FAQs

In terms of our programme, an apprentice is anyone who is in a work-based learning program. This includes learnerships, internships, and traditional artisan in a technical learning program such as an Electrical Apprenticeship.

All companies that pay Skills Development levy to a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) through their monthly SARS payments.

This is obligatory to all employers who have a payroll of over R500 000 per annum. Anyone above this threshold who does not contribute skills levy is therefore in breach of the Skills Development Levies Act.

ALL economic sectors.

However, the Western Cape Government is particularly focussed on supporting the following prioritised economic growth sectors of the province; Agriprocessing, Oil and Gas, Tourism, ICT and Energy (including water).

However, all sectors can actually take on Apprentices.

These sectors have been prioritised under the current economic growth strategy of the Western Cape Government called Project Khulisa.

Yes. This may be funded out of the business. Sometimes a SETA or another Government department may fund the stipend.

Yes. You can contact our Red Reduction Tape Unit who will link you to our Apprenticeship team who will guide you in applying for available government grants provincially or through the relevant SETAs. Contact us on: 0861 888 126 or at redtape@westerncape.gov.za.

There are range of benefits including:

• Apprentices give you an extra pair of hands.
• It allows you to assess young talent before taking them on formally as an employee on a permanent basis.
• Apprentices have been globally proven to increase the productivity of businesses while increasing the employer’s the talent pipeline.
• Apprentices are self-funding and cheaper resources with long term growth potential.
• Apprentices are often funded by SETAs or through Tax allowances (deductions), thus reducing Total Cost of Employment while improving the company’s BBBEE Scorecard.

No, as long as there is a work station and the requisite tools of trade in the workplace per apprentice taken. SETAs usually audit in their ‘workplace approval’ process for learners they fund.

Yes. A mentor can be shared among a few apprentices. In some instances, mentors rotate between a few small employers to ensure adequate support is given to the apprentice while the business owner can still focus on his primary duties. Larger workplaces are usually in a position to allocate a mentor to a group of apprentices.

No. This is strongly discouraged and suicidal for the productivity of a business as experience would be lost abruptly and unfairly in respect of good practice in labour relations. Unions would also challenge unfair replacement of their members and this can cause unnecessarily labour unrest.

In fact, when apprentices are funded by a SETA or any other government agency, the SETA ensures that the employer has not reduced the staff count by more than 10% in the previous financial year before approving the grant.

The Apprenticeship Game changer is one of seven (7) Game Changers prioritised by the Western Cape Government.

At the start of this term, we recognised that creating a skills pathway opportunities for young people is of the utmost importance.

Currently, there are thousands of learners dropping out of school or matriculating who have no study or job prospects.

We believe that Apprenticeships can offer young people the key first step onto the career ladder.

t also has a crucial role to play in decreasing unemployment, increasing individual and company productivity and enhancing economic growth.

The main goal of the Apprenticeship Game Changer is to achieve sufficient, appropriately qualified technical and vocational skilled people to meet the needs of prioritised economic growth areas in the Western Cape.

Yes. In, particular when they take on learners on a learnership or apprenticeship registered with a SETA.

S12H of the Income Tax details other tax deduction benefits for implementing learnerships. Some employers also make use of the Youth Wage Subsidy also referred to as the (Y)ETI /Youth Employment Tax Incentive.

A company’s SDF or BBBEE Consultant would be able to advise in detail on the options available. Our apprenticeship speclialists can also guide.

On the SARS website. Or email us at redtape@westerncape.gov.za for more information.

On the SARS website as well as articles in most business publications on effective compliance with the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good practice.

You can visit your local SARS office and they will guide you. Or you can get your accountant to make contact with SARS and register. Before you register, you must look at your business and decide on which SETA you want to register with? The basic guidelines are on the SARS website.

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You must pick the business sector where at least 60% of your employees are working and then register with that SETA. You can go to any SARS office to receive assistance or get your accountant to process the registration on your behalf.

Once you have registered and submitted your Work Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) to the SETA, you qualify for a mandatory grant refund. In addition, you can they apply for Discretionary grants when your SETA makes those available to compliant members.