South Africa is on the cusp of a skills development transformation. As the country phases out legacy qualifications and formally shifts to occupational qualifications under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), training providers, employers, and — most importantly — learners must prepare for a new, more structured way of learning and working.
At Training Force, this isn’t just about policy change. It’s about people. It’s about ensuring that young South Africans, many of whom face barriers to education and employment, can access real, relevant opportunities that lead to lasting change — for themselves, their families, and their communities.
From Generic to Purpose-Driven Learning
Under the legacy model, learners often completed broad qualifications that weren’t always aligned with specific roles in the workplace. The QCTO era introduces occupational qualifications — designed around real job functions and employer needs. A qualification like “Business Administrator” now prepares a learner for exactly that role, bridging the gap between training and meaningful employment.
This change is especially powerful for youth, unemployed individuals, and informal workers seeking a formal pathway into the economy. It ensures their training isn’t just theoretical — it’s directly tied to a career.
Why It Matters for Learners and Communities
QCTO qualifications culminate in an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), a national examination that formally verifies whether a learner is competent to perform in the workplace. This brings much-needed standardisation and credibility, but it also requires proper preparation, support, and guidance — something Training Force is uniquely equipped to provide.
For learners, this means:
- Gaining job-specific skills that employers truly value
- Earning nationally recognised qualifications
- Accessing work experience and mentorship through structured training
- Having a clear career pathway in a sector aligned to their strengths
And for communities, it means empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to local economies, reduce unemployment, and foster generational change.
Training Force’s Role: Making QCTO Work for People
As a people-first training provider, Training Force is not simply reacting to the QCTO changes — we’re actively leading the way in helping organisations and learners adapt. Our approach goes beyond compliance; we are partners in transformation.
Here’s how we support learners and employers:
- Matching occupational qualifications to actual job roles
- Helping employers and SETAs register qualifications where gaps exist
- Offering flexible, learner-centred delivery models (in-person, virtual, hybrid)
- Preparing learners thoroughly for the EISA through continuous learning support
- Assisting with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for experienced workers without formal certification
- Ensuring learners are not just trained, but ready for employment
The Time to Act is Now
Legacy qualifications are being phased out. The QCTO model is here to stay. Employers must start mapping roles, adjusting training strategies, and investing in qualifications that align with their operations. But equally important, learners must be supported — not just through training, but through mentorship, guidance, and a pathway to real opportunity.
At Training Force, we see this as a chance to deepen our impact. We don’t just develop skills — we uplift people. We create access. We make futures possible.
Let’s Build a Future That Works
The QCTO era marks a new beginning for skills development in South Africa. With the right approach, it can become a powerful tool for social change — one that reduces unemployment, closes the skills gap, and gives more people the dignity of meaningful work.
If your organisation wants to be part of that change, Training Force is ready to walk the journey with you — and with the communities we serve.
