Capital Equipment News December 2018

TRAINING

The skill of an earthmoving mechanic has evolved over the past 10 years from being more mechanical to a semi-electronic specialist with advanced hydraulic knowledge.

Bridging the skills gap

Finding skills the industry needs has become one of the biggest challenges for the capital equipment supply chain and end users alike. The situation will only get more acute as technology evolves and competition for talent tightens. Given the dynamics, it is vital for every forward-thinking company to have a system in place to develop the skills it needs, now and into the future, writes Munesu Shoko .

T he dearth of technical skills is a huge challenge for business, not only in Africa, but across the world. This is especially the case in the capital equipment space, where the industry is already scrambling to find people who can work with evolving machine technology. Given that technical skills are the lifeblood of the equipment industry, it is encouraging to see that several companies are making hefty investments in developing the skills they need, now and well into the future. Just how dire is the shortage of skills? Speaking at a recent event where she officially opened thyssenkrupp’s newly-launched

R28-million Technical Training Academy, Naledi Pandor, Minister of Higher Education and Training, noted that there is an acute shortage of automotive and diesel mechanics, along with other nine trades identified as priority trades. These include electricians, boilermakers, plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, welders, fitters and turners, as well as riggers. To bridge the gap, Pandor called on the industry to work together with colleges to help develop skills the industry needs, which also significantly impacts the economy at large. Meltus Badenhorst, Bell Equipment GM: Group Technical Services, finds that skills shortage is not a big problem in South Africa

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