The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) has officially opened its 2026/27 Discretionary Grant Funding Window, inviting applications from stakeholders and interested parties within the construction sector. This funding opportunity is aimed at supporting skills development interventions that align with national priorities, sectoral needs, and CETA’s long-term strategic objectives.
CETA is a Schedule 3A public entity established in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998, with its current licensing period running until 31 March 2030. Through this funding window, CETA continues its mandate to strengthen the construction sector by addressing critical and scarce skills shortages.
Purpose of the Discretionary Grant Funding
The Discretionary Grant Programme is designed to fund training and development initiatives that contribute to the achievement of targets outlined in CETA’s Strategic Plan. These grants focus on building skills capacity across the construction industry while supporting transformation and inclusive growth.
Applications must take into account rural and township development priorities, youth development, women empowerment, inclusion of persons with disabilities, military veterans, and the transformation imperatives outlined in the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030. Preference will be given to applications submitted by employers operating within the construction industry.
Learning Pathways Funded for 2026/27
CETA has confirmed funding allocations across a wide range of learning pathways to support both employed and unemployed beneficiaries within the construction sector. These learning interventions are structured to meet industry demand and promote sustainable skills development.
The approved learning pathways include apprenticeships, bursaries for employed individuals, candidacy programmes, higher education and training student placements, internships, learnerships for unemployed individuals, short skills programmes for both employed and unemployed participants, TVET student placements, and recognition of prior learning initiatives.
These programmes collectively aim to create entry points into the construction sector while also supporting career progression for existing workers.
Application Considerations and Conditions
Applicants are required to ensure that all applications are fully completed and submitted within the prescribed timeframe. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, and the allocation of Discretionary Grants remains at the sole discretion of CETA.
Applicants who do not receive any feedback within 60 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Enquiries related to the funding window may be directed to the designated CETA enquiry email, which must not be used for submitting applications.
CETA’s Role in Skills Development
CETA provides skills development services to the construction sector in support of the National Skills Development Strategy and the National Skills Development Plan 2030. The authority plays a critical role in ensuring that individuals acquire the skills required to build a competitive, sustainable, and economically viable construction industry.
To better understand industry needs, CETA conducts ongoing research into employer skills requirements. This research informs the development of education and training programmes aimed at addressing identified gaps and shortages within the sector.
CETA funds a range of learning programmes delivered through public education and training institutions, including universities and TVET colleges, ensuring accessibility and relevance across different levels of training.
CETA Values and Value Proposition
CETA operates according to a clear set of organisational values that guide its engagement with stakeholders and beneficiaries. These values emphasise agility through responsive service delivery, result-oriented performance, integrity in all actions, respect in all interactions, and professionalism in executing responsibilities.
Through its value proposition, CETA remains committed to increasing the number of individuals who obtain critical and scarce skills, strengthening the construction sector’s capacity, and contributing to national economic growth and global competitiveness.
Application Period
Enquiries can be sent to the following email: dggueries@ceta.co.za
NB: Please do not use the “enquiry email” to send your application
Applications for the CETA 2026/27 Discretionary Grant Funding Window must be submitted online during the official application period, which closes on 16 February 2026.
Conclusion
The CETA 2026/27 Discretionary Grant Funding Window represents a significant opportunity for employers, training providers, and stakeholders within the construction sector to contribute meaningfully to skills development and transformation. By supporting a wide range of learning pathways and prioritising inclusive development, CETA continues to play a vital role in building a skilled workforce capable of sustaining and advancing South Africa’s construction industry.
