We deliver learnerships and skills programmes from level 1 to 6 in quality partnerships with the FoodBev SETA, merSETA and Services SETA. Since 2006, we have worked with most food manufacturers in South Africa and have earned the reputation of the ‘go-to’ provider in the sector.
This product range represents our roots. In the beginning, we ran one learnership for DGB, Distell, RFG and Tiger Brands. Today, we offer a range of learnerships from NQF 1 to 6 spanning the source, make, deliver components of the supply chain.
We are well placed to make the transition from SETA quality controlled learnerships to oversight by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
VALUE PROPOSITION
- Our learnership throughput rate is over 80%.
- We conduct readiness assessments to ensure that nominated learners have every chance of success.
- Our Project Managers deal with SETA hurdles.
- Regular reports keep managers appraised of learner progress.
If you work with Optimum you can be confident of three positive outcomes:
Real growth in competence of learners.
Maximisation of B-BBEE points, grants, and tax breaks.
Nationally recognised certification for successful learners.
In-house Learnerships
Our in-house learnerships align to each dimension of our zone — inbound logistics, manufacturing, outbound logistics and sales. To thrive in the FMCG sector, every learner needs a roadmap of growth. This is why we created the below ladder of learning, which aligns to each NQF level of an employee working in the manufacturing and supply chain industries.Through this ladder of learning, we offer a learning journey starting with an entry-level understanding of the learner’s operational role in their industry and organisation. As the learner progresses, each level of the ladder of learning delivers an increment of technical understanding that places them well to eventually manage an operation themselves.
NQF 1 (National Certificate)
NQF 2 (National Certificate)
NQF 3 (National Certificate)
- Inbound Logistics: Stores and Warehousing
- Manufacturing: Personal Leadership
- Manufacturing: Food & Beverage Packaging
- Manufacturing: Confectionary Manufacturing
- Manufacturing: Food Processing
- Manufacturing: Production Technology
- Outbound Logistics: Stores and Warehousing
NQF 4 (Further Education & Training Certificate)
- Supervisory Development
- Inbound Logistics: Inventory Control
- Inbound Logistics: Contact Centre
- Manufacturing: Production Technology
- Outbound Logistics: Inventory Control
- Outbound Logistics: Contact Centre
- Sales: Customer Management
NQF 5 (National Certificate)
NQF 6 (National Diploma)
Public Learnerships
Our public learnerships provide a convenient, generic solution to the FMCG sector. It offers you the opportunity to include a handful of candidates on set learnerships that provide a full learning experience without any extensive consultation. Simply pick a date and place and let us know!
See the table below for when the public learnerships are next starting. They are run from our training centres in Cape Town (Durbanville), Johannesburg (Northcliff) and Durban (Westville).
We don’t run all our learnerships on a public basis but those in the table below we do.
NQF 5 Manufacturing Management
- Cape Town: 9 January 2023
- Johannesburg: 9 January 2023
- Durban: 9 January 2023
NQF 4 Supervisor Development Programme
- Cape Town: 21 November 2022 / 13 March 2023
- Johannesburg: 21 November 2022 / 13 March 2023
- Durban: 21 November 2022 / 13 March 2023
NQF 4 Inventory Control
- Cape Town: 21 November 2022 / 13 March 2023
- Johannesburg: 21 November 2022 / 13 March 2023
- Durban: 21 November 2022 / 13 March 2023
NQF 3 Stores & Warehousing
- Cape Town: 14 November 2022 / 8 March 2023
- Johannesburg: 14 November 2022 / 8 March 2023
- Durban: 14 November 2022 / 8 March 2023
NQF 3 Personal Leadership
- Cape Town: 14 November 2022 / 8 March 2023
- Johannesburg: 14 November 2022 / 8 March 2023
- Durban: 14 November 2022 / 8 March 2023
Colour Accounting
- Cape Town: 9 February 2023 / 10 February 2023
- Johannesburg: 9 February 2023 / 10 February 2023
- Durban: 9 February 2023 / 10 February 2023
QCTO
A new era for skills development and qualifications in South Africa
After more than a decade of preparation, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is ready to take over its mandated functions from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Commencing on 30 June 2023, significant changes will take place that will affect the registration and validity of historical qualifications, which has particular significance for companies applying for discretionary grants for learnerships and skills programmes and preparing their workplace skills plan for 2024.
The QCTO Framework and what changes
The QCTO Framework brings a transformation in the education and training landscape, with each Sector and Training Authority (SETA) reporting to the QCTO under licence until 2030.
While continuing their essential functions such as Workplace Skills Plan (WPS), Annual Training Report (ATR), grant allocation, funding, learnerships, and phasing out historical qualifications, SETAs will also embrace additional responsibilities within the QCTO framework, serving as Development Quality Partners (DQP) and Assessment Quality Partners (AQP) for the development and assessment of newly registered occupational qualifications.
How will the QCTO reshape our Qualifications
The QCTO transition entails a fundamental shift from generic training to a strong emphasis on specificity within its qualifications.
The primary goal is to align qualifications with learners’ occupational profiles, thereby elevating the overall quality of training and subsequent certification.
This renewed occupational focus aims to empower learners with specialised skills that will directly benefit their careers.
Immediate implications for HR
One of the most significant changes affects historical qualifications, referred to as unit standards based or pre-2009 qualifications, which are set to expire. The registration of all historical qualifications ended on 30 June 2023, with a one-year phase-out period for learners to enrol up to and including 30 June 2024.
A teach-out period lasting until 30 June 2027 will be in effect to support learners that enrolled before 30 June 2024. However, after 30 June 2027, statements of results and certificates will no longer be issued for historical qualifications.
Your call to action
The much-anticipated transition is finally becoming a reality, marking a new era for skills development and qualifications in South Africa and it is crucial for stakeholders to be prepared for these changes.
We would like to share further insights on how you will be impacted, and the strategies Optimum has put in place to ensure a seamless transition.
If you would like to know more, please click on the ENQUIRE button below. You will be prompted to provide us with your contact details. Thereafter, we will be in touch, to share our action plan and guide you through the next steps.
ENQUIRE