Importance of the SDF course

TrainYouCan Accredited Training Network offer the SDF course also known as the Skills Development Facilitator Course both online through elearning and classroom sessions. For pricing and bookings please visit www.coursesdirect.co.za or read the full course detail of the SDF course here.

What Is A Skills Development Facilitator?

Firstly, what exactly is a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF)?

An SDF is an individual who works to ensure that your company’s Workplace Skills Plan/Implementation Report is developed and implemented, while also serving as a liaison between you and your SETA.

SDF’s who study the unit standards advocated would be more qualified to complete the functions of a professional SDF which I believe should be recognised by HR practitioners as  

  • Advising on and implementation of Quality management Systems for skills development
  • Conducting analysis to determine outcomes of training
  • Conducting skills development administration
  • Coordinating skills development interventions
  • Utilising their skills in advising others on outcomes based TrainYouCan PTY LTD Accredited Training Network within the context of the NQF
  • Developing the organisations training and development plans

A Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) is responsible for the planning, implementations and reporting of training in an organisation, with SETA related duties.    The function of your SDF, be it an internal SDF, and external (outsourced) SDF or Secondary SDF (Union representative elected to assist with the submission of the grant) is to assist the company with developing and executing the WSP and submitting it to the SETA during the grant submission reporting period. In conjunction the SDF must report on the ATR for the past year which is also submitting during the reporting season.

What do SDF’s do?

SDF’s work out what the training gaps are in an organisation’s workforce. They then draw up training plans to address those gaps. They consult and advise on all aspects of people development. They interact with appropriate authorities (Seta’s) and claim back cash (grants) for training.

Assisting Workplaces in Developing a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)

A WSP is a document in which a company’s skills needs and the various skills development interventions needed to address these needs are listed.

Your SDF should develop and submit a yearly WSP to comply with the current Skills Development legislation in South Africa. A qualified and experienced SDF should do this.

By complying with these requirements, a company can access numerous skills training SETA grants. Yet, to qualify, your company will also have to submit your Annual Training Reports (ATR).

Roles of an SDF:

  • Facilitator: To facilitate the development of an employer’s skills development strategy
  • Expert: To serve as an expert resource for accrediting the employer as a training provider and for the implementation of appropriate learnerships and skills programmes.
  • Administrator: To complete and submit the
  • Advisor: To advise the employers and employees on the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and on the implementation of the WSP
  • Education and needs evaluator: To assess the skills development needs of the organisation
  • Mediator: To serve as a contact person between the employer and the relevant Seta

Does an SDF need to be registered?

A Skills Development Facilitator must be registered with the relevant SETA. The SDF can perform these duties for more than one employer, but must be registered for every employer at the same or at a different SETA. Although SDF’s are not required to have any formal qualifications to register, organisations will normally appoint a SDF who has an ETD qualification.