EWSETA Announces Final Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications, Trades and Regulatory Unit Standards

1 July 2026

The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) wishes to inform all stakeholders of the publication of the Directive on the Implementation of Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications, Trades and Regulatory Unit Standards. This directive was issued together with the Amendment to the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) Policy by the Minister of Higher Education and Training.

These final transitional arrangements set out approved implementation and completion timeframes for identified Pre-2009 Qualifications, Trades and Regulatory Unit Standards that remain critical to national skills development priorities. The directive forms part of Government’s broader transition towards the full implementation of occupational qualifications and skills programmes.

What This Means for Stakeholders

Training providers, employers, skills development providers, assessment centres and other stakeholders currently implementing affected Pre-2009 qualifications are advised to take the following steps.

  • Review the approved implementation and completion timeframes.
  • Confirm whether the qualifications they are currently delivering appear on the approved extension list.
  • Ensure that all affected learners complete their programmes within the prescribed timelines.
  • Familiarise themselves with the requirements set out in the relevant Government Gazettes and supporting documentation.

Stakeholders are reminded that these are the final transitional arrangements. No further extensions beyond the approved dates should be anticipated.

Transitional Arrangements

In terms of the Directive, the following extensions have been approved.

  • Certain Pre-2009 Qualifications have been granted extension periods of between 6 and 24 months.
  • Certain Regulatory Unit Standards have been granted extension periods of up to 36 months.
  • Certain Trades not yet registered as Occupational Qualifications have been granted extension periods of up to 12 months.

The applicable implementation periods differ depending on the qualification and are reflected in the approved schedules. Stakeholders are encouraged to consult these schedules carefully to determine the specific timelines relevant to their programmes.

Supporting Documents

Stakeholders are encouraged to download and review the following documents: