The importance of having a dedicated Workplace Skills Plan has been identified as a priority element under the Amended Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes of Good Practice. In essence, this means that businesses should place due emphasis on skills development to meet the sub-minimum requirements of the B-BBEE scorecard element.

What is a Workplace Skills Plan?

The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) should document the skills needs of a company and describe the range of skills development interventions that the organisation will use to address these needs.

By complying with legislative requirements, a company is granted access to the various SETA grants available for skills training. However, in order to qualify for these grants, organisations must also ensure that their Annual Training Reports (ATR) are also submitted. This report shows your progress against your last WSP.

What is the purpose of workplace skills planning?

The purpose of workplace skills planning is to outline how organisations will address their training and skills development requirements. Compiling a WSP ensures that training is not only reactive to needs that emerge but also speaks to the overall organisational strategy, as well as encourages a holistic and sustainable approach to skills development. A well-thought-out WSP will ensure that the skills that an organisation lacks are addressed.

What are the benefits of submitting a Workplace Skills Plan?

1. It will highlight the skills gaps in your company
2. It will highlight the employer’s intention to address these gaps and the initiatives taken
3. The SETA’s are able to compile their Sector Skills Plans and allow companies access to the various SETA grants
4. It encourages companies to have a well-rounded approach to skills development and training.

What are the consequences of failing to submit a Workplace Skills plan?

1. Zero points will be earned for the Skills Development element on the B-BBEE scorecard.
2. Forfeiture of Mandatory Grant (20% of your Skills Development levies spent to SARS) and Discretionary Grants (potential refunding of learnerships, internships and other training interventions).

Unsuccessful tender bids as tenders may be subject to rigorous pre-qualifying criteria such as submission of a WSP.

What is the ATR – Annual Training Report?

The Annual Training Report (ATR) will show the progress of your training in line with your submitted Workplace Skills Plan and accompanies the WSP. The report reflects the education, training and development that were implemented in the previous year.

 Putting together your organisation’s WSP and ATR documents can be challenging and labour-intensive. For more information on how our team can assist you with your submissions, kindly contact us on sales@bevolve.co.za or +27 (0)12 004 0578.