SkillsPassport
SkillsPassport
Bridging the digital & economic divide
Background
Founded by Paul Hodgson who has had several businesses in the recruitment, training, digital and franchise environments, the SkillsPassport concept originated in 2015 as a result of the challenges that job seekers experience in presenting themselves to potential employers. Employers, on the other hand, are hampered in their ability to make sound employment decisions because of their limited access to credible information and references when assessing applicants.
In the current economic environment where few sectors are showing meaningful growth, the online and training sector is still performing. In terms of the industry it operates in SkillsPassport, as a business opportunity, is perfectly positioned to both assist and benefit from the current unemployment dilemma in the country. This opportunity allows for an entrepreneur to enter the network as an agent at a minimal cost and then through hard work, to qualify to become a franchisee.
The concept under the spotlight
SkillsPassport is an app-based solution that allows individuals to be visible in the cloud to employers and institutions seeking staff and learnership programme candidates. The profile of an individual on SkillsPassport can for very specific reasons not be published, changed or manipulated by the member and this is where the opportunity for the SkillsPassport Agency and SkillsPassport Franchise exist. Member profiles can only be created, published or edited by a qualified SkillsPassport Agent, who is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information provided. The accuracy, independence and validity of information on the SkillsPassport is core to its existence and is the reason employers can rely on SkillsPassport when considering applications for employment.
While there is a large number of features included in the SkillsPassport app, for a rudimentary understanding of the value proposition we highlight the basic functionality.
- Information hosting — personal details, qualifications and employment history of individuals.
- Ratings from previous employers — similar to facility used by Uber that allows customers to rate their drives, but with rating more areas.
- Learning centre — members can complete online courses and attain qualifications in a variety of disciplines at no additional cost.
- Generate a CV — using a smart device SkillsPassport holders can generate a CV from the app to email to potential employers.
The cost of creating a SkillsPassport profile is R89 from which the SkillsPassport agent will earn between R12 and R23 depending on how many paid SkillsPassports are active per month. When an Agent signs up 200 SkillsPassports members per month for three consecutive months, the Agent may become a SkillsPassport franchise with the right to appoint Agents to sell SkillsPassport memberships on behalf of the franchisee.
The cost of a SkillsPassport Agency R25,000 (excl VAT) once-off and includes marketing material, training on the functionality of the app and how to generate and maintain a SkillsPassport. When upgrading from an Agent to a SkillsPassport Franchise the franchisee will be required to purchase a minimum of five additional user licences at a cost of R5,000 each.
If five SkillsPassport agents sells a at least 200 memberships per month, the franchisee and agents would each earn a minimum of R18,000 and R5,000 respectively. If the franchisee employs ten agents, his/her income would be around R35,000 with almost no overhead costs.