The counselling qualifications, Further Education and Training Qualification and the Certificate for Counselling, currently registered are required to be realigned to the occupationally based qualifications of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This requirement prompted industry stakeholders, in collaboration with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) to initiate a process of realigning the registered counselling qualifications to the QCTO model. In addition to this, it was found that the two registered qualifications were not fit for purpose. The training currently offered to ‘Lay Counsellors’ is diverse and not standardised.

This qualification is aimed at formalising the standard of training offered to individuals who offer supportive counselling in various contexts The realignment process is aimed at addressing the need for counsellors. Currently there are individuals who operate as ‘Lay Counsellors’ who often work in a variety of contexts in environments where mental health professionals such as psychologists and social workers are not necessarily accessible to the majority of the population.

This qualification is aimed at both new entrants as well as learners who are already working in welfare environments, which include but are not limited to, educational facilities, faith communities, health communities, the criminal justice system as well as the youth and the elderly. The qualification will provide learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to apply counselling techniques to facilitate and enhance client well-being.

The qualification offers a variety of learning pathways in areas such as public health and wellbeing, social work, community work, religious communities, nursing and emergency care. Learners who successfully complete the qualification may take up more responsibilities as supervisors and/or managers in areas specific to their own areas of practice or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Learners who have gained knowledge and skills through experience will be assessed through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in order to recognise their competencies.

It is recommended that qualified learners should register with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised Statutory and/or Professional Bodies upon completion of the qualification. This qualification will benefit learners to access employment opportunities. Society in general will benefit from the qualification because they will be served by qualified Social Counselling Workers.