Understanding the Accredited Training Landscape in South Africa
The first aid training landscape has yet again seen changes.
Effective 1 July 2024, South African first aid training providers operate under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The SETAs such as TETA and HWSETA have historically overseen both qualifications and workplace skills programs (WSPs). Since the changes, although the QCTO has taken over the quality assurance functions signalling a shift in responsibility, the SETAs are working alongside them.
Risks of Non-Accreditation
Failure to secure QCTO accreditation will impact first aid service providers in that they will not be allowed to offer their training. Non-compliant training providers that continue operating without the proper accreditation may face serious legal consequences, including deregistration. Both QCTO and SETAs, in their roles as quality assurance partners, will hold providers accountable for compliance.
Legal action can be taken against non-compliant organisations, and their ability to operate as a training provider could be jeopardized.
Unlike the SETAs who offer blanket accreditation to service providers operating out of several offices at different geographical locations, QCTO accreditation is centre/location specific.
St John has eleven training centres across the country and each centre has been inspected by QCTO, has passed their stringent inspection and are therefore fully compliant.
Each year we train thousands of South Africans in first aid and community health.
Commerce and industry, government departments, the military and members of the public trust St John training courses to provide them with the right skills so they can assist in times of emergency at work, home and play.
We are accredited by the Health and Welfare SETA as well as the Department of Labour and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).