Work Based Learning and Development Practitioner
This skills programme recognises the need for qualified practitioners that are competent in planning and facilitating work-based learning interventions.
NQF: 5
Entry Requirements: NQF Level 4
Credits: 30
Accreditation: QCTO
Skills Programme: 220322
The Role of a Work Based Learning and Development Practitioner
Introduction: Purpose of the Skills Programme
Firstly, this skills programme responds to the growing need for qualified practitioners who can competently plan and facilitate work-based learning interventions. In particular, it addresses the increasing demand within the field of human development for structured Work-Based Learning and Development Practice. Furthermore, within the South African context, the B-BBEE scorecard framework reinforces this need by prioritising skills development. As a result, companies that invest in employee development gain access to incentives and favourable tax advantages, especially when they actively improve workforce skills and competencies.
In addition, Work-Based Learning and Development Practitioners drive and sustain this process effectively across organisations.
Workplace Learning and Strategic Benefits
Moreover, employers participate in grant disbursement schemes that encourage workplace learning. However, qualified practitioners must coordinate these opportunities to maximise their impact. Consequently, organisations optimise available benefits while simultaneously building sustainable human capacity for broader economic advancement.
Importantly, no comparable skills programme exists on the NQF. Therefore, this programme fills a critical and unique gap within the national skills development landscape.
Role and Value of Qualified Practitioners
Furthermore, qualified practitioners support workplaces and learners in implementing work experience components linked to learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships. In doing so, they strengthen organisational capability and enhance individual career development pathways.
As a direct result, society benefits more broadly because both existing employees and new entrants achieve their full potential. In addition, this structured development approach improves skills retention and drives overall economic growth.
Programme Design and Learning Focus
Accordingly, the Work-Based Learning and Development Practitioner Programme prepares individuals to plan, facilitate, and evaluate work-based learning interventions. In particular, it targets those who want to strengthen their ability to guide, support, and develop learners in occupational contexts.
Furthermore, coaching and mentoring form an integral part of the programme. As such, participants build strong, supportive, and development-focused relationships with learners throughout the learning process.
Coaching, Mentoring, and Learner Support
In addition, the programme emphasises coaching and mentoring as essential developmental tools. Consequently, practitioners provide structured guidance, ongoing support, and performance improvement strategies for learners.
Moreover, this approach ensures that learning extends beyond theory and becomes practical, reflective, and experience-based. As a result, learners apply knowledge more effectively in real workplace environments.
Practical Application and Sector Impact
Finally, this skills programme equips practitioners to support workplaces and learners in implementing work experience components of learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships. Consequently, it strengthens organisational growth while supporting structured career development across multiple sectors.
Ultimately, this improves workforce capability, increases productivity, and drives sustained economic development.
Detailed Information
Who Should Attend the Training?
- Coaches and Mentors.
- Those who are involved in coaching and mentoring as part of their duties.
- Those involved in learnerships, internships, experiential learning and apprenticeships.
- Those working towards SAQA 101321, Occupational Certificate: Training and Development Practitioner.
- Facilitators, Trainers, Lecturers, Assessors & Moderators.
- Training Managers.
Components Covered
Knowledge Component
242401001-KM-04: Facilitation of Learning in an Occupational Contexts. NQF Level 5, 8 Credits
- KM-04-KT01: Principles and Models for Facilitation Planning and Preparation.
- KM-04-KT02: Facilitation Principles, Techniques and Tools.
- KM-04-KT03: Evaluating, Reviewing and Reporting on Facilitation.
242401001-KM-07, Work Based Learning, NQF Level 5, Credits 6
- KM-07-KT01: Delivery Models (Learnerships, Internships, Experiential Learning, Apprenticeships)
- KM-07-KT02: Planning and Scheduling Work-Based Learning
- KM-07-KT03: Facilitation of Work-Based Learning
- KM-07-KT04: Evaluation of Learner Progression
Practical Component
242401001-PM-05, Facilitate Experiential Work-Based Learning, NQF Level 5, Credits 8
- PM-05-PS01: Develop an Experiential Work-Based Learning Plan and Implementation Schedule
- PM-05-PS02: Conduct a Task Focused Learning Session
- PM-05-PS03: Establish a Mentorship Relationship
Application Component
242401001-WM-05, Facilitate a Work-Based Learning and Development Process, NQF Level 5, Credits 8
- WM-05-WE01: Facilitate the Implementation of a Work-Based Learning and Development Intervention Under the Guidance of a Subject Matter Expert
Exit Level Outcomes (ELO) and Associated Assessment Criteria (AAC)
Facilitate Learning in an Occupational Context
Firstly, learning is facilitated in an occupational context by consistently applying adult learning principles and techniques. In addition, planning of resources and logistics supports efficient and effective learning delivery. Furthermore, facilitators prepare thoroughly for learning interventions, ensuring alignment with adult learning principles and appropriate facilitation techniques.
Moreover, facilitators actively address barriers to learning during the delivery of the intervention. At the same time, they recognise and integrate past experience and prior learning throughout the learning process. As a result, learners connect new knowledge with existing understanding more effectively.
In addition, facilitators provide ongoing guidance and support to learners, enabling them to define outcomes, clarify issues, manage expectations, and identify appropriate learning pathways and opportunities. Furthermore, they adapt facilitation plans and processes to suit contextual demands and changing learning dynamics.
Similarly, they promote active learning by applying appropriate methodologies that align with different contexts and learning styles. In doing so, they ensure that facilitation remains structured and organised while also maintaining the physical, psychological, and social safety of all learners.
Furthermore, facilitators continuously measure learner progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, while also providing timely feedback for improvement. In addition, they manage group dynamics in line with contextual requirements to maintain engagement and effectiveness.
Moreover, they reflect on stakeholder feedback and use it to inform continuous personal development and improvement. Finally, they demonstrate ethical and professional practice by consistently following organisational procedures.
Plan, Implement, and Evaluate Work-Based Learning Interventions
Firstly, practitioners identify work-based learning opportunities within work processes and align them with required learning outcomes for learners, including interns, students, mentees, coaches, employees, and apprentices. In addition, they integrate work-based learning into operational processes through active collaboration with stakeholders, thereby ensuring minimal disruption to workplace productivity.
Furthermore, they formulate learning into specific activities with clear targets and standards through a structured, collaborative process. As a result, learning becomes more focused, measurable, and aligned with workplace needs.
Moreover, practitioners evaluate learner performance and make informed decisions regarding further development based on formal evaluation reports. In addition, they select appropriate evidence collection methods, tools, and instruments that meet contextual requirements.
At the same time, they ensure that all documentation and records are completed accurately and maintained in accordance with quality management system requirements. Furthermore, they structure interactive coaching sessions, monitor their delivery, and evaluate feedback to support continuous improvement.
In addition, they plan resources and logistics to ensure efficient and effective learning delivery. Similarly, they align facilitation of learning with adult learning principles and techniques. Finally, they actively address barriers to learning during the delivery of learning interventions, ensuring that learning outcomes are achieved effectively and consistently.