Guide to Education & Training Tenders in South Africa

South Africa invests heavily in skills development and education, creating significant opportunities for training providers. From SETA-funded learnerships to corporate training contracts and e-learning solutions, the education sector offers diverse tender opportunities.

Types of Education & Training Tenders

• <strong>Skills Development Programmes:</strong> Learnerships, internships, artisan training, skills programmes.
• <strong>Corporate Training:</strong> Leadership development, IT skills, compliance training.
• <strong>E-Learning Solutions:</strong> Learning management systems, online courses, digital content.
• <strong>Educational Materials:</strong> Textbooks, workbooks, educational software, lab equipment.
• <strong>TVET College Services:</strong> Lecturer services, curriculum development, workshop equipment.
• <strong>Assessment & Certification:</strong> Competency assessments, moderation, certification services.

SETA Accreditation Requirements

Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) fund and oversee skills development in their respective sectors. To deliver SETA-funded training, you must be an accredited training provider.

Accreditation Process

1. Identify the relevant SETA for your training programmes
2. Apply for primary accreditation with the Quality Council (QCTO/Umalusi)
3. Submit programme-specific accreditation application
4. Complete site visit and compliance verification
5. Maintain accreditation through annual renewals

Key SETAs by Sector

Skills Development Levy System

Companies with payroll above R500,000 pay 1% Skills Development Levy (SDL), which funds SETA programmes. Training providers access these funds through:

• <strong>Discretionary Grants:</strong> SETA tenders for specific programmes
• <strong>Learnership Grants:</strong> Funding for registered learnerships
• <strong>Internship Programmes:</strong> Work-integrated learning placements
• <strong>Skills Programmes:</strong> Short course accredited training

Tender Evaluation Criteria

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• <strong>Expired accreditation:</strong> Ensure SETA accreditation is current at bid closing
• <strong>Unqualified facilitators:</strong> All trainers must have assessor/facilitator registrations
• <strong>Overclaiming capacity:</strong> Don't commit to more learners than you can train
• <strong>Missing materials:</strong> Learner guides and assessment tools must be SAQA-aligned
• <strong>Poor learner support:</strong> Demonstrate mentorship and support systems

E-Learning Opportunities

Digital learning has gained significant traction in government training. Opportunities include:

• Learning Management System (LMS) implementation
• Digital curriculum development
• Virtual classroom facilitation
• Mobile learning applications
• Blended learning programme design

Building Your Training Track Record

1. Start with SETA accreditation for in-demand qualifications
2. Partner with established providers for initial contracts
3. Build learner completion rate statistics
4. Develop strong relationships with SETA staff
5. Invest in training facilities and technology

Conclusion

Education and training tenders offer stable, recurring revenue for accredited providers. Success requires proper SETA accreditation, qualified facilitators, and demonstrable learner outcomes. Build your track record through smaller programmes and partnerships before targeting large-scale skills development contracts.