From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Given the skills shortage facing the South African engineering sector, Babcock Education and Training (BET) – a subsidiary of Babcock International Group-Africa – aims to provide the necessary training services to equip individuals with the skills needed in high-demand sectors. Sabrina Jardim tells us more.

Sabrina Jardim:

Speaking to Engineering News during an open day on July 18, Babcock Africa human resources director Dr Hamilton Sithole discussed the importance of addressing the skills gaps in South Africa, particularly in technical and supervisory roles.

Through BET, Babcock aims to create a pipeline of skilled workers through its training programmes and industry partnerships.

Babcock Africa human resources director Dr Hamilton Sithole...

Sabrina Jardim:

BET offers programmes in plant machine operation, occupational trades, apprenticeships and soft skills training as an accredited training services provider in South Africa.

The company’s training facility, located in Boksburg, Gauteng, is an accredited provider of skills development  and training in South Africa, recognised by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and relevant sector education training authorities (Setas).

Training is facilitated by experts, ensuring comprehensive knowledge of operational needs and access to cutting-edge industry technologies, such as virtual reality welding simulators.

Babcock Africa human resources director Dr Hamilton Sithole...

Sabrina Jardim:

Collaboration with original-equipment manufacturers, such as Volvo and DAF, thus help to ensure BET’s programmes exceed industry standards.

Meanwhile, BET  also offers customised programmes to meet specific corporate social investment and skills development needs and ensures that its training aligns with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s requirements, and international markets, focusing on high-demand occupations.

From an industry perspective, Sithole said the company also aims to partner with local communities to further uplift the industry.

Babcock Africa human resources director Dr Hamilton Sithole...

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.