Additional Grants for Pivotal Programmes

ADDITIONAL GRANTS FOR PIVOTAL PROGRAMMES

Following the allocation of Discretionary Grants to all W&RSETA companies based on the Strategic Plan, the W&RSETA has approved an additional grant to address specific areas of need identified in the SSP (Sector Skills Plan). Participation by Wholesale and Retail companies in the identified programmes will greatly assist in closing the Scarce Skills gap in the Wholesale & Retail sector in South Africa.

Large and Medium companies are therefore invited to apply for this additional grant by completing the commitment form that is posted on the W&RSETA website http://www.wrseta.org.za and attached to the received e-mail. The commitment form must be returned by e-mail to on or before close of business (17H00) on the 26th March 2014.

It is important to note that the applications will be processed on a first come first served basis. What this means is that the grants will be allocated as and when the applications are received and processed.

Grants will be allocated to companies that will implement programmes in the following strategic areas:

1.  Artisan Training (All trades including butchers and bakers) – R42100.00 per learner p.a. for a learnerships or apprenticeships

2.  Artisan Training (All trades including butchers and bakers) – R 22500 per learner per Skills Programme.

3.  HET Graduate Placement (Workplace Experience) – R 3 500.00 per learner per month. Minimum employment period 6 months.

4.  FET Graduate Placement (Workplace Experience) – R 3 000.00 per learner per month. Minimum employment period 6 months.

5.  Internships (Workplace Training required by learners in order to qualify for a Diploma/Degree) – R 2500.00 per learner per month

6.  Learnerships (NQF 3, 4 and 5) – R 39000.00 per learner p.a.

7.  Bursaries for NQF 5 Retail Management Certificate qualification at Higher Education Institutions. – R 50000.00 per learner p.a.

APPLICATION PROCESS

·  Employers should send the signed commitment form to the W&RSETA by no later than 26th March 2014, indicating the following:

o  Number of learners to be hosted

o  Programmes to be implemented

·  Employers to source their own learners

·  Training must happen in the 2014/15 financial year

PAYMENT STRUCTURE

The following criteria are applicable prior to any grant payment:

·  The commitment form signed by the Employer and the W&RSETA

·  Payments will be made in tranches based on pre-determined criteria that are published on the website http://www.wrseta.org.za

·  Fully completed grant claim form

·  Verification Report (1st tranche payment only) – Conducted by the W&RSETA

·  Monitoring Report

·  Implementation Plan and Outcomes

·  Proof of 3 months graduate stipend payments (applicable for second and subsequent tranche payment)

Learner Stipends will be paid in advance for three months into the Employer’s bank accounts.

Closing Date for the commitment form is close of business (15H00) 26th March 2014 to be scanned and submitted (by e-mail) to .