MerSeta - Sector-Skills-Plan_2023-24

The merSETA Sector Skills Plan 2023/24 provides a strategic overview of the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services sector in South Africa. Developed during a period of global economic volatility and local challenges—including the energy crisis, civil unrest, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—the guide outlines the sector’s commitment to closing the skills gap by aligning development initiatives with national economic strategies, such as the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).

The plan emphasises the importance of agility, the adoption of new technologies as the industry transitions toward the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), and the necessity of promoting a green and circular economy. Key aspects of the guide include:

*Economic & Labour Market Context: An analysis of the sector’s contribution to GDP and employment, highlighting the resilience of manufacturing despite significant economic headwinds and structural challenges.

• Skills Priorities: Identification of critical skills needed to support economic development, with a strong focus on re-skilling and upskilling workers—particularly those in elementary and operator roles—to mitigate the risks of displacement due to automation. *Strategic Partnerships: A comprehensive look at the role of partnerships with TVET colleges, higher education institutions, government departments, and industry bodies as the primary vehicle for mobilising resources and extending the reach of occupationally directed training. *Data-Driven Planning: The integration of robust internal systems, including Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Knowledge Management, to ensure that interventions are responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with national development goals. *Inclusive Growth:A focus on supporting the social economy, including cooperatives and SMMEs, while prioritising access to learning for marginalised groups, specifically women, the youth, and the poor.