, and Commercial Floor Cleaner. These part qualifications allow for even more specialised training, enabling workers to develop expertise in specific areas of cleaning. This approach is particularly beneficial in industries where high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are critical, such as healthcare and hospitality.
The role of SETAs under the QCTO
With the transition to QCTO qualifications, SETAs will see a shift in their roles. While they will continue to play a vital part in skills development, their focus will now be on implementing the QCTO’s industryspecific qualifications. This means that SETAs will no longer be responsible for developing qualifications but will instead concentrate on ensuring that training providers deliver these qualifications to the required standards.
For contract cleaning companies, this change underscores the importance of working closely with accredited training providers who are aligned with the QCTO’s standards. By doing so, they can ensure that their employees receive the most relevant and up-to-date training available.
Why do companies participate in learnerships?
The participation of companies in learnerships is driven by several compelling factors. One of the primary reasons is the opportunity to upskill their employees. In industries like contract cleaning, where the quality of service is directly linked to the skill level of the workforce, investing in employee development is crucial. Learnerships provide a structured way to enhance employees’ skills, ensuring they are competent in their roles and able to deliver services at a high standard.
Moreover, participating in learnerships is a strategic move for companies seeking to enhance their Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) scorecards. The skills development element of both the Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) and Generic scorecards places significant emphasis on learnerships as a means of demonstrating a company’s commitment to developing its workforce. By engaging in learnerships, companies can earn valuable points towards their B-BBEE score, which can, in turn, open up business opportunities and improve market competitiveness.
Another incentive for companies is the tax concession offered under section 12H of the Income Tax Act. This concession allows companies to claim a tax deduction for each employee enrolled in a registered learnership, making it a financially attractive option for businesses looking to invest in skills development. The tax benefit not only offsets some of the costs associated with training but also encourages companies to increase their participation in learnership programmes.
Preparing for the future
As the contract cleaning industry prepares for the full implementation of QCTO qualifications, it is essential for companies to take proactive steps to align their training programmes with the new standards. This includes familiarising themselves with the new qualifications and part qualifications available, as well as working with training providers to ensure that they can offer these programmes.
Moreover, companies should also consider how the new qualifications can be integrated into their broader skills development strategies. For example, the specialised nature of the new qualifications may provide opportunities for career progression within the company, allowing cleaners to develop expertise in specific areas and move into more specialised roles.
Challenges and opportunities
While the transition to QCTO qualifications presents some challenges, particularly in terms of adapting to new training frameworks and ensuring continuity during the phasing out of legacy learnerships, it also offers significant opportunities.
The move towards more specialised, industry-specific training has the potential to raise the overall standard of skills within the contract cleaning industry, leading to better service delivery and improved career prospects for cleaners.
For contract cleaning companies, the key to navigating this transition successfully lies in staying informed, being adaptable, and investing in the development of their workforce. By doing so, they can ensure that they are not only compliant with the new training requirements but also well-positioned to benefit from the enhanced skills and capabilities that the new qualifications will bring.
The shift to QCTO qualifications represents a pivotal moment in the training landscape, particularly for the contract cleaning industry. While the transition brings with it certain challenges, the move towards more specialised, industry-specific qualifications is ultimately a positive one, promising to deliver more relevant and effective training for contract cleaners.
As the industry adapts to these changes, the focus must remain on ensuring that cleaners are equipped with the skills they need to meet the specific demands of their roles, thereby enhancing the quality and professionalism of their services. With the right approach, the new QCTO qualifications have the potential to elevate the standards of the contract cleaning industry, benefiting both workers and employers alike.
Trusted skills development partner
For companies navigating the transition from legacy learnerships to QCTO qualifications, partnering with a reputable skills development provider is essential. CSG Skills has been a leading provider of skills development services for the past 20 years, with a strong track record of assisting companies in the contract cleaning industry. CSG Skills offers comprehensive support, from aligning training programmes with the new QCTO standards to ensuring that companies maximise the benefits of their skills development investments.
For more information visit: www.csggroup.co.za