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.

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.

“As a country, we have not necessarily spent enough time in developing managers, supervisors and leaders. Hence, the training school has programmes that allow us to develop employees in terms of leadership capability,” he said.

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

Also speaking at the open day, BET GM Lesiba Ledwaba discussed the importance of in-house training for the industry’s growth, noting the importance of investing in employee development to meet industry demands.

To this end, BET offers programmes in plant machine operation, occupational trades, apprenticeships and soft skills training, which are available to external companies and individuals.

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 and relevant sector education training authorities.

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

“We are always staying abreast with new technologies in the areas that we operate,” said Sithole, expressing the benefits of industry partnerships in allowing the company to introduce new technologies to its programmes.

Collaboration with original-equipment manufacturers, such as Volvo and DAF, also helps 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.

“In order to employ people from local communities, we have to provide them with an opportunity to develop their skills which will, in turn, benefit the industry. There is a mutual benefit.”