Increase in Merseta applications for discretionary grants
Posted on 22 July 2010

There has been a very substantial increase in applications from employers in the five chambers of the Merseta for discretionary grants in terms of the third funding window that was open for the period 1 April to 31 May 2010.

This is good news for the industry since it reflects a growing commitment by companies to providing meaningful training leading to national qualifications in scarce skill areas within the primary focus of the Merseta.

The large number of applications and the associated due diligence activities  that need to be conducted by Merseta staff in the various regions will certainly take some time.  In addition,  there will not be sufficient funding available to fund all the discretionary grant  applications  submitted by companies.  The Merseta is currently engaged in a careful examination of the applications to ensure that there is an equitable spread of grants awarded in priority areas to companies with a track record of successful training.

It is anticipated that companies will be informed of the outcome of their discretionary grant requests early in September and that a further funding window will open in November 2010.