Understand how your WSP/ATR is evaluated — and how to make yours stand out
You’ve gathered the data, filled in the template, and submitted your WSP/ATR on time.
Now what?
What happens on the other side — at the SETA?
What are they actually looking for when they review your submission?
Understanding their mindset helps you submit smarter — and get better results.
Let’s break it down.
🧠 First: What is the WSP/ATR, really?
Think of it like your skills development report card.
The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) tells SETA what you plan to do
The Annual Training Report (ATR) tells them what you actually did
Together, they show whether your business is:
Investing in its people
Compliant with your skills levy obligations
Eligible for grants or recognition
The stronger your submission, the more credible your business becomes in the SETA’s eyes.
🔍 So what are SETAs really evaluating?
Let’s get into the criteria — and what you can do about it.
✅ 1. Completeness
They check:
Are all required fields filled in?
Are the documents signed, dated, and submitted in the right format?
Are supporting documents (like evidence files) uploaded where needed?
Your move:
✔ Use the latest template from your SETA
✔ Don’t leave sections blank
✔ Have a checklist to confirm what’s included
✔ Double-check naming, SIC codes, and SDL numbers
⚠️ A technically incomplete submission is the fastest way to be disqualified — even if your training is solid.
✅ 2. Internal Consistency
They check:
Do your ATR figures match your WSP plan?
Are your training activities aligned to your goals?
Does the data “make sense” across sections?
Your move:
✔ Review last year’s WSP when compiling your ATR
✔ Make sure your reported training isn’t wildly different from what was planned — unless you explain the shift
✔ Use real business goals to guide your plan
✅ 3. Relevance
They check:
Is the training linked to actual roles in your business?
Does it align to your SIC code and industry?
Is there a clear connection between the training and business impact?
Your move:
✔ Don’t list random courses that don’t relate to your operations
✔ Tie soft skills and informal training to outcomes (e.g., “improved teamwork in warehouse team”)
✔ Use job titles and unit standards where possible
📎 Even informal training is valid — if you show its purpose.
✅ 4. Growth & Progress
They check:
Is the business developing people over time?
Are there new learning opportunities each year?
Is there improvement in how you approach skills development?
Your move:
✔ Don’t submit the same WSP every year
✔ Add even small wins (like mentorship programmes or in-house coaching)
✔ Show that you’re intentional — not copy-pasting
✅ 5. Opportunity for Funding Support
They check:
Is the submission strong enough to qualify for discretionary grants?
Are there clearly identified skills gaps or learning needs?
Is the business committed to implementation?
Your move:
✔ Highlight training needs clearly — not just lists of courses
✔ Position your business as one that’s ready to implement
✔ Follow up post-submission to stay top of mind with your SETA
🧰 How to make your submission stand out
Here’s what separates a basic submission from a powerful one:
🟩 1. Your data tells a story
Don’t just complete the form — explain what you’re doing and why.
Use the comments section where available.
🟩 2. Your training aligns to real business goals
SETA reviewers aren’t just bureaucrats — they want to fund growth.
When your WSP is tied to productivity, quality, or growth goals — it matters.
🟩 3. Your documentation is clear and clean
Messy submissions are harder to process.
Be professional: use consistent filenames, label your evidence, and provide clear folders.
🤝 Final Thoughts
The SETA reviewer doesn’t know your business like you do.
Your job is to show them you’re serious about building skills, developing people, and making an impact — even in small ways.
A great submission isn’t just about compliance.
It’s a chance to stand out, access funding, and build your credibility over time.
📥 Want help making sure your next submission hits the mark?
📎 Download the Smart SDF Starter Kit for checklists + reporting tips
📞 Book a free 15-minute review call — we’ll look at what you’ve got and where you can improve
