1. Skills Development Planning: SETAs analyze the skills needs of their specific economic sector, forecasting future demands and identifying skills gaps. This informs their training and development strategies.
2. Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance: They develop and/or approve training curricula, learning materials, and assessment methods to ensure they meet industry standards and are relevant to the job market. They also oversee the quality of training provided by accredited institutions.
3. Funding and Grant Allocation: SETAs manage government funding and allocate grants to training providers, learners, and employers to support skills development initiatives. This might include funding apprenticeships, learnerships, and workplace training programs.
4. Accreditation of Training Providers: SETAs accredit training institutions and providers, ensuring they meet specified quality standards and are capable of delivering effective training programs. This maintains the credibility of the training offered within the sector.
5. Learner Support and Placement: Many SETAs provide support services to learners, such as career guidance, placement assistance, and financial assistance, to help them successfully complete training and secure employment.
It's important to note that these are broad functions and the specifics will depend on the individual SETA and the regulatory framework within which it operates.