Training takes many forms. At it's simplest workplace training happens when a junior employee watches over the shoulder of a more experienced employee as they put into practice the skills and expertise they've learnt on the job for many years.
However the modern workplace, and the requirements of larger employers, requires that there is some record-keeping and some more-formal approach to training in the workplace.
In the labour law system that was developed for the post-apartheid economy skills development legislation and policies were given a lot of attention. Research was done into best practices in a number of international territories and systems were put in place to formalise the training and skills recognition that would be needed for the SA economy to grow in the modern, skills-intensive business environment.
The country boasts a National Qualifications Framework, a network of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and a number of bodies that ensure the quality of the training and qualifications that are bestowed on individuals. In the workplace the relevant quality assurance body is the QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.
Practitioners in the industry are represented by various organizations. One of the larger ones is the ASDSA - Association for Skills Development in South Africa.
This organization has released a position paper to comment on one of the latest changes to the skills development system which impacts on First Aid training.
Companies that deliver training usually have to do two things. They need to be accredited with a quality assurance body. This is about ensuring that the training they offer is up to an acceptable standard. The other activity is to be registered - usually with the Department of Higher Education and Training. This is more about ensuring the financial viability of the organisation so that monies paid to them for training won't be lost if the company goes under, or absconds with the fees paid.
The ASDSA expresses their concern, in their latest Position Paper, that the requirements for accreditation and registration for First Aid training providers seem to be removed under the latest government changes.
The Position Paper outlines in detail the potential danger to the public that they believe could result if the regulation on First Aid provider is relaxed. They also highlight the economic impact the changes could have on those providers who work specifically with this type of training.
The organisation's Position Paper is available below for full review and comments are welcomed.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ASDSA POSITION PAPER IN PDF FORMAT
