Development programmes to address green economy skills gaps in the South African petrochemical industry
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
South Africa's petrochemical industry faces a significant skills shortage, limiting its ability to effectively address the emerging challenges of the green economy. This slows the entity's growth and maturation over time. This study looks at Skills Development Programmes (SDPs) in this context and aims to identify the specific flaws in these programmes that limit their effectiveness in addressing critical skill gaps.
This study uses qualitative methods, such as in-depth interviews and document analysis, to gain comprehensive insights from experienced professionals in the field.
From this perspective, the study investigates current proficiency levels, the effectiveness of existing SDPs, and the actual contribution of these programmes to fostering a sustainable and environmentally friendly business environment. The study found a significant disparity between the practical application of SDPs and the needs of the green economy. This gap is exacerbated by issues of accessibility and a lack of alignment with strategic goals. Surprisingly, 85% of respondents said that SDPs lacked practical components, while roughly 80% said they were not effectively aligned with the organization's or sector's objectives. This demonstrates the importance of having programmes that are applicable in real-world situations and place a strong emphasis on long-term goals. This study uses Human Capital Theory to demonstrate the importance of education and training in promoting economic growth. This is consistent with the perspectives of Schultz, Becker, and Mincer on the importance of investing in human capital.
The study advocates for a shift in the current approach to make skill development programmes more effective, accessible, and aligned with strategic goals. Collaboration with the private sector is an important recommendation to help individuals gain practical experience and apply their environmentally friendly knowledge in real-world settings. Furthermore, it is recommended that ongoing research be conducted to identify and address emerging skill gaps. These proposed changes aim to address current issues while also facilitating the transition of South Africa's petrochemical industry to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future, which benefits all stakeholders
Description
A research proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024
Keywords
Human Capital Theory, Skills Development, Petrochemical Sector, Skills Mismatch, Green Skills, UCTD
Citation
Haywood, Rudi. (2024). Development programmes to address green economy skills gaps in the South African petrochemical industry [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43633