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WORKPLACE APPROVAL FOR OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS


Workplace approval for Occupational Qualifications is a process by which a company or site is approved by a relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) to host learners to obtain the required workplace exposure whilst accruing an Occupational Certificate. Learners enrolled for Occupational Qualifications are required to log workplace hours in order to apply for and be eligible to do an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA). Each Occupational Qualification has its own workplace approval and approval is required for both full and part occupational qualifications.


In order for companies/sites to apply for workplace approval certain components of the actual company/site need to be evaluated. This evaluation is done by the relevant SETA and requires the following, but is not limited to:


1.     Company/Site Resources:

The company/site (employer) requires office equipment, relevant practical facilities, internet access, record record-keeping mechanism, and storage for records (strongroom).


2.     Mentors:

Each workplace must have mentors (qualified individuals in the relevant occupation). Letters of appointment of these mentors, their curriculum vitae, and relevant qualifications must be submitted as part of the workplace approval application process.


3.     Legal compliance:

The employer must have a Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COIDA) letter of good standing, Occupational Health and Safety certificate and declaration of compliance, and a payment declaration (EMP201) in which the employer declares that total payment together with the allocation for pay-as-you-earn (PAYE), Skills Development Levy (SDL), and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and or Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) to the South African Revenue Services (SARS).


4.     Workplace suitability and host sites:

The workplace must have access to public transport, and restrooms, and be compliant with COVID-19 regulations.


The above is all accessed to measure the employer’s competencies to obtain workplace approval and to host learners.


Applying for workplace approval

An employer who wishes to apply for workplace approval must express interest via email – workplaceapplications@serviceseta.org.za. The relevant application forms will be communicated to the employer and once completed, it will need to be returned using the same email address. When applying for workplace approval, along with the application form(s), the company will need to provide its full company details as per registration, company representative details, contact number(s), and physical address information.


Along with the application form(s) and proof of company registration, the following documents will also need to be submitted:


  • COIDA certificate;

  • UIF compliance certificate;

  • OHS Declaration form; and

  • Mentor Matrix.


Appointment of mentors

The employer must provide mentors to the learners. The mentor/learner ratio is 1:10 learners, i.e., one mentor per 10 learners, or as stipulated in the qualification. A mentor must have relevant work experience and/or a qualification relevant to the experiential learning the learner must receive.


The mentor matrix must include the following:

  • The mentor’s name and surname;

  • Year’s experience;

  • Designation; and

  • Qualification level for each mentor.


Mentors must be available during monitoring visits by the relevant SETA, and the minimum mentor and learner interaction must be monthly.


The workplace approval standard operating procedure

Site visit

Physical and or virtual site visits are conducted by the relevant SETA. An employer must attend the virtual site visit to virtually show the various sites (if virtual). Each workplace must be evaluated in order for approval to be considered. The employer representative and mentor representative must also be present.


The site visit will test the site for the following criteria:

  • Company resources (office equipment, facilities, internet access, and record keeping/storage);

  • Legal compliance;

  • Workplace suitability; and

  • Mentorship compliance.


Remediation

Where an application for workplace approval is not complete, the employer has 21 days from inspection to remediate the gaps. An extension of the 21 days may be requested formally in writing. Non-compliance after 21 days will result in the application being declined.


Compliant application

Approved workplaces will receive formal workplace approval letters from the relevant SETA. Each employer will be issued with a unique workplace approval number. The application will be specific to each qualification for which the workplace approval is granted, and if the employer wishes to extend its scope, a new application must be submitted. An employer with multiple workplaces needs to apply for approval for each individual workplace.


Occupational Qualifications in the Personal Care Sector

Currently, there are 2 (two) occupational qualifications registered with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Services SETA is the Development Quality Partner for both of these qualifications.


1.     Occupational Certificate Hairdresser – SAQA ID: 102497 (540 credits)

Workplace experience modules – 324 credits = 3240 hours (1 credit = 10 hours)


List of Work Experience Module Specifications

  • 514101100-WM-01, Provide shampooing, conditioning, and treatment of hair and scalp services in a hair salon, NQF Level 2, Credits 25

  • 514101100-WM-02, Provide hairstyling services in a hair salon, NQF Level 4, Credits 91

  • 514101100-WM-03, Provide hair cutting services in a hair salon, NQF Level 4, Credits 100

  • 514101100-WM-04, Provide chemical hair treatment services in a hair salon, NQF Level 4, Credits 100

  • 514101100-WM-05, Maintain professional standards when interacting with clients, NQF Level 3, Credits 8


Criteria for Workplace Approval


Physical Requirements:

  • A functional hair salon

  • Adequate equipment and tools

  • A range of hair treatment products

  • A minimum average client service level of 25 per week


Human Resource Requirements:

  • A qualified hairdresser who has achieved a trade test certificate


Legal Requirements:

  • The salon must meet national and local health, safety, and environmental protection by-laws or regulations



2.     Occupational Certificate Beauty Therapist – SAQA ID: 121607 (158 credits)

Workplace experience modules – 32 credits = 320 hours (1 credit = 10 hours)


List of Work Experience Modules Specifications

  • 514201-001-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures for a Manual Skincare Routine, Level 4, 8 Credits.

  • 514201-001-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures for a Manicure and Pedicure Treatment, Level 4, 3 Credits.

  • 514201-001-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures for a Temporary Hair Removal Routine, Level 4, 4 Credits.

  • 514201-001-00-WM-04, Processes and Procedures for a Make-Up Application, Level 4, 3 Credits.

  • 514201-001-00-WM-05, Processes and Procedures for an Eyelash and Eyebrow Tint and Eyebrow Shaping Treatment, Level 4, 2 Credits.

  • 514201-001-00-WM-06, Processes and Procedures for a Body Massage, Level 4, 4 Credits.

  • 514201-001-00-WM-07, Processes and Procedures for a Body Treatment, Level 4, 8 Credits.


Criteria for Workplace Approval

This is yet to be determined as the qualification allows for the Skills Development Provider (SDP) to provide a simulated workplace experience which requirements may differ from an actual workplace experience.






 

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