How to select a Training Provider

First the fear of signing up with a “bogus” provider, then the fear of not getting the required support is probably something we all think of when booking for a course.

Let’s face it: Training is expensive, and waiting for your money from the wrong provider or course could leave to devastating consciences, especially if you bargain on getting future employment.

Below is some of our general guidelines when selecting a Training Provider. It always helps to do a bit of research.

How to select a Training Provider:
• Ask for references.
• Look at the Facilitators CV for experience.
• Type of support provided.
• Duration and if support is limited to a period.
• Type of assessments.
• Type of Certification (Attendance or Competence.)

How to confirm a Training Institution is Accredited:
• Ask for their Accreditation Number.
• Ask for the SETA they accredited with.
• DO NOT accept their accreditation letter. Contact the SETA direction to confirm their scope.
• Ensure legislated terminology, like “we are SETA Accredited”, and not only using the word “Accredited” on its own.
• Check that the programme accreditation is valid by phoning the SETA. (Different from Training Provider Accreditation.)

What should reflect on a course marketing material:
• Unit Standard Number.
• NQF Level
• Credits
• Expiry date
• Entry level requirements.

Guidelines for signing agreements with external providers:
• Payment terms.
• Type of Support provided.
• Duration, time frames.
• Type of methodologies that will be used.
• Content of the course.
• How will re-assessments be handled.
• What is the cost of cancellation?
• What is the cost of learning that must be re-scheduled?
• What are the registration fees and is it refundable?
• Previous references?

Guidelines with registration/enrolments:
• Many institution ask for a registration fee that is not refundable. Note that the SETAs and the QCTO does not ask a fee to be registered and there is merely an admin fee for the institution to register you on their database.
• Some use the registration fee as a “founders fee” for any person who referred or found them the client. That also explains why the fee is never refundable.
• Many providers limit their access to a course content or final submissions to a set period. After this you will be expected to pay-up and in some cases even to re-book for the entire course. Strict deadline clauses should be clearly indicated on their registration forms. It is advisable to always keep a copy of their advertising material and your enrolment details should you want to log a dispute with the relevant SETA.

Provided by TrainYouCan PTY LTD