Strategies for Effective Management of Funded Learnerships. Managing funded learnerships from different Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) can be challenging, especially when conflicting interests arise among different learnership groups. Here’s some advice on how to practice damage control.
Funded Learnerships From Different SETAs
Different SETA Learnership Stipends for Funded Learnerships
Stipend allocations can be different across SETAs as some operate in industries that allow higher stipends.
- When multiple SETAs fund the same qualification, disparities in stipend amounts can cause conflict among learners.
- This can occur when one provider obtains learnership funding for a qualification from different SETAs.
- This happens when the learnership or apprenticeship targets skill shortages that fall under multiple SETAs. Thus resulting in different budget allocations for the same learnership.
- For instance, one SETA may allocate R15,000 per learner, while another may allocate R18,000 for that same learnership qualification.
Navigating Disparities: Mitigating Conflict on Funded Learnerships
To foster harmony and minimize grievances among learners, proactive steps must be taken:
- Negotiate Fair Stipends:
- Actively negotiate stipends for learners, striving to avoid amounts below R2,500.
- Clearly Define Rules and Responsibilities:
- Establish transparent rules regarding stipends and articulate the reasons for funding variations across interventions.
- Prevent Misinformation:
- Communicate stipend details upfront, incorporating them into recruitment advertisements and pre-interview discussions.
- Clarify Contractual Expectations:
- Simplify contractual expectations, providing learners with a clear copy of their contracts and referencing them during discussions.
- Adopt a Flexible Approach:
- Avoid adopting a rigid stance on stipend issues, recognizing the need for flexibility based on individual circumstances.
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Prioritizing Learner Interests
Those responsible for stipend disbursement must prioritize learners’ best interests and understand their unique contexts:
Contextual Considerations:
- Understand Learner Contexts:
- Empathize with learners by understanding their individual contexts and addressing challenges they may encounter.
- Facilitate Communication:
- Encourage open communication and seek feedback from learners to identify ways to enhance their overall experience.
- Accommodate Unique Needs:
- Recognize that legislated stipend minimums are not rigid rules; accommodate additional needs such as dress codes or special requirements for disabled candidates.
Promoting Fairness, Transparency, and Discussion on Funded Learnerships
In the larger context of economic growth and citizens’ prosperity, maintaining fairness and transparency is crucial:
Business-specific Considerations:
- Corporate Contexts:
- In corporate environments with specific dress codes, integrate these considerations into stipend calculations.
- Diverse Needs:
- Acknowledge and accommodate diverse needs, such as different transport requirements for disabled candidates.
Promoting Sustainable Growth:
Ensuring fair, transparent, and communicative management of funded learnerships is pivotal for sustaining businesses and meeting the evolving needs of our communities. Let’s cultivate an accredited community that fosters growth while prioritizing learner prosperity.
Hi I was in a learnership at one of the big banks in 2016, when the learnership ended we were a given another slightly different learnership contract, so I have been on 2 learnership for 2 consecutive years now. our contract is ending in 2 weeks and instead of taking us permanent, they are replacing us with other learners. we were not treated fairly from the beginning, we are forced to work over time, public holidays and night shift without an allowance and transport. I want to know if I can go to labour or ccma to lodge a complain, if I might have a case against the bank?
Report it to the CCMA, BankSETA and the DHET, also go to the banking union.