Newsflash May 2019/1

What is the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)?

APPETD recently sent out a survey to members about WSP submission and we have realised that many institutions are unaware of what a WSP is or how it works. Here is a brief explanation to assist undrstanding.

A WSP is an organisation’s articulated training plan (Workplace Skills Plan) for the period in question. This plan relates to the training and development initiatives that are planned to be undertaken during the year. The purpose of workplace skills planning is to define how organisations will address skills development and training requirements within the working environment. It further supports employers in the recognition and implementation of skills development programmes which specifically deal with existing skills gaps within the business.  A well-structured and effective WSP is based on the skills needs of the organisation and should take into account both current and future needs as well as seeking to address any skills gaps identified through:

• Skills audit(s)
• Performance management structure(s) and system(s)
• Succession planning
• Any new process or technology changes planned for the forthcoming year

A WSP is developed annually – for the period 01 April to 31 March – by a registered skills development facilitator (SDF) who may be either employed or contracted by the company and is submitted to the SETA with which the organisation is registered.  Why complete the WSP?

• To claim your mandatory grant: You will qualify to recover 20% of your Skills Development Levies already paid (the 1% payroll value that goes to SARS and then the SETAs if your annual payroll value is R500 000 or greater)
• To gain B-BBEE points: Submission accrues points to the company’s B-BBEE scorecard  
• To recover expenditure: unemployed and employed learnerships can result in Section 12 tax rebates

 Submission is not compulsory by law but failure to do so could result in:

• Zero points earned for Skills Development on the company B-BBEE scorecard
• Forfeiture of Mandatory and Discretionary Grants
• Unsuccessful tender bids due to not meeting pre-qualifying criteria

 References:
https://boti.co.za/workplace-skills-plan-wsp/
https://www.etdpseta.org.za/education/sites/default/files/2017-07/2016-2017-ETDP-SETA-Skills-Planning-Guide-on-Scarce-and-Critical-Skills.pdf
https://www.nkr.co.za/blog/2019/2/15/skills-development-seta-submission-the-what-and-why

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