CHIETA takes smart tech to rural areas to tackle unemployment

The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA) is taking bold steps to address the challenges faced by the chemical manufacturing sector in South Africa. Yershen Pillay, the CEO of CHIETA, recently discussed the state of the industry in an interview with CNBC Africa. Pillay highlighted the stagnant employment numbers in the sector, with companies facing retrenchments and a lack of job growth. In response to these challenges, CHIETA has introduced innovative programs to upskill and reskill workers in the chemical manufacturing industry. One of the key initiatives is the establishment of smart skill centers in rural areas across the country. These centers aim to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare workers for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). With the introduction of robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies in the workplace, there is a growing need for a workforce that is digitally savvy and innovative. However, Pillay pointed out the digital inequality in the country, with only 1% of rural households having access to the internet and 4IR technologies. To address this disparity, CHIETA's smart skill centers provide training opportunities and access to digital technologies in rural communities. The centers, located in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KZM, offer a range of services to empower individuals and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Through these initiatives, CHIETA aims to create a more employable workforce and drive job creation in the chemical manufacturing sector. By training artisans in digital skills and equipping them with the knowledge to use new technologies, CHIETA is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative workforce. The organization's commitment to bridging the digital skills gap between urban and rural communities is a step towards addressing the high levels of unemployment and youth unemployment in the country. Pillay emphasized the importance of collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure the success and impact of these initiatives. CHIETA's smart tech initiatives hold the promise of transforming the chemical manufacturing sector and fostering economic growth in South Africa.