The following article, looking at the QCTO deadline and the expiry of NQF legacy qualifications, implications and strategies for employers, is written by Roland Innes, MD at DYNA Training, and Leigh-Ann Revill, CEO and principal at Chartall Business College. This is part two of a two-part article.

What are the next steps for employers now?
Instead of panicking ahead of the deadline, it is important for employers to remain calm, and assess their next moves considering the three options available to them.
- Make provisional registration to take advantage of the teach-out period
Employers can choose to provisionally register learners on legacy qualifications before the deadline. This allows them to take advantage of the three-year teach-out period ending 30 June 2027. This option offers some risk mitigation and allows for a smoother transition. Provisional registration involves uploading learners related to legacy qualifications before the deadline to secure a position within the teach-out period. The application process involves providing essential documents such as certified copies of IDs and the highest school leaving certificate.
- Await ministerial determination for an extension
Employers can also wait for a potential ministerial decision extending the lifespan of existing skills programmes and legacy qualifications. However, this approach carries significant risk as there is no guarantee of extension. Employers are strongly cautioned against relying solely on this option due to its uncertainty. Many employers, professional bodies and providers have already submitted applications for such extensions but at this point, the outcome is still unclear.
- Align with existing QCTO-accredited qualifications and skills programmes
The third, and most viable, option is for organisations to work with their Skills Development Provider (SDP) to identify relevant existing qualifications or skills programmes on the OQSF. In cases where there is not a direct match, employers can collaborate with SDPs to align a unit standard-based programme to the requirements of a skills programme which can then be accredited by the QCTO. Such alignment allows for the creation of customised programmes, ensuring a tailored approach to the employer’s needs.
Source: DYNA Training