South Africa’s manufacturing sector from steel to automotive to consumer goods employs around 1.7 million people. The sector faces intense global competition, automation, and energy costs. The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) plays a key role in aligning training with demand.

In-demand qualifications include mechanical and electrical engineering, robotics and mechatronics, welding, toolmaking, and quality assurance. Artisan training remains urgent; despite high unemployment, South Africa faces a shortage of certified artisans. Globally, advanced manufacturing is moving towards Industry 4.0, requiring skills in robotics, automation programming, and digital twins.

Retrenchments in traditional industries like textiles and steel are unavoidable, but redeployment opportunities exist in renewable energy, automotive innovation (especially electric vehicles), and green technologies. Partnerships between TVET colleges and manufacturers are essential to create pipelines for young artisans and technicians.

The sector also needs business analysts, industrial engineers, and data specialists to optimise production lines and cut costs. In addition, soft skills teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving are critical in modern, lean manufacturing environments.

The factories of tomorrow will need both hands-on artisans and digitally savvy engineers. Reskilling and aligning training with advanced technologies, South Africa can revive its manufacturing competitiveness and create new opportunities for its workforce.