There are 21 Sector Education and Training Authority who in terms of Skill Development Act and Skills levies Act receives levies collected by SARS from different levy paying companies in their different sectors. In line with grant regulations the funds that are invested into training are divided into mandatory grants and discretionary grants.

Mandatory Grants is a percentage that the SETA must pay back to the levy paying company that fulfils the requirements to receive Mandatory Grants. This requirement include the submission or Workplace Skills plans and Annual Training Reports.

Discretionary grants are developed and paid out at the discretion of the Seta Management and Board. Most of the SETAs will advertise for discretionary grants application, inviting employers, training providers, public institutions and community-based organisation to apply. This will be mainly for training against qualification registered under that SETA. Other SETAs will advertise for special projects application on areas identified as critical for the development of society.