Steel company ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has highlighted that the ArcelorMittal University South Africa is responsible for skills development at all AMSA operations and that, based on the skills needs of the business, the university produces qualified and fit-for-purpose artisans, production employees, technicians and engineers.

“As a company that relies heavily on technology and the technical expertise of our workforce to remain globally competitive, it is a great advantage to have the ArcelorMittal University South Africa, which ensures an appropriately trained skills pipeline,” says AMSA CEO Kobus Verster.

The company says its skills development strategy, needs and performance are reviewed and adjusted regularly in line with an internal training and skills development policy and the country’s Skills Development Act.

The ArcelorMittal University South Africa, which is accredited by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority, performs a skills audit and training needs analysis each year to highlight the skills gaps and this, in turn, is supported by a workforce analysis to identify the long-term skills pipeline and succession planning needs.

The results of these assessments inform a comprehensive workplace skills development plan, AMSA outlines.

On average, AMSA says it requires about 80 skilled artisans each year, but the pipeline intake is about 250 apprentices a year, which ensures a flow of skills into the broader South African steel and manufacturing industries.

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