The Annual HR Conference and Expo is an event that brings together HR professionals, industry specialists and companies offering services designed to support employers and their employees.
During the conference, I speak to several service providers about their training and skills development solutions. These conversations reinforced the importance of helping employees continue learning as workplaces, technology and business requirements evolve.
This article shares some of the skills development and training providers I encountered at the conference.
Why employee skills development matters
Employee training should not simply serve as a compliance exercise. When it addresses genuine business and employee needs, it can help companies:
- Improve productivity and workplace efficiency.
- Prepare employees for new systems and technologies.
- Address skills gaps before they affect performance.
- Support career development and internal promotion.
- Strengthen employee engagement and retention.
- Build a more adaptable workforce.
The LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report highlights the connection between career development, employee learning and business performance. It also identifies learning programmes as an important strategy for retaining employees.
However, employers should select training carefully. Before appointing a provider, consider the skills your business genuinely needs, the employees who will benefit and how you will measure whether the training has improved workplace performance.
Skills development and training providers in South Africa
The following providers offer different forms of workplace training, online learning and employee development.
New Leaf Technologies
New Leaf Technologies provides digital learning and eLearning solutions to organisations in South Africa and internationally.
Its services include learning management systems, customised digital learning content, learning platforms and consulting services. The company works with organisations across several industries and can help employers develop and manage online learning programmes suited to their operational requirements.
New Leaf Technologies may suit companies looking for scalable digital learning systems or customised eLearning content.
Excel Academy
Excel Academy specialises in practical Microsoft Excel training designed to help employees improve productivity and use spreadsheets more effectively.
Dan Stillerman founded the company in 2014 after working as an actuary and developing extensive practical experience with Excel. Its training style focuses on making technical material engaging, accessible and relevant to everyday workplace situations.
The provider offers different levels of Excel training, making it suitable for employees ranging from beginners to more experienced spreadsheet users.
MasterStart
MasterStart offers online short courses for professionals, managers and business leaders.
The company works with academic partners and business schools to provide programmes in areas such as leadership, management, communication, data analysis, project management, marketing and business strategy. Its courses combine online learning with practical case studies, live sessions and interaction with industry specialists.
MasterStart may be useful for employers looking for structured professional development or management training delivered online.
CTU Training Solutions
CTU Training Solutions provides education, professional certifications, short courses, learnerships and workforce development solutions.
Its corporate division, Corporate Training Unlimited, works with employers to identify skills requirements and develop appropriate training programmes. Training areas include Microsoft products, CompTIA, AWS, information technology, project management and workplace soft skills.
CTU also has campuses across South Africa, supported by online learning options for geographically dispersed teams.
Skillfully
Skillfully is an online marketplace through which employers and individuals can find professional training courses offered by different South African trainers.
The platform includes courses covering areas such as leadership, management, finance, communication, sales, compliance, Microsoft Excel and professional development. Employers can use the platform to compare available courses and identify options suited to their teams.
Skillfully may suit businesses that want to explore training from several providers through one platform.
How to choose a workplace training provider
A recognised name or appealing course description does not automatically mean that a programme will suit your organisation. Before committing to training, employers should ask:
- What specific workplace or performance gap must the training address?
- Is the course accredited, and does accreditation matter for this particular need?
- Does the provider have relevant experience in our industry?
- Can the content be adapted to our workplace?
- Is the training available online, in person or through a blended format?
- What support will employees receive during and after the programme?
- How will progress and completion be reported?
- What evidence can the provider offer of practical outcomes?
- What are the full costs, including materials, assessments and certification?
Where training contributes to a company’s skills development, learnership or B-BBEE objectives, employers should also confirm the provider’s current accreditation and programme status directly with the relevant authority. Accreditation may apply to particular programmes rather than every course a company offers.
Training should support a genuine business need
Effective skills development starts with understanding where employees need support. Training should help people perform their current roles more confidently, prepare for future responsibilities or adapt to changes in technology and the workplace.
Employers should also give employees an opportunity to apply what they have learned. Without practical application, management support and follow-up, even a well-designed course may have little lasting impact.
When businesses treat learning as an ongoing part of employee development, rather than an isolated event, training can contribute to stronger performance, better career opportunities and a more capable workforce.
This list is based on providers I encountered at the HR Conference and Expo. It does not represent a paid endorsement. Employers should conduct their own assessment and confirm current services, pricing and accreditation before appointing a training provider.