The skills crisis in South Africa goes much deeper and broader than the workplace. It has its roots in the education system that has resulted in school leavers not completing their schooling. Failure rates are unacceptably high and those completing their schooling leave without skills that are of value in the world of work.

Tertiary institutions have also delivered many graduates with degrees that are of little use to business, resulting in unemployed graduates while there are shortages of key people ranging from engineers to artisans.

The workplace is also bleeding skills – in the form of ageing, skilled, experienced workers who are starting to retire and skilled workers who are emigrating.

These and other factors have made it difficult for SA businesses to thrive. Skills are needed right now and it’s important for companies to start developing these skills immediately to address immediate needs instead of waiting for years while these skills are developed.

Martin Westcott is the Managing Director of PE Corporate Services and has a B.Sc. (chemical engineering) and an MBL (cum laude). Martin will be facilitating the Challenge “The skills crisis is hampering organisational and national growth” in the HR Director stream at the HR Future SolutionsFest.

HR Future is hosting the HR Future SolutionsFest on Wednesday, 8 August 2012, at the Sandton Convention Centre. All HR professionals seeking solutions for key HR challenges are invited to engage with their peers and skilled facilitators at this unique event. For more information and to book your seat at the table, visit www.solutionsfest.co.za.