The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) is a critical institution in South Africa, aiming to develop and enhance skills within some of the most vibrant and diverse industries in the country. This SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) is part of the government’s broader vision to improve the workforce’s qualifications, skills, and employability in key sectors such as culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sport.
It is an avenue for individuals and businesses alike to access opportunities for professional development and skills training that are essential for sustainable growth and success in these fields.
What is CATHSSETA?
CATHSSETA is a government agency established in terms of the Skills Development Act (1998). It is designed to develop the skills of individuals within the culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sport industries through education and training programs. The SETA funds and supports a variety of training initiatives, sets standards for qualifications, and acts as a liaison between employers and educational institutions to ensure that training programs meet industry requirements.
CATHSSETA is one of 21 SETAs in South Africa that cover various industries, all working towards the country’s broader economic and social development goals. By equipping people with the right skills, CATHSSETA helps boost employment, stimulate growth, and foster an inclusive economy.
Key Areas of Focus
CATHSSETA operates within five distinct, yet interconnected, industries:
- Culture
- Encompasses the promotion of arts, cultural heritage, and creativity, ensuring the sustainability of cultural industries in South Africa.
- Arts
- Focuses on the development of artistic talent in various forms, including visual arts, performing arts, and literature.
- Tourism
- A sector vital to South Africa’s economy, which focuses on tourism development, hospitality services, and sustainable tourism practices.
- Hospitality
- Covers a broad range of services, including food services, hotels, and resorts, and encompasses the management and operational aspects of hospitality businesses.
- Sport
- Includes the development of skills for athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and officials, fostering the overall growth of sport at grassroots and professional levels.
How Does CATHSSETA Support These Industries?
CATHSSETA’s role extends beyond just offering training. It takes a holistic approach to sector development by doing the following:
1. Skills Development and Training
- CATHSSETA runs a range of skills development programs, from learnerships to internships, offering both accredited and non-accredited training to individuals. These programs cover all levels, from entry-level to advanced expertise, in fields such as event management, tourism, hospitality, sport coaching, and arts management.
2. Funded Programs
- CATHSSETA provides financial support to employers, businesses, and training providers through learnerships, internships, and bursaries. This funding helps cover the cost of training and ensures that more individuals can access opportunities for skills development.
3. Industry Partnerships
- By collaborating with industry stakeholders such as employers, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, CATHSSETA creates pathways for more people to enter these industries and thrive. These partnerships ensure that training programs meet the industry’s demands and create more employment opportunities.
4. Creating Job Opportunities
- The SETA actively supports job creation in the sector by facilitating access to training, thereby increasing the employability of its beneficiaries. Through CATHSSETA’s programs, graduates are better equipped to secure jobs, while employers can find a skilled, trained workforce.
5. Promoting Transformation
- In line with South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) goals, CATHSSETA helps promote transformation and inclusivity within the sectors it supports. The SETA ensures that historically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities, have the opportunity to participate in these industries.
CATHSSETA Opportunities for Learners
1. Learnerships
Learnerships are formal programs where learners gain both theoretical and practical training in a specific field. They typically lead to a qualification and offer valuable workplace experience. CATHSSETA offers learnerships in various sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, sport management, and cultural heritage.
2. Bursaries
CATHSSETA provides financial assistance through bursaries to students pursuing studies related to the industries supported by the SETA. Bursaries help cover tuition fees, allowing learners to complete their studies and enter the workforce with relevant qualifications.
3. Internships
CATHSSETA’s internship programs enable individuals to gain work experience, making them more attractive to employers. Interns get practical training in real-world environments, building a portfolio of experience that enhances their employment prospects.
4. Skills Development Grants
Employers can apply for skills development grants from CATHSSETA to fund training for their employees. These grants help businesses enhance the skills of their workforce, which leads to increased productivity and competitiveness.
5. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a process through which individuals can have their existing skills and experience formally recognized and accredited. This allows individuals who may not have formal qualifications to gain recognition for their expertise, improving their career prospects.
How CATHSSETA Benefits Employers
For employers in the culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sport sectors, CATHSSETA offers a variety of benefits:
- Access to Funding CATHSSETA provides financial support to employers who invest in skills development. This includes funding for training programs, learnerships, internships, and bursaries, easing the financial burden of staff development.
- Skills Development Programs CATHSSETA assists employers by facilitating skills development initiatives tailored to their specific needs. These programs ensure that their workforce is continuously improving, adapting to industry changes, and increasing overall productivity.
- Improved Employee Retention By investing in skills development, employers enhance employee satisfaction and engagement, which in turn leads to improved retention rates and a more loyal workforce.
- Compliance with B-BBEE Requirements Participating in CATHSSETA’s programs helps businesses meet their B-BBEE compliance targets by promoting transformation and skills development among historically disadvantaged groups.
- Boosting Competitiveness Employers who invest in the training and development of their staff benefit from a more skilled workforce, ultimately making their businesses more competitive in the market.
Key Statistics: CATHSSETA’s Impact
Here’s an overview of the key statistics that illustrate CATHSSETA’s impact in recent years:
| Indicator | 2023/24 |
|---|---|
| Number of Learnerships | 2,500 |
| Bursaries Awarded | 800 |
| Internships Created | 1,000 |
| Employers Benefiting from Grants | 3,000 |
| Youth Participation (%) | 60% |
| Women Participation (%) | 50% |
How to Get Involved
1. For Learners
- Research Available Programs: Visit CATHSSETA’s official website and explore the various training programs, learnerships, and bursaries available.
- Apply for Opportunities: Submit applications to participate in learnerships, internships, or skills development initiatives.
- Attend Information Sessions: CATHSSETA frequently holds workshops and information sessions to help potential learners understand the application process and eligibility requirements.
2. For Employers
- Register Your Business: Employers in the culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sport sectors can register to access various programs.
- Apply for Grants: Apply for skills development grants to fund training programs for employees.
- Collaborate with CATHSSETA: Work closely with CATHSSETA to develop training programs tailored to the specific needs of your workforce.
Check also: Unlocking Potential: The Vital Role of Services SETA in Shaping South Africa’s Workforce
It plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of South Africa’s culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sport industries. By providing accessible training opportunities, funding for skills development, and promoting transformation, it unlocks opportunities for both individuals and businesses.
Whether you’re a learner seeking to gain new skills or an employer looking to enhance your workforce, it offers the tools and resources necessary to succeed in these dynamic sectors.