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ISETT SETA: Quality Assurance Toolkit

A toolkit was developed to support the quality assurance (QA) of Training Providers in the information systems, electronics and telecommunication technologies (ISETT) focus grouping.

The QA requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority and the ISETT SETA were the terms of reference.

INTRODUCTION

There is a proliferation of quality assurance toolkits worldwide. An ISETT specific toolkit regarding the quality assurance of training provision, however, could not be found.

Since the inception of the ISETT Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), 125 Training Providers in the ISETT focus grouping have been approved. This approval status can be used by the approved Training Providers to create confidence among their clients in their ability to deliver goods and services that meet the client’s requirements.

The need for a Toolkit emerged from discussions held in mid 2001 by the ISETT SETA Quality Assurance (QA) management. The following concerns and needs became apparent:

The lack of awareness, amongst stakeholders, of the legislative requirements with respect to the Department of Labour, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Skills Development Act (SDA).

The need for SDA and SAQA information

The difficulty in obtaining the relevant information from a single source, that also provided a link with the ISETT SETA QA services offered in support of skills development.

The ISETT SETA QA process for the approval of short course training provision by Training Providers in the ISETT sector required more detailed guideline documentation.

The difference between the Approval and the Accreditation process of a Training Provider was not clear to stakeholders.

The need for information on, and clarification of, the Quality Management process.

The need for a value-adding service from the ISETT SETA.

To address these concerns and needs, an ISETT SETA ETQA Toolkit development project was launched, which was approved by the ISETT SETA Board, and supported by the ISETT SETA ETQA functional committee.

The ISETT SETA ETQA, in partnership with Reevell and Scholtz Holdings (Pty) Ltd, developed this ISETT-specific Toolkit, which offers a wide range of features. Through this Toolkit, we aim to enhance service delivery to our customers.

We are confident that it will not only assist in meeting our stakeholders’ information needs, but that it will also provide a structured quality management implementation tool that can be applied by entry level enterprises, as well as established enterprises.

TOOLKIT CHARACTERISTICS

The Toolkit is supported in electronic format by utilizing software applications and document files.

The Toolkit addresses legislative requirements with respect to the Department of Labour, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Skills Development Act (SDA).

Information is supplied on ISETT SETA QA services offered in support of skills development.

The methodologies of the processes regarding Approval and Accreditation of Training Providers are imbedded in a process flow and explained.

The methodology of the registration process regarding assessors and moderators is imbedded in a process flow and explained.

Guidance on a developmental approach to Quality Management, through a process approach, is detailed.

TOOLKIT WORKFLOW EXAMPLE

TOOLKIT PILOTS AND VALIDATION

The Toolkit was evaluated and validated by application during pilots with selected users. Formal inspection and review of pilot results were held to effect corrective action.

TOOLKIT LAUNCHES

The Toolkit was launched in Mauritius to an international audience during the International Vocational Educational and Training Association’s conference in July 2002.