QCTO is Driving a Skills Revolution in South Africa

At AIE, we believe that education must go beyond the classroom - it must create opportunities for real, sustainable employment. That’s why we welcome the work being done by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which is reshaping South Africa’s education system to match the needs of modern industry and tackle the country’s unemployment challenge head-on.

According to a recent News24 report, the QCTO is spearheading a major transformation by aligning qualifications directly with occupations.

“Every qualification we register must be tied directly to an occupation, with clear outcomes that align with industry needs,” explains Vijayen Naidoo, CEO of the QCTO. “This ensures South Africa develops a capable workforce fit for both local and global challenges.”

Practical, job-ready training

Unlike traditional academic pathways, QCTO qualifications combine theory, practical training, and workplace exposure, capped with a national standardised assessment to ensure graduates are genuinely job-ready.

As Thapelo Molefe, an instrumentation technician, told News24 after completing his QCTO-aligned training:

“This isn’t about passing exams; it’s about proving you have the skills to deliver on the job. That practical focus gave me the confidence I needed to secure a job.”

Already, 48 TVET campuses across the country have been accredited as assessment centres, with 61 more approved to offer occupational programmes. Nationwide, more than 130 occupational skills programmes are available through public institutions -demonstrating a clear shift towards practical, industry-driven learning.

Phasing out outdated qualifications

To keep training relevant, the QCTO is overseeing a gradual move away from legacy qualifications, many of which date back to the 1990s. According to Government Gazette No. 50742, most older qualifications officially expired in June 2023, with final enrolments allowed until 2027 and completions until 2029.

While transitional extensions are in place to ensure fairness, Naidoo is clear about the Council’s direction:

“The future of training in South Africa is occupational. No one will be left behind, but outdated qualifications must make way for programmes that add real value.”

Public and private adoption

The QCTO is also working to accelerate adoption through capacity-building initiatives, resulting in an 88% increase in External Integrated Summative Assessments in the past financial year alone.

This shift has gained strong momentum in the private sector as well. Employers are seeing real benefits from the alignment between skills and workplace needs.

“We’ve long faced a mismatch between graduate capabilities and job needs,” says Johan van der Merwe, an HR manager in manufacturing. “These new qualifications are finally closing that gap.”

A National Priority – and a Shared Vision

The QCTO’s mission ties directly into South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which prioritises inclusion, skills development, and job creation. A key part of this effort is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing workers with informal or on-the-job experience to earn formal certification and unlock career growth.

At AIE’s School of Artisans and Trades, we are proud to be part of this national drive by offering Occupational Certificates that prepare students for in-demand careers. Our NQF4 programmes include:

• Electrician
• Diesel Mechanic
• Automotive Motor Mechanic
• Transport Electrician (Automotive Electrician)
• Welder
• Boilermaker
• Fitter and Turner
• Millwright
• Plumber

By aligning directly with the QCTO framework, these qualifications give learners the hands-on skills, workplace readiness, and national recognition they need to succeed in industries where demand for qualified artisans remains high.

Like the QCTO, we believe that every South African deserves access to an education that leads to real opportunities. At AIE, we’re committed to turning that vision into reality - one qualified artisan at a time.

At AIE, we are proud to align with this national vision. By focusing on industry-relevant, future-ready education, we aim to empower our students with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to thrive in South Africa’s evolving economy.

To read the News24 article: https://www.news24.com/brandstory/partner-content/how-qcto-is-qualifying-a-skilled-and-capable-workforce-20250718-1006