Frequently asked questions
The first set applies to both programmes. Below that, the questions we are asked about each stream on its own. If yours is not here, call 010 035 0558 or email info@pmskillshouse.com. We would rather answer a question than lose a good application.
Questions about both programmes
Does the programme cost anything?
No. The programme is fully funded by INSETA and there is no cost to participants at any stage: not for the application, not for the training, and not for the certificate. Nobody acting for this programme will ever ask you for payment. If someone asks you for money, they are not acting for this programme. Please report it to us on 010 035 0558.
What if I do not have all three documents yet?
Apply anyway and contact the programme office. An application without documents cannot be assessed, but we would far rather help you get them together before the closing date than lose your application. No applicant is turned away for struggling with documents or with the online form.
Can I apply on paper instead?
Yes. You can download the blank application form, complete it by hand, and then either upload the completed form on this website or email it to us with your documents. Both routes are treated exactly the same way.
I do not have an email address. Can I still apply?
Call us on 010 035 0558. We can record a contact mobile number instead and keep you updated by phone.
Can I apply to both programmes?
The two streams serve different applicants. The SME programme is for businesses in the insurance and financial services sector; the cooperatives programme is for registered cooperatives in any sector. Apply to the one that describes you. If you are genuinely unsure which fits, call us before applying.
Does ticking the ownership and demographics boxes affect my chances?
No. Those questions are for programme reporting only and are not used to assess your eligibility. You may leave them blank.
How many places are there, and how are applicants chosen?
There are 70 places across the two programmes. Applications are assessed against the published qualifying criteria and final selection is made by a committee. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a place, and applying early does not move you up the list, but it does give us time to help if a document is missing.
When will I hear the outcome?
Applications are assessed after the closing date, Tuesday, 8 September 2026. We contact every applicant about the outcome using the contact details on the application, so please check that your email address and mobile number are correct.
Is the training accredited, and what do I receive?
Yes. The training is accredited, and on successful completion of the required assessment you receive a Statement of Results and a Certificate of Completion. Attending is not by itself enough. You need to complete the assessment, and attendance requirements apply.
What happens after I apply?
You receive a reference number on screen straight away, and by email if you gave an email address. Applications are then assessed against the published criteria and selection is made by a committee. Those selected complete a short verification and a baseline assessment before training begins, which helps us tailor the support to where you are now.
Do I get confirmation that you received my application?
Yes. Your reference number appears on screen immediately, and a confirmation email with that reference is sent to the address on your application. Keep it, as it is your proof of submission. If the email does not arrive within an hour, check your spam folder, then call 010 035 0558 and we will confirm we have you and resend it.
What happens to my ID number and documents?
They are stored securely, used only to assess and administer this programme, and shared only with INSETA, the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller and PM Skillshouse. You can ask to see, correct or delete your information at any time. Our full POPIA notice explains how.
Stream A: SME Development Programme
For small businesses in the insurance and financial services sector, based in Gauteng. 7 modules across 12 training days.
How much time does it take?
12 training days across the programme, plus mentorship sessions. Sessions are scheduled so you can keep trading between them.
What if my business is not registered with INSETA or the FSCA?
For this programme that registration is a mandatory requirement, so your business would need it to qualify. If you are in the process of registering, call us on 010 035 0558 before the closing date and we will tell you where you stand.
Will the programme find me clients or contracts?
The programme prepares you and introduces you to buyers in the insurance sector, including pitch preparation. It cannot promise contracts, because those decisions rest with the buyers.
What does the training cover?
7 modules delivered across 12 training days. 1. Financial Management Fundamentals (2 days): Financial statements, cash flow, budgeting, pricing and digital financial tools. 2. Insurance Financial Operations (2 days): Underwriting, commission, premium management and claims reserving. 3. Regulatory Compliance and FAIS (2 days): FSCA and FAIS obligations, Treating Customers Fairly, POPIA and FICA. 4. Claims Process and Financial Controls (2 days): Claims lifecycle, provisioning, fraud controls and the Ombudsman process. 5. Business Growth and Digital Readiness (2 days): Growth strategy, digital marketing, digitisation of business processes, performance indicators and continuity. 6. Risk Management and Business Protection (1 day): Enterprise risk, professional indemnity, cyber risk and the risk register. 7. People Management and HR Essentials (1 day): BCEA and LRA basics, employment contracts and disciplinary procedures.
What are the applied simulations?
Learning is put into practice through four simulations set in real operating scenarios, The Brokerage, The FSCA Visit, The Claims Table and The Growth Pitch, where participants run a working business rather than only sitting through content.
Stream B: Cooperatives Development Programme
For registered cooperatives based in Gauteng. Open to all sectors. 2 modules across 6 training days.
Which sectors can apply?
Any sector. The cooperative stream is open to registered cooperatives from all sectors, as long as they are based in Gauteng.
How many people can attend?
Up to two representatives per cooperative may attend the programme. This builds capability in more than one office bearer, rather than leaving everything with one person.
How much time does it take?
6 training days across the programme, plus mentorship sessions. Sessions are scheduled so members can keep the cooperative running between them.
Will the programme give us funding?
No. The programme does not give grants. It prepares your cooperative for funding and procurement, and links you into supplier and funding pipelines. The funding decisions themselves rest with funders and buyers, not with us.
What does the training cover?
2 modules delivered across 6 training days. 1. Governance, Compliance and the Cooperatives Act (3 days): Obligations under the Cooperatives Act, constitution, member records, compliant meetings, and CIPC and SARS standing. 2. Financial Management for Cooperatives (3 days): Bookkeeping, financial statements, a twelve-month cash flow plan, surplus distribution, and funding and procurement readiness.
What are the applied simulations?
Learning is put into practice through two simulations, Launch the Co-op and Survive the Quarter, where participants make the governance and financial decisions a cooperative faces in practice.
Getting the forms
You can apply online, or download a blank form, complete it by hand and send it back to us. Both routes are assessed the same way.
The programme is free. Nobody acting for this programme will ever ask you for payment or for your
banking details. If someone does, report it on 010 035 0558.
