Now that the WSP submission rush is over and the latest SETA learnership extensions are out, many companies are asking the same question: Who do we trust to deliver real results on our training and skills development plans?

It’s a smart question – and one we hear every day. With QCTO occupational qualifications becoming the new standard and a sea of training providers out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The truth? Not all providers are created equal. Some are doing incredible work, changing lives and lifting skills. But some provides talk a good game but fall short when it counts.

So how do you tell the difference? Here are five red flags we always tell clients to look out for when choosing a provider:

1. Be Wary of Bargain-Basement Pricing
   If a training provider is offering a learnership at a rock-bottom price, it’s a red flag. Proper training takes resources – facilitators, assessors, admin support, training venues and hands-on workplace learning. If it’s cheap, it’s probably because something important is missing.
2. Watch out for “Quick-Fix” Programmes
   Learnerships linked to QCTO occupational certificates or SETA-accredited qualifications take time. You can’t shortcut a 12-month programme and expect learners to come out job-ready. If a provider says they can wrap things up in six or eight months, especially with full-time learnerships, it’s a sign they’re cutting corners.
3. You Should Always Know Where Your Learners Are
   You should be able to visit the training site, talk to your learners and get honest feedback. If your provider makes that difficult, or learners seem to vanish when you arrive, it’s time to ask some tough questions because something’s not right.
4. Stipends Should Be Fair
   Learners, specially unemployed learners, deserve a stipend that meets the national minimum wage. It’s not just about compliance. It’s about dignity. If a provider suggests paying less, that should raise questions about how seriously they take the learner’s journey.
5. It’s All In the Numbers
   A quality training provider will give you clear, regular reporting: attendance, progress, assessments, challenges and completions. If reporting is vague, infrequent or non-existent, it’s a major concern. With the QCTO’s rigorous compliance standards and increased oversight from the SETA’s, detailed record-keeping is more important than ever.

“A good training provider doesn’t just help you tick boxes. They help you build something real. We’ve seen how the right learnership can change lives, and how the wrong one can waste time, money and potential,” says Andre. “The difference is in the detail and in the delivery. To meet your targets, build real skills and make a lasting impact, businesses have to choose wisely.”

At Ubuhle, we take your Skills Development seriously. We will help you make sense of your next move, whether it’s aligning with QCTO qualifications, extended learnership timelines, funding and B-BBEE compliance so that your investment in training not only builds a talent pipeline for your business but makes a difference.

Want to talk it through?
Book an obligation free session with Andre or Carlo to discuss your Skills Development needs. No pressure, just smart advice on where to go next.