A has 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), which provide vocational skills training and create learnerships, internships and apprenticeships within every industry. The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA is one of these. Established in 2011, it was formed through the amalgamation of three SETAs – the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather SETA, Forest Industries Education and Training Authority, and certain sub-sectors of the Media, Advertising, Publishing, Printing and Packaging Education and Training Authority.

‘From an individual and community perspective, we focus on developing and improving the skills of the unemployed and job seekers in townships and rural areas through strategic partnerships with SMMEs, NGOs, CBOs and NPOs,’ says Dr Felleng Yende, FP&M SETA CEO. ‘The SETA empowers individuals to enhance labour employability by providing training and education. It also empowers youth in rural communities and townships with entrepreneurship and business coaching, as well as mentoring training. Such training directly benefits communities by addressing transformational imperatives such as unemployment, poverty alleviation and rural development.’

ACHIEVEMENTS
The FP&M SETA covers 13 sub-sectors across 77 industries. These sub-sectors include the clothing, footwear, forestry, furniture, general goods, leather, packaging, printing, print media, publishing, pulp and paper, textiles and wood products sectors. Together they create tremendous value in the lives of consumers by converting lumber, pulp, natural or synthetic fibres, animal skins/hides into finished products such as furniture, clothing, shoes, protective equipment, paper and paper board, printing (books, magazines and so on), industrial fabrics, and extending into high-tech applications in many different industries (such as automotive, health and building construction).

The FP&M SETA’s vision is to be an innovative skills-development partner supporting high-quality learning and development interventions towards global competitiveness, an inclusive economy and decent work, while its mission is to evolve as an agile and ethical institution that facilitates an efficient and effective skills development process contributing to the achievement of sector competitiveness, transformation and economic growth.

There are approximately 29 671 employers in the FP&M sector, employing around 540 377 people, equating to 33.6% of the 1.606 million people employed in the manufacturing sector and 3.2% of those engaged in SA (16.745 million).

The SETA’s strategic priorities align with national goals, emphasising job creation, economic growth and decent work. ‘Our targeted interventions in high-demand occupations contribute to economic resilience,’ she says. ‘The economic performance of the sector is crucial for overall national prosperity. As the sector thrives, it positively impacts the broader economy by generating revenue, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Our strategy is to broaden economic participation within the FP&M sector by building on the value-chain approach, expanding industry competitiveness and exports, training for technology-driven production, growing quality SMMEs and co-operatives, promoting environmental sustainability and world-class manufacturing.’

WORKING WITH EMPLOYERS
The SETA has partnered with employers, employer associations and trade unions to implement high-impact interventions aimed at addressing employability and occupations in high demand across its 13 sub-sectors.

‘In the manufacturing sector, 4IR presents a model shift driven by advanced technologies redefining how businesses operate,’ she says. ‘Companies must tap into new opportunities for growth and competitiveness by embracing connectivity, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, virtual reality, data analytics, human-machine interaction and advanced engineering. Our last impact study confirms that the implementation of our occupational qualifications and learning programmes meets the needs of the industry. While an increasing number of employers are participating in the mandatory grant funding window, I would encourage all employers to use this opportunity to get their 20% levy contribution back.’

In partnership with employers and trade unions, the SETA has implemented several high-impact projects focusing on employability and advanced 4IR technologies impacting its industrial sub-sectors’ economic recovery and reconstruction. ‘I am incredibly proud of the achievements of SMMEs in the townships and rural communities that are making a tangible contribution to improving the lives of our learners. I have seen these companies create jobs and produce quality garments and furniture to industry standards. In the 2023/24 financial year, we had a record-breaking 12 064 learners entering learning programmes, such as apprenticeships, learnerships, skills programmes, work-integrated learning Technical and Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education and Training, work experience/internships, and bursaries, while 12 246 learners completed such programmes.’

IMPACT
These achievements have far-reaching impacts on individuals, industry and the broader economy. But she is especially pleased with the positive effects on SA’s communities.

‘I am glad we are making a high impact in the township economy through leadership and skills programme interventions aligned to garment construction, cabinet-making and upholstery,’ she says. ‘Rural communities and townships benefit indirectly as skilled individuals become more productive and contribute to local economies. Additionally, the FP&M SETA collaborates with communities to address specific needs and challenges, fostering inclusivity and social development.’

The FP&M SETA facilitates skills development, acting as catalyst for change by promoting collaboration across the entire value chain. It clusters various industries within the sector to improve linkages and enhance economic performance.

‘Critical sectors within the FP&M SETA’s portfolio include those with high employment potential and economic impact,’ she says. ‘These sectors have the potential to drive sustainable GDP growth and job creation.

‘By aligning skills development with industry demands, the SETA ensures that companies have the necessary expertise to adopt world-class manufacturing practices, such as lean and green processes and just-in-time delivery of finished products. The focus on research, monitoring and impact assessment contributes to sustainable growth and competitiveness within the sector. I am very proud of how we support industry through our Economic Recovery and Reconstruction strategy and the industry masterplans.’

UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES
The FP&M SETA’s 13 sub-sectors work together to achieve economic growth and development. ‘The sector creates quality jobs. Some sectors currently experiencing an upward economic and employability growth trajectory include wood products, paper and paper products, clothing and textiles, publishing and forestry.’

Dr Yende says it is important to develop appropriate skills for the ever-changing global economy, especially when it comes to 4IR and tech. ‘The FP&M SETA is actively leveraging technology to enhance skills development and learning within the sector.

‘Our latest Sector Skills Plan confirms the demand for new and emerging occupations such as robotic furniture makers, data scientists and drone pilots.’

The FP&M SETA recognises the impact of 4IR technologies – including digitalisation, automation, data analytics, AI and IoT – which will shape the economy of the future. ‘Learners are being upskilled in these technologies to prepare them for the evolving workplace,’ she says. ‘The SETA ensures learners acquire relevant skills by integrating technology into learning pathways. Additionally, we have to continue focusing on addressing scarce skills required for the sector’s capacity building. These skills are crucial for economic sustainability and global competitiveness.’

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The FP&M SETA has been actively working on several initiatives and programmes to enhance skills development and improve the workforce in the sector. ‘Our new initiatives are informed by research such as the Master Skills plan for industries to ensure our companies are com-petitive,’ according to Dr Yende. ‘Some of the new initiatives include the registration of 158 new occupational qualifications for the sector, providing each sector with a functional career path framework; and continuing to focus on interventions to address employability, innovation and entrepreneurship.’

STAYING AHEAD
As Ramaphosa wrote, ‘our country needs far more people with the right skills. This is so that our economy can be competitive, grow and create employment’. Again, SA is outperforming its regional and emerging market peers in this regard.

‘South Africa has one of the most advanced skills development strategies compared to our counterparts in sub-Saharan Africa and internationally,’ she says. ‘We have adopted the best practices and customised and incorporated them into our skills system.’

Much of this success is due to the collaboration of various post-school education and training providers. ‘It is pleasing to note that since 2019/20, SETAs have registered 609 689 learners on learnerships, skills programmes and internships with a completion rate of 509 828 learners,’ she says. ‘For the same period, 40 899 learners registered for artisan programmes, with 58 692 completing apprenticeship programmes and becoming qualified artisans in the country. This is a tremendous boost for middle-level skills in the country.’

These successes have come despite key challenges that have hindered economic and sector growth, including resource limitations and capacity constraints. Yet Dr Yende is happy with the learner numbers the FP&M SETA has achieved by implementing learning programmes. ‘Due to strategic partnerships with stakeholders, I am gratified that we can get a higher return on investment,’ she says. ‘In 2023/24, the FP&M SETA registered the highest number of learners in terms of registration and completion of learning programmes.’

One of the critical responsibilities of the FP&M SETA is to ensure that it facilitates quality assurance processes for its learning programmes. It must ensure all of its occupationally directed qualifications are relevant and updated to meet the needs of the industry. The FP&M SETA has improved its project management processes to ensure that it has an active and functional qualifications framework for its industries.

‘Stakeholder collaboration is essential to overcome challenges and foster sustainable growth,’ she says. ‘This includes industry collaboration. Stakeholders within the FP&M sector should collaborate across sub-sectors through joint projects, knowledge sharing, and value-chain linkages [to] enhance overall performance. In terms of skills development support, employers, educational institutions and industry bodies can actively participate in skills development programmes by offering internships, apprenticeships and workplace training to bridge skills gaps.

‘Stakeholders can also advocate for policies that promote the growth of the FP&M sector. Engaging with policymakers ensures alignment with national priorities. Our employers, too, must support mandatory grant submissions rather than just focusing on discretionary grants. Remember, collective efforts lead to a stronger and more resilient sector.’

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