Corporate training programs are different. Some will help you land better jobs and earn more, while others will waste your time and money. The trick is knowing how to pick training that employers respect and that actually improves your career prospects.
If you’re going to invest in training, make sure it’s the kind that leads to real opportunities. Employers spend money on training that makes employees more skilled, efficient, and valuable. You should do the same. Let’s break down the best way to choose the right corporate training program in South Africa.
Step 1: Find Out Which Skills Matter
Before you sign up for any course, ask yourself one important question: What skills are employers looking for? The job market changes fast, and what was valuable five years ago may not be relevant today.
The best way to find out what’s in demand is to check job listings. Look at vacancies for positions you want and take note of the required skills. If multiple companies list the same skill—whether it’s data analytics, project management, cybersecurity, or digital marketing—that’s a clear sign it’s worth learning.
Networking is another way to figure this out. Talk to people in your industry and ask them which skills helped them move up. For example, in the financial sector, many professionals find that earning a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification from the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) opens doors to higher-paying jobs.
You can also pay attention to what companies are already investing in. If a company is paying to train its employees in a skill, it’s a safe bet that skill is in demand. Many South African banks, for instance, invest heavily in risk management and compliance training because of strict financial regulations.
This means courses in Regulatory Compliance (offered by institutions like Milpark Education) could be valuable for those looking to work in banking or finance, leadership, cybersecurity, or compliance—it means that skill is in demand.
Step 2: Choose Training That Employers Recognize
A certificate from a well-respected institution can open doors, while one from an unknown provider might not mean much. That’s why accreditation is key. If a course is accredited by a recognized body like SETA (Sector Education and Training Authorities), SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority), or international certifiers like PMI (Project Management Institute), Cisco, or Microsoft, it’s far more valuable in the job market.
Another way to ensure credibility is to look at employer-preferred training providers. Many companies send employees to institutions like UCT’s Graduate School of Business (GSB), Wits Business School, or the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) for leadership and management training. If companies trust these institutions, that means their courses carry weight.
For industry-specific training, check whether the course is recognized by a relevant professional body. For example, if you’re in accounting and finance, training from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is highly respected. In the IT sector, certifications from CompTIA, AWS, or Microsoft Azure are industry standards.
A simple way to test a training program’s value is to search for job listings that mention specific certifications. If you see multiple job ads asking for AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification or Prince2 Project Management, then those credentials are in demand.
Step 3: Pick a Learning Format That Suits You
Different training formats suit different people. Some professionals prefer full-time, immersive learning, while others need flexible, part-time options. If you’re working and studying at the same time, online courses can be a lifesaver. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera (which offers UCT and Wits University courses) allow you to learn at your own pace without disrupting your work schedule.
However, online learning isn’t for everyone. Some people learn better in a structured, instructor-led environment with face-to-face interaction. If networking and hands-on training are important to you, then in-person courses from institutions like Regenesys Business School or Henley Business School might be a better fit.
It’s also important to check if a course is self-paced or instructor-led. If you struggle with motivation, an instructor-led course with set deadlines might be better than a purely self-paced one. On the other hand, if you’re balancing a busy job, self-paced learning allows you to work on your own schedule.
Tip: If you’re juggling work, life, and studies, go for an online course that includes live support.
Step 4: Compare Costs and Funding Options
Corporate training is an investment, and like any investment, you need to weigh the costs against the potential returns. Some training programs are expensive, but the good news is that many offer funding options. If you’re currently employed, check if your company has a skills development budget. Many South African companies offer bursaries or reimburse employees for job-related training.
SETA-accredited courses often come with funding options. For example, BANKSETA provides training support for financial sector employees, while MICTSETA funds ICT and digital skills training. If you’re in the manufacturing sector, MERSETA offers funding for engineering and technical courses.
Many training providers also offer payment plans. Institutions like GetSmarter (which runs UCT online courses) and Milpark Education allow students to pay in installments. Some even offer scholarships for high-performing students.
When deciding between a short course, diploma, or degree, consider the return on investment. A PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from PMI takes a few months to complete and can boost your salary significantly, whereas a full degree takes years. Sometimes, a well-recognized short course can be more valuable than a general degree.
Step 5: Choose Training That Includes Practical Work
Theory alone won’t get you a job—employers want people who can apply what they’ve learned. The best training programs include real-world projects, case studies, or workplace application.
For example, IT certifications from Cisco, AWS, or CompTIA include hands-on labs that test your ability to solve real problems. Business courses from UCT’s Graduate School of Business or GIBS often use case studies from major South African companies to teach strategy and decision-making.
Some training providers go even further by offering internships or apprenticeships. Programs from SAICA (for accountants) or NOSA (for occupational health and safety professionals) often include work placements, giving you real job experience while you study.
If a course helps you build a portfolio of work, that’s another plus. Digital marketing courses, for instance, often require students to create real ad campaigns, which can be shown to potential employers.
Step 6: Check Reviews and Testimonials
A training provider can promise you the world, but do they actually deliver? Always check Google reviews, Trustpilot ratings, and LinkedIn testimonials before signing up.
Look at what past students say about their experience. Did the course help them get a job or promotion? Did employers recognize the certification? Some institutions post alumni success stories—read them carefully to see if graduates are landing jobs in your industry.
You can also check whether companies actively recruit from a specific training provider. If major businesses hire graduates from a certain program, that’s a strong sign that the training is valuable.
Corporate training can be a game-changer—but only if you choose wisely. By focusing on employer-recognized, accredited, and practical training, you’ll gain skills that actually matter in the job market.
Before signing up for any course, ask yourself: “Would a company pay for this training?” If the answer is yes, chances are it’s worth your time and money. Invest in the right skills, and you’ll always stay ahead.