Evaluating sectoral training: A utility tool for Setas

Abstract

The South African skills development framework has mandated Sectoral Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to initiate sector-specific training programmes. If SETA planning is to be proactive, the evaluation and forecasting of improvements in industry outcomes from these training programmes (such as productivity or profitability metrics) should be of concern. This article pursues this end through the well-established area of decision theoretic utility analysis. It suggests a method whereby SETAs may forecast or estimate the industry gains from a given training programme. It is suggested that percentage increases in output may be the utility output of greatest interest and use to SETAs. The national accounts of South Africa are used to estimate the appropriate input data for each industry in these techniques. Other issues in application and research are also suggested.