Anyone who has looked at a Workplace Skills Plan has seen the terms PIVOTAL and non-PIVOTAL. They sound technical, but the idea is simple, and it affects which training SETAs are most willing to fund.
What PIVOTAL means
PIVOTAL stands for Professional, Vocational, Technical and Academic Learning. These are programmes that lead to a registered qualification or part-qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), usually combining classroom learning with workplace experience. Examples include:
- Learnerships and apprenticeships
- Internships and work-integrated learning linked to a qualification
- Bursaries towards a recognised qualification
- Credit-bearing skills programmes
What non-PIVOTAL means
Non-PIVOTAL training is everything else that builds skills but doesn’t lead to a registered qualification: short courses, workshops, online courses, product and systems training, compliance training such as health and safety, and soft skills like communication and leadership.
Why the difference matters
SETAs are required to put the bulk of their discretionary grant funding (generally at least 80%) towards PIVOTAL programmes, because they address the country’s scarce and critical skills. So if you’re hoping for discretionary funding, PIVOTAL programmes are where it usually goes.
But don’t ignore non-PIVOTAL training. It still counts in your WSP and ATR, supports your mandatory grant claim, can count towards B-BBEE Skills Development spend, and is often what your team needs day to day.
Getting the balance right
- Use non-PIVOTAL training to close everyday skills gaps quickly and affordably, across the whole team.
- Use PIVOTAL programmes for longer-term development: building qualified people for key roles, and for learnerships that may attract SETA funding and B-BBEE recognition.
- Record both properly, with the right classification, in your WSP and ATR.
How ROI Consultants helps
Our online catalogue covers the everyday, non-PIVOTAL skills most teams need, with unlimited access on every plan. On your dashboard you can mark external training as PIVOTAL or non-PIVOTAL, track learnerships, and see both on your WSP and ATR. Talk to us about planning the right mix for your business.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and deadlines can differ between SETAs and change over time, so confirm details with your SETA, SDF or B-BBEE verification agency.