QCTO

Purpose

This page provides access to information related to the QCTO and links to documents which led to its establishment and which provide some guidance to its operations in the future.

Latest news

23 February 2010

The QCTO was launched by the Minister of Higher Education and Training during a function at Gallagher Convention Centre.   The minister’s speech was interesting in that it integrates skills development firmly into his ministerial strategy. Download here The chair of the Council is Dr Wilson Nzimande (no relation to the minister, as he pointedly made clear) representing FET Colleges through the South African College Principals Organisation (SACPO).

For me it was a significant station in a seven year journey, or as I put it to a few people I talked to, I felt that I had now been released at last from a a sentence of seven years hard labour.

Small ironies

1. Adrienne Bird, currently acting Deputy Director General of Skills Development in the Dept of HET, was appointed acting CEO of the new body.

2. The launch took place in the same room as which Services SETA held their first Skills Summit in May 2008. This was one of the first time many of the role players in the training industry got to hear some the detailed policy proposals. At that presentation by a number of people in the task team we were attacked for doing anything without consulting them. The tem was primarily providers.

November 2009

As of 1 November 2009 The Skills Development section was moved from the Ministry of Labour to the new Ministry of Higher Education and Training . Minister Nzimande released a statement to provide some indication of the future direction.

Download Media Statement

Legislation

2008

National Qualifications Framework Act, (Act No. 67 of 2008) Download

Skills Development Act (Act. No.37 of 2008) Download

QCTO documents - 2008

Draft policy documents

Occupational Qualifications Framework - Draft Policy for the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. Download

Quality Assurance Framework - Draft Policy for the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. Download

Information documents - 2008

Introduction to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Download

QCTO - Frequently Asked Questions Download

National Policy documents

2007

Enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of the National Qualifications Framework. Joint policy statement by the Ministers of Education and Labour.

Download

2003

An Interdependent National Qualifications Framework system – Consultative Document from the Departments of Education & Labour
This proposed three Quality Councils including one for Trades, Occupations and Professions (TOP-QC)

Download

Some Papers

Q Africa 2007: Occupational Qualifications Framework Paper | Presentation

Q Africa 2005: Occupational Qualifications on the NQF : Communities of Mistrust? Presentation | Paper