The Skills Development Act (No 97 of 1998) was passed in order to develop and improve the skills of people in the workplace. The Act does the following:

• Provides a framework for the development of skills of people at work
• Builds these development plans/strategies into the national qualifications framework
• Provides for learnerships that lead to recognised occupational qualifications
• Provides for the financing of skills development by means of a levy-grant scheme and a National Skills Fund

The Department of Labour has published a guide called ‘An employer’s guide to the Skills Development Levy’. If you need more information contact your nearest Employment office for a copy.