Employees enter the job market with knowledge and a skill set which soon becomes outdated and redundant with the lapse of time and developments in the industry. To this end, regular skills audits become essential. Various approaches can be followed, but the performance appraisal process with a “skills required” section has proven to be a reliable yardstick. This allows the employee to consider his or her skills deficit and to discuss such with their supervisor. Most entities will engage in this process biannually. This process ensures that the workplace skills plan does not become inconsequential but is rather the product of a meaningful process.

A skills development levy, equal to 1% of the wage bill, is collected from the employer by SARS monthly.

By completing and submitting a compliant workplace skills plan, the employer qualifies for a rebate of 20% of their contributions and this is known as a mandatory grant. It is paid quarterly into the bank account of the entity. The annual deadline for submissions is 30 April.

In response to COVID-19 outbreak and the declaration of a National State of Disaster, the Department of Higher Education and Training has issued guidelines which have extended the deadline for submission for workplace skills plans to 31 May 2020.

The Association offers to assist in the completion and submission of workplace skills plans free of charge with the commitment to undertake training through the Training Academy.

Members are encouraged to utilise the opportunity to benefit from this mandatory grant by writing to prishana@masterbuilders.co.za for assistance.

Victor Smith | Training Manager