As the TVET sector in South Africa aims to train artisans and technicians for the emerging green hydrogen economy, it must transcend conventional models of skills development.
Recommendations
- The Presidency, the DHET and Business Unity SA/National Business Initiative BUSA/NBI) should establish a skills governance working group to adopt economic wellbeing as a policy cornerstone and investigate skills value chains aligned with this new paradigm.
- The Presidency, in collaboration with the DHET and BUSA/NBI, should support the establishment of more green economy skills incubator hubs as a vehicle for GH2 startup experimentation, prototyping and continual learning to foster skills anticipation in new ways within the TVET ecosystem.
- Treasury should prioritise innovative financing models for sustainable TVET funding aligned with wellbeing principles to encourage interventions such as green impact bond partnerships between the DHET, BUSA/NBI and educational institutions, integrating environmental stewardship into the TVET curriculum.
- The Presidency, working with the Treasury, should create a framework for adopting UBD aligned with the well-being economy principles linked to GH2 energy projects to advance a just energy transition and address prevailing economic challenges.
Executive summary
In South Africa’s evolving workforce, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a pivotal role in addressing challenges such as inequality, climate change and unemployment. The government aims to train 30,000 artisans by 2030 to meet industrial needs while combatting unemployment. Green hydrogen (GH2), highlighted in government plans, shows promise in the energy transition. Understanding TVET–industry linkages is crucial, focusing on skills governance to anticipate skill needs and plan accordingly. Economic well-being, beyond job attainment, is pivotal. A shift from a jobs-centric to holistic education is pivotal, including dignified work, household care, viable environmental ecosystems and state infrastructural support. This shift fosters whole-person and societal well-being for local and planetary flourishing. To enhance TVET, the funding strategy should move towards dynamic education models aligning with a well-being economy. TVET’s role in the GH2 economy demands innovation beyond traditional models. Challenges such as land dynamics and energy democracy necessitate a progressive approach. Universal Basic Dividends (UBD) emerge as a tool to promote skills development and environmental protection. Collaborative efforts are vital, with the Presidency, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and Treasury leading this transformative journey. Through a just energy transition, South Africa can pioneer inclusive economic models while harnessing the potential of the GH2 economy.
For more information click here: https://saiia.org.za/research/skills-governance-and-the-tvet-ecosystem-pioneering-systemic-innovations-for-the-emerging-green-hydrogen-economy/
Image: Getty, Andresr
