Access to Funding

The SETAs monitor skills shortages and scarce/critical skills in various sectors through the submission of Work Skills Plans (WSPs). This information is used to inform the Sector Skills Plan and make decisions regarding discretionary grant funding. Scarce skills refer to specific skill shortages within a sector, while critical skills describe shortages within an occupational group. The WSP requires information on organization and employee profiles, planned training, and lists of scarce or critical skills. The HWSETA also provides bursaries and funds learnerships, skills programs, and other projects. Employers who pay the Skills Development Levy (SDL) can access mandatory grant funding, while those exempt from the SDL can apply for discretionary grants. The HWSETA also provides funding for Early Childhood Development training.

The HWSETA offers several types of discretionary grants to support skills development in the Health and Social Sector. These grants are available to qualifying organisations and individuals. Here are the types of discretionary grants provided by the HWSETA:

Learnerships: These grants support the provision of skills to unemployed or unskilled individuals. Learnerships are designed to accommodate local labor market conditions, sector requirements, and work opportunities.
Skills Programmes: Skills programmes are short courses based on full qualifications. They are beneficial for employed individuals who want to enhance their current skills and for unemployed individuals who want to obtain a qualification gradually. Skills programmes are aligned with unit standards and contribute credits towards a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Bursaries: The HWSETA provides bursaries to employed workers and unemployed individuals. Bursaries for employed workers support training and development through public and private accredited training providers. Bursaries for unemployed individuals are administered through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and are awarded based on means testing.
Work Experience Grants: These grants support the placement of unemployed learners with HWSETA registered employers to gain workplace experience. Work experience grants are available for persons with disabilities, TVET graduates/learners, and internships.
Pre-apprenticeship Grants: These grants support pre-apprenticeship training programs that prepare individuals for apprenticeships in the Health and Social Sector.
Early Childhood Development Grants: These grants support training and development programs in the field of early childhood development.
SDF Training Grants: These grants support the training of Skills Development Facilitators (SDFs) who play a crucial role in facilitating the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) submission process.
Ad Hoc Projects: The HWSETA may also provide grants for ad hoc projects that align with their priorities and objectives. Please note that the availability of these discretionary grants may vary from year to year based on the HWSETA’s priorities.

Access to Funding

Access to Funding - Levy Paying Organisations

Access to Funding - Non-Levy Paying Organisations