QCTO Occupational Skills Programmes
Build focused workplace capabilities through shorter, occupationally directed learning programmes designed around practical skills and recognised learning outcomes. BESEC offers QCTO Occupational Skills Programmes across workplace development, entrepreneurship, conflict management and employment preparation.
What are Occupational Skills Programmes?
Occupational Skills Programmes are focused learning programmes designed to develop specific occupational or workplace competencies.
Unlike a full Occupational Qualification, which provides a broader pathway towards competence in a particular occupation, a Skills Programme concentrates on a defined group of skills and learning outcomes.
The QCTO describes a Skills Programme as occupationally directed learning that enables learners to acquire knowledge and skills in particular tasks while building credits that may contribute towards a full or part qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Develop practical skills to identify, analyse and resolve workplace conflict using appropriate management strategies, conflict-resolution techniques and emotional intelligence.
NQF Level: 5
Credits: 8
Duration: 10 days
Programme code: SP-210409
NEW VENTURE CREATION
Build the practical knowledge needed to plan and develop a new business venture, covering market opportunities, pricing, marketing, customer service, financial management and business planning.
NQF Level: 2
Credits: 32
Duration: 15 days
Programme code: SP-210401
WORKPLACE ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Develop essential workplace capabilities across employment, communication, work ethics, health and safety, teamwork and practical workplace participation.
NQF Level: 4
Credits: 20
Duration: 25 days
Programme code: SP-211009
WORKPLACE PREPARATION
Prepare learners for entering and succeeding in the workplace through practical development in professionalism, job search, interviews, communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving and personal financial skills.
NQF Level: 2
Credits: 30
Duration: 30 days
Programme code: SP-201201
Why choose an Occupational Skills Programme?
Occupational Skills Programmes can be useful where an organisation or learner needs focused development rather than a full occupational qualification.
They can provide a practical route to:
- address a specific workplace skills gap
- develop employees in a focused area of competence
- prepare learners for entering and participating in the workplace
- build recognised occupational learning and credits
- support broader organisational Skills Development initiatives
Frequently asked questions
A useful starting point is the outcome you are trying to achieve.
Choose an Occupational Skills Programme where the requirement is focused, for example, developing conflict-management capability, preparing someone for the workplace or building a particular group of practical skills.
A full Occupational Qualification may be more appropriate where the objective is to develop the broader knowledge, practical skills and workplace competence associated with a particular occupation.
A simple decision model is:
Specific skills need → Occupational Skills Programme
Occupational career pathway → Occupational Qualification
Occupational Skills Programmes fall within the QCTO’s Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework and are delivered by appropriately accredited Skills Development Providers.
Duration depends on the programme. BESEC’s current Occupational Skills Programmes range from 10 days for Conflict Management to 30 days for Workplace Preparation.
Yes. BESEC’s current programmes carry between 8 and 32 credits, depending on the programme. For example, Conflict Management carries 8 credits while New Venture Creation carries 32.