Optimi Workplace was founded in March 1996 by Jackie Carroll and Dennis Lamberti to provide Adult Education and Training (AET) for disadvantaged sectors of the South African population. It grew into a national provider of workforce and community education and training for corporates and the public sector, operating as a division of the Optimi Group (which also owns Optimi College and other education brands). In 2019 the Media Works training brand was acquired by Optimi Group and folded into Optimi Workplace's operations, and the business also drew on heritage brands including IT Academy, Tuta-Me and Matric Works. LinkedIn lists the company as having 51-200 employees. As of 2026, the organisation has undergone a strategic rebrand: its official website (optimiworkplace.co.za) states 'Optimi Workplace now operates as College SA,' with all corporate training programmes and support services consolidated into the College SA brand (collegesa.edu.za / collegesa.co.za), which combines the former Optimi College and Optimi Workplace divisions. College SA, the successor brand, holds DHET registration number 2009/FE07/099, is accredited by Umalusi, is a member of the Association of Private Providers of Education, Training and Development (APPETD), and is registered with the MICT SETA. Prior to consolidation, Optimi Workplace operated campuses in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha and Sandton.
Qualifications & Programmes
- Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) – second-chance Matric for adults, NQF Level 4, accredited by the Department of Basic Education, equivalent to the National Senior Certificate
- Adult Education and Training (AET), NQF Level 1 foundation programme
- National Certificate: Generic Management (management qualification for first-line managers/supervisors), NQF Level 5
- National Certificate (Vocational): Business Practice and Foundational Learning Competence (on-campus)
- Assessor, Facilitator and Moderator skills training
- Workplace learnerships leading to NQF-registered qualifications (e.g. Business Administration at NQF Level 4)
- A range of short courses covering leadership, financial management and computer skills