#NAACAMProud: NAACAM Project Manager, Lebalang Molobele, recently delivered the keynote address, “Bridging the gap: Skills Programmes and the Labour Market”, at the merSETA Gauteng Stakeholder Breakfast Engagement Session.
The address focused on the current skills landscape within the automotive component manufacturing industry and what is required to enhance the skill profile of the sector to align with industry needs and international standards.
Research undertaken by NAACAM has highlighted that existing skills gaps present a significant barrier to localisation and sector growth. The establishment of a demand-driven TVET curriculum that creates a sustainable pipeline of well-skilled graduates entering the industry is thus essential to unlock localisation and foster economic growth, increased innovation, higher levels of employment and ultimately, increased social equality.
To do this, Lebalang highlighted 8 fundamental areas for further attention:
1. Improved industry alignment
2. Flexible curricula that can quickly adapt to market changes
3. Increased work-based learning to increase practical exposure
4. Foster partnerships between key stakeholders to develop comprehensive skills development initiatives
5. Provide career guidance to support individuals identify their strengths and passions and drive interest in component manufacturing
6. Improve soft skill development
7. Establish targeted support programs for underrepresented groups
8. Continuously evaluate skills programmes to ensure areas for improvements are identified
Concluding her address, Lebalang noted, “failing to bridge the gap between skills programs and the labour market can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. It is therefore essential to prioritize efforts to ensure that education and training programs align with the needs of the workforce and economy.”
NAACAM continues to be a valued partner to the merSETA.
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