Transformation in training

Since its inception in 2006, Driving Sense has witnessed and adapted to significant shifts in the training industry landscape. Initially focusing on driver training, the company soon realised the market’s evolving demands and shifted towards statutory and legislative training. This includes forklift, first aid, firefighting, and health and safety training.

The seeds for Driving Sense were sown from Natalie Rodrigues’ 11-year tenure at Super Group’s Truck Rental Division. Here, she honed her expertise and gained invaluable insights into the transport industry. Her experiences unveiled a glaring market gap: the acute need for skilled drivers and lifting operators. This was the catalyst for the founding of Driving Sense in 2006. 

At the time, the South African road transport industry was grappling with a significant skills deficit. An increasing market demand in the road freight sector often led transporters to employ under-skilled drivers or – in more concerning scenarios – drivers with poor driving histories. This not only posed risks in terms of road safety, but also impacted the overall productivity and cost-effectiveness of the transport sector.

Driving Sense’s initial focus on driver training expanded as it identified a growing demand for legislative training. Businesses increasingly sought certifications in areas like forklift operation, first aid, firefighting, and health and safety – not necessarily for the skills imparted, but often for compliance purposes. This shift reflected a broader trend in the industry, towards a more holistic approach to workplace safety and regulation adherence.

As with Driving Sense, the South African training landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with a shift from the Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta) skills programmes to Qualifications Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualifications. This change carries profound implications for customers, or learners, who are seeking occupational and trade-related qualifications.

Previously, the Seta were responsible for accrediting Skills Development Providers (SDPs) for various skills programmes. However, under the new system, this responsibility has been transferred to the QCTO. This change means that only the QCTO will now accredit SDPs for both occupational and trades-related qualifications.

This has various implications for customers:

• Enhanced quality and relevance: The QCTO’s primary focus is on occupational qualifications, closely aligning training programmes with industry needs. This means customers can expect more relevant training directly applicable to their chosen fields. 
• Unified standards: With the QCTO as the sole accrediting body, there will be a more consistent standard of training across various institutions. This uniformity ensures that customers receive a consistent quality of education and training, regardless of their chosen SDP. 
• Improved assurance of competency: The QCTO’s rigorous accreditation process gives customers greater confidence in the competency of the SDPs. This assurance is crucial in fields demanding a high level of skill and expertise. 
• Monitoring by Seta: While Seta no longer accredits programmes, it still plays a crucial role in monitoring the quality of service provided by the SDPs. This ensures that training providers maintain high standards and any customer grievances are promptly addressed.
• Future-proofing skills: As industries evolve, the QCTO’s focus on current and emerging occupational needs means that customers will gain skills that are not only relevant today, but also adaptable for future industry demands.

The training landscape also faces various challenges:

• Compliance vs. competence: One of the primary challenges is a customer mindset of seeking certifications more for compliance rather than for the actual skills and safety knowledge. This can undermine the primary goal of such training: to ensure competent, safe, and effective operations in the workplace.
• Educational preparedness of learners: Ensuring that learners possess the appropriate level of education before entering a programme remains a hurdle. Training effectiveness can be compromised if learners are not adequately prepared for the course content, impacting their ability to fully grasp and apply the skills taught.
• Underestimation of medical assessments: Particularly in forklift training, businesses often overlook the importance of medical evaluations. These assessments are crucial for determining a learner’s fitness for operating such equipment, a factor vital for safety and regulatory compliance.

These challenges can be addressed in the following ways:

• Educating customers: Driving Sense educates businesses on the importance of training beyond mere compliance, highlighting the long-term benefits of having skilled operators who contribute to safety and efficiency. 
• Pre-training assessments: Implementation can help ensure that learners are at the appropriate educational level for the programme they are entering, thereby enhancing the training’s effectiveness.

Advocating for comprehensive health assessments: Driving Sense can advocate for the necessity of medical evaluations, especially in lifting equipment training, to ensure learner fitness and compliance with safety standards.

Conclusion

The transition from Seta to QCTO qualifications marks a significant shift in South Africa’s training landscape. For customers, this change brings a promise of higher quality, more relevant training programmes that are closely aligned with industry needs and standards. While adapting to this new system may require some adjustments, the long-term benefits for learners seeking occupational and trade qualifications are substantial, ensuring a more competent and skilled workforce for the future.

Driving Sense’s journey reflects the dynamic nature of the training industry and the need for continuous adaptation to meet evolving market demands. While challenges like balancing compliance with genuine skill development, ensuring learner preparedness, and advocating for necessary health assessments persist, the company’s commitment to high-quality training and safety remains steadfast.