The importance and relevance of Research for the Services SETA

A sector is made up of economic activities that are linked and related. For the purposes of planning and managing the delivery of training, the economy has been divided into 23 sectors each of which has its own SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). E.g., we are a SETA that deals with the Services sector, which is currently made up of 148 748 member companies that fall within 23 industries. As you can see, we are a large and diversified SETA. However, the Services Sector has never been well researched; there is currently very little information available and therefore the critical need for the SSETA is to embark on researching the sector.
Each SETA co-ordinates the training and skills development needs in its particular sector. In order to achieve these objectives the Skills Development Act states that the functions and duties of a SETA are to develop a (SSP) and implement the SSP in alignment with the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS). This is a strategic plan to describe the trends in each sector, the skills that are in demand and to identify priorities for skills development. Moreover it forms the basis for the development of subsequent skills orientated projects in the sector.  It is updated annually and requires strategic and operational support for successful implementation on its annual service level agreement for each year.
The Research division provides relevant research support that feeds into the compilation of the SSP. The research is underpinned by the principle of action research, which has its premise in the fact that the research outcomes should be auctioned and implemented. In terms of the NSDS2 indicators, SETAs are legislatively mandated to conduct projects on the basis of the skills development. These projects are conducted and managed by the research division.
Ultimately, the role of the research division is to enable the SETA to play a critical role in contributing to the raising of the skills of the employed, or those wanting to be employed, in their sector.