Can you still use training providers that is not accredited with QCT?
For first aid training and other specific occupational courses, you generally must use accredited service providers to ensure that the training is legally compliant and recognized. The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), along with other bodies like the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) and various SETAs, has established accreditation guidelines to ensure that training meets the required standards.
Using Non-Accredited Service Providers: Key Considerations
- Legal Compliance:
- For first aid training specifically, using a provider that is not accredited by the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) is a direct violation of South African law as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its General Safety Regulations.
- Employers must ensure that their first aiders are trained by a DoEL-accredited provider, irrespective of whether the provider is accredited by the QCTO or not. This is crucial for legal compliance and workplace safety.
- QCTO vs. Other Accreditation Bodies:
- The QCTO focuses on the accreditation of providers that offer occupational qualifications, which are broader qualifications designed to meet specific job roles.
- In some cases, SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) also play a role in accrediting short courses and skills programmes that may not yet have transitioned to the QCTO framework.
- If a provider is not accredited with the QCTO but is recognized by the relevant SETA or the DoEL for specific courses (like first aid), they can still be considered compliant for those specific training needs.
- Impact on Recognition and Certification:
- Training from a non-accredited provider is often not officially recognized, which means learners may not receive valid competency certificates.
- Unrecognized training can result in employees lacking proof of competence, which is critical for roles that require formal certifications (e.g., health and safety officers, first aiders).
- Skills Development Levies and Funding:
- Employers who participate in the Skills Development Levy (SDL) system can only claim grants and benefits for training conducted by accredited providers.
- Using non-accredited training providers means you won’t be able to access these incentives or receive SETA funding for training programmes.
Practical Recommendations
- Check Accreditation Status: Always verify that the training provider is accredited by the appropriate body for the specific course you require. For first aid, this means checking with the Department of Employment and Labour, and for other occupational courses, this might mean checking with the QCTO or relevant SETA.
- Transition Plans: If a provider is currently not accredited with the QCTO but is in the process of becoming accredited, it might be worth discussing their timeline and plans to meet QCTO standards. However, you should avoid enrolling in courses that could risk non-recognition in the interim.
- Use Accredited Providers: It is always safer and more beneficial to choose a training provider that has full accreditation, as this ensures the training will be legally recognized, professionally delivered, and aligned with the national standards.
Conclusion
While you might technically still find training providers that operate without QCTO accreditation, it is strongly recommended to use providers accredited either by the QCTO, the relevant SETA, or the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL), depending on the course in question. For specific courses like first aid training, using a non-accredited provider is not an option if you want to meet the legal requirements set by South African regulations. To ensure compliance, credibility, and access to potential funding, always choose accredited providers.
