The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related services Education and Training Authority (merSETA) in association with Plastics SA, launched an innovative pilot study with the aim of developing a better understanding of the shape and size of the plastics industry in South Africa. “We are hoping to identify the key drivers for change, with particular reference to skills priorities and possible growth scenarios with this industry-wide research project,” says Danny Sour, Chairman: merSETA.

According to Anton Hanekom, Executive Director: Plastics SA, the growth experienced in the plastic manufacturing recycling and related industries during the past five years has left them with a knowledge gap regarding the exact shape and size of the industry. Although the number of people employed in the industry is estimated to be between 45 000 and 63 000 people, exact figures are currently unavailable. Similarly, information about industry demographics such as race, age, gender and disability, or about the skills and needs of employees is either non-existent or outdated.

The data is being collected by means of an online survey consisting of a company profile, employee profile and a section on skills and training needs. Additionally, workshops were held in the Western Cape, KZN and Gauteng where issues relating to the industry and their impact on the skills development in each sector were investigated. For more information on the survey, visit the Plastics SA website on www.plasticsinfo.co.za.