Why Submitting a WSP/ATR is Beneficial for Your Business

Completing your Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) might seem like just another compliance requirement. However, these submissions offer meaningful benefits that go far beyond regulatory obligations. With the right approach, WSP/ATR submissions can help your business reclaim a portion of your Skills Development Levy (SDL), improve your B-BBEE score, and enhance your workforce’s productivity through strategic training and development.

Financial Benefits of WSP/ATR Submissions 

1. Claim Back Skills Development Levy (SDL) Contributions  

By fulfilling the requirements for WSP/ATR submissions, businesses can claim up to 20% of their SDL from their industry’s SETA. This funding can be reinvested into training programs, ultimately benefiting both the organization and its employees.

2. Access to Mandatory and Discretionary Grants
Submitting your WSP/ATR is the key to accessing both mandatory and discretionary grants provided by your SETA. These grants can help offset training costs, making it easier for your business to invest in upskilling your workforce.

3. Tax Rebates for Learnerships
Implementing registered learnerships can make your business eligible for significant tax rebates. For instance, companies can receive a tax deduction of up to R80,000 for each able-bodied learner and R120,000 for each disabled learner. This financial incentive can help cover training expenses while providing valuable tax relief.

4. Boosting Your B-BBEE Score  
Skills Development is a critical component of the B-BBEE scorecard. A well-aligned WSP/ATR submission can significantly enhance your score, potentially boosting your B-BBEE rating by one or even two levels. This improved score can strengthen your competitive positioning in the market.

Investing in Your Workforce 

1. Enhancing Employee Skills and Productivity  
Training through your WSP/ATR submission not only satisfies compliance requirements but also enhances employee skills, resulting in a more productive and engaged workforce. Employees who feel supported in their professional growth are more likely to stay with the company, fostering a committed and skilled team.

2. Better Alignment with Business Goals  
Collaborating with a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) allows you to identify your company’s skill gaps and strategically align training efforts with business goals. This ensures that your training investments are purposeful, addressing skills that will make a tangible difference in achieving organisational success.

How to Begin Your WSP/ATR Submission

While the WSP/ATR submission process may seem complex, it can be manageable and rewarding with a structured approach. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Appoint a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF)  
An SDF will manage the submission process, helping you assess your training needs, identify critical skill gaps, and create a skills plan that aligns with your goals.

2. Compile Employee Profiles and Training Records  
Gather essential workforce information, including demographics, job roles, and completed training. This data will enable your SDF to compile a compliant and effective WSP/ATR.

3. Identify Critical and Scarce Skills  
With your SDF’s assistance, pinpoint critical and scarce skills within your organization. This step will guide your training strategy, ensuring that employees develop the skills necessary for industry demands.

4. Submit Your WSP/ATR 
Once all data is compiled and the skills plan is formulated, your SDF will submit your WSP/ATR to the relevant SETA. This sets your business on the path to accessing grants and other benefits linked to the submission.

Reap the Rewards 

After a successful WSP/ATR submission, your business can look forward to:

• Access to Grants
  Apply for mandatory and discretionary grants to fund training initiatives.

• Tax Rebates
  Claim rebates for registered learnerships, providing financial relief on your training investments.

• Improved B-BBEE Score
  Align your WSP/ATR with your B-BBEE strategy to boost your score and gain a competitive edge.

The Bigger Picture: Supporting South Africa’s Workforce 

The Skills Development Act was established to enhance the skills of South Africa’s workforce, promoting productivity, self-employment, and improved quality of life. By participating in WSP/ATR submissions, businesses not only benefit financially but also contribute to a stronger, more prosperous economy.

Need Help with Your WSP/ATR Submission? 

Unlock the full potential of WSP/ATR submissions with Chamlabour. Our experienced consultants can guide you through each step, from appointing an SDF to managing submissions and securing grants. Contact us today to maximise the value of your Skills Development efforts and make a lasting impact on your workforce.