Robust skilled talent required to meet Bay industry’s needs

A panel discussion exploring key issues surrounding the current state of technical skills development and the future needs of local manufacturing industries formed part of today’s official launch of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Skills Development Programme.

The panel featured key industry leaders such as Chamber President and overall Think Tank Lead Kelvin Naidoo, Gideon Smith, Marketing Manager for S4 Integration, and Andiswa Mbatha, Dealer Network Development Training Manager at Stellantis.

Kelvin Naidoo reaffirmed the Chamber’s vision of positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as the diverse manufacturing hub on the African continent.

“To fulfill this vision, we must ensure a strong pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the demands of both existing and emerging industries. While our foundations are strong, there is still work to align the skills available in the local market with what industries require, particularly in emerging sectors like the hydrogen economy and alternative mobility.”

As a first step, he outlined that the Skills Development Desk will conduct a comprehensive Skills Audit across key industries to pinpoint skills shortage areas. “This audit will provide us with critical data to create an industry-driven, targeted approach to skills development that can address the immediate needs of the Bay while anticipating future trends. By ensuring that our young talent is equipped with the right skills, we will create sustainable jobs and stimulate further economic growth.”

Naidoo also emphasised the importance of preparing for the shift towards the hydrogen economy and alternative mobility sectors expected to grow rapidly.

“These industries will require specialised skills in green energy, electronic engineering and automation, and through the Skills Development Desk, we will focus on providing relevant training and skills to keep our workforce locally and internationally competitive.”

Gideon Smith highlighted the importance of focusing on technical skills to stay competitive in a globalised market.

“The focus on technical skills is driven by the increasing demand for scarce and specialised skills that are essential for industries shaping the workplace of the future and economy. In sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and IT, there is a growing need for expertise in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics. As an existing investor, we are prioritising these disciplines, as they are fundamental to innovation, automation, and the development of smart technologies that enhance efficiency and competitiveness,” he said. 

He also pointed to the significant role Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play in the future of work. 

“Artificial Intelligence is set to play a transformative role in the workplace, but rather than replacing human jobs, it will enhance efficiency, accuracy, and problem-solving capabilities. AI will automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and provide data-driven insights that improve decision-making.

“However, the human element remains irreplaceable – machines lack the ability to understand emotions, cultural nuances, and customer frustrations, which are crucial in relationship-driven industries. AI will complement human skills by enabling professionals to focus on higher-value tasks such as strategy, innovation, and customer engagement. The future of work will be about collaboration between humans and AI, ensuring that businesses can operate smarter while maintaining the personal touch that the customers value.”

Smith reinforced the need for strong collaboration between the education sector and industries to ensure curricula align with real-world business requirements, stressing the importance of technical and soft skills for the future workforce.

“Over the next three to five years, I hope to see the Skills Development Desk promoting and enabling the development of a highly skilled workforce that helps to drive innovation and economic growth in Nelson Mandela Bay.”

Mbatha, from Stellantis, shared her perspective and stressed the importance of building relationships with local stakeholders to ensure that the region’s skills development efforts align with the needs of businesses.

“Stellantis executive has been very intentional about being a part of the local community, and this involved building relationships with key stakeholders that drive economic development, such as the Chamber, to enable us to better understand the skills landscape.

Through these strategic partnerships, the Chamber has supported the building phase of the Stellantis business with skills audits, matching skills to business requirements and forging strong relationships with trade schools and universities,” Mbatha said.

Mbatha also discussed the importance of embracing automation within manufacturing environments.

“To run a successful operation, we need various skills and expertise across multiple disciplines to ensure efficiency, safety and quality in our final product. Engineering professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and automation specialists, play crucial roles in optimising production. With a global shift to 4IR, automation is simply a part of that, and we have to embrace it and use it to drive efficiency and increase quality.

“While automation is critical for quality production, skilled professionals remain essential for overseeing, maintaining, and refining these systems. Our future will likely be a hybrid model, combining human expertise with intelligent automation to maximise productivity and innovation. Prioritising these key skills will enable us to establish a world-class facility that drives economic growth and industry advancement.”

In closing, Mbatha highlighted the Bay’s potential as a place to live and work, noting its excellent quality of life and balanced work environment.

“The region has a lot to offer, both professionally and personally. With the right investments in skills development, we will continue to grow as a manufacturing and automotive hub,” said Mbatha.