The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) has developed and verified three new green hydrogen practitioner roles, and the proposals are being prepared for submission to public institution the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for approval.

The new qualifications for the green hydrogen sector are green hydrogen production practitioner, green hydrogen technology practitioner and green hydrogen storage and fuel transportation officer.

“CHIETA is advancing new career development to align educational programmes with labour market needs, particularly for occupations emanating from the skill implications of green hydrogen and digital transformation within the chemical sector,” says CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay.

“The transition towards a circular economy instils a demand for new skill sets within the chemical industry. Presently, the industry faces an inadequate supply of these skills, highlighting the existence of a skills gap that necessitates targeted interventions,” he adds.

Key roles in the chemicals sector include environmentalists, hydrologists, biochemists and green engineers.

Further, a quantitative data analysis on occupational composition in the chemical industry indicates that most employees are technicians and associate professionals in high-ranking occupations, he says.

The chemicals sector requires highly skilled employees, as most employees possess National Qualifications Framework Level 4 and above certification, indicating that the industry is heavily reliant on highly qualified employees.

“High-quality data ensures the skills needs for the chemical industry are accurately reflected and that CHIETA can develop plans that meet national objectives. This will assist in ensuring that the right training initiatives are implemented to meet industry demands,” he notes.

Meanwhile, the world of work is undergoing a significant transformation because of the increasing adoption of automation and the integration of advanced digital technologies.

Startups in the chemical industry are introducing modern technologies, such as AI and computational chemistry, and solutions for the circular economy and biotechnology. They tap into corporate venture funding and collaborate with academic spin-offs and entrepreneurs to commercialise innovative ideas.

“This significant growth in chemical-related startups indicates that new entrants are filling gaps. This influx of startups brings fresh talent and expertise to the industry,” Pillay adds.