Published: 6 June 2026
Author: Phindile Zwane
Category: Skills Development | SETA News | Graduate Training
Services SETA Urges Industry to Support Graduate Workplace Training
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) has called on employers across South Africa to play a more active role in developing future talent by opening their workplaces to graduate training placements.
Speaking at the Facilities Management Conference 2026, held at Walter Sisulu University’s Potsdam Campus, Services SETA Executive Manager for Strategy and Insights, Mamabele Motla, emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships between industry and skills development institutions.
Her message highlighted a growing need for employers to help bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace experience, particularly within the facilities management sector.
Graduate Placements Essential for Skills Development
During her address, Motla noted that Services SETA currently offers an NQF Level 6 qualification in Facilities Management.
However, graduates enrolled in the programme require workplace-based training opportunities to successfully complete their qualifications and gain practical industry experience.
She encouraged employers to make more workplace placements available, allowing learners to apply classroom knowledge within real working environments.
According to Motla, workplace exposure remains one of the most important components of occupational learning and professional development.
Why Workplace Training Matters
Many graduates complete academic programmes with strong theoretical knowledge but limited practical experience.
Workplace placements help learners:
- Gain hands-on industry experience
- Develop professional skills
- Build workplace confidence
- Understand industry standards
- Improve employability
- Strengthen technical competencies
For employers, placements can also provide opportunities to identify and develop future talent while contributing to national skills development goals.
Industry Collaboration Needed to Address Skills Gaps
A key theme of the conference was the need for stronger collaboration between industry stakeholders and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
Motla stressed that businesses are often best positioned to identify emerging skills requirements and workforce challenges.
She called on employers to work closely with SETAs to identify critical and scarce skills that require investment and development.
By sharing information about industry needs, businesses can help ensure that training programmes remain relevant and aligned with labour market demands.
Closing the Skills Gap Through Partnership
South Africa continues to face skills shortages across several sectors of the economy.
Industry experts frequently highlight challenges such as:
- Shortages of technical skills
- Limited workplace experience among graduates
- Rapid technological change
- Evolving workplace requirements
- Skills mismatches between education and employment
Motla argued that stronger partnerships between educational institutions, SETAs, and employers can help address these challenges more effectively.
Facilities Management: A Growing Career Field
Facilities management plays an important role in ensuring the efficient operation of buildings, infrastructure, and workplace environments.
Professionals in this field may be responsible for:
- Building maintenance
- Space management
- Health and safety compliance
- Energy management
- Property operations
- Workplace services
As organisations continue to modernise facilities and improve operational efficiency, demand for qualified facilities management professionals is expected to remain strong.
The Role of SETAs in Skills Development
Sector Education and Training Authorities were established to promote skills development across South Africa’s economy.
Their responsibilities include:
- Supporting workplace learning
- Funding training programmes
- Identifying scarce and critical skills
- Promoting industry partnerships
- Improving workforce development
The Services SETA supports skills development in a wide range of service-related sectors and occupations.
Employers Encouraged to Invest in Future Talent
Motla’s appeal to industry reflects a broader national effort to improve graduate employability and strengthen workplace learning opportunities.
By opening workplaces to learners and graduates, employers can contribute to:
- Youth employment initiatives
- Skills development objectives
- Industry sustainability
- Workforce transformation
- Economic growth
Apply for upcoming SETA Opportunities Here
Graduate placements also provide organisations with access to emerging talent that may become future employees.
Analysis: Workplace Learning Remains Critical for South Africa’s Future
The call by Services SETA highlights an issue affecting many graduates across South Africa: access to meaningful workplace experience.
While qualifications remain important, employers increasingly seek candidates who can demonstrate practical skills and workplace readiness.
Expanding placement opportunities can help close this gap while supporting both economic development and employment creation.
As industries continue to evolve, collaboration between employers, educational institutions, and SETAs may become one of the most effective ways to ensure that training programmes produce graduates equipped for the demands of the modern workplace.
Sources and References
- Facilities Management Conference 2026
- Services SETA conference presentation
- Walter Sisulu University event information
- South African skills development framework
Editorial Transparency
This article is based on remarks delivered by Services SETA Executive Manager Mamabele Motla during the Facilities Management Conference 2026. Statements attributed to conference speakers reflect information shared during the event.
About the Author
SSETA TEAM covers SETA programmes, learnerships, apprenticeships, workplace training initiatives, graduate opportunities, and workforce development trends. Our reporting focuses on accuracy, transparency, and practical information for learners, employers, and education stakeholders.
