The issue of skills has been at the forefront of every major economic debate and the shortage, demand or oversupply of skills has become one of government?s main concerns. The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) lies at the heart of this issue as it aims to identify and develop critical skills in the workplace.
If implemented correctly the WSP can "align organisations for a prosperous future, assist in the building of a skills pool and contribute to creating a talent pipe-line' says Prof Henry Grimbeek, presenter of the Workplace Skills Plan workshop hosted by Continuing Education at University of Pretoria.
According to Prof Grimbeek the biggest mistakes administrators make when compiling a Workplace Skills Plan include:
Relying too much on unit standard training.
Looking just within the planning border (e.g. 2012-13). Five to six years is a better horizon given the time of "training pipeline?.
Focusing too little on curriculum and learning content that is relevant to remain market competitive and customer focused.
Too little skills auditing to take informed decisions.
The Workplace Skills Plan is meant to facilitate the discussion between management and employees by identifying skills shortfalls and hidden talent in the workplace and providing a blueprint for skills training at work. "It directs the people empowerment process, if well designed, to bring about the realization of the company strategy and have clear people development targets and priorities - linked to the SETA grants and other training funding schemes', says Prof Grimbeek.
There is has been a notable shift in the way companies recruit and manage talent which has seen "a greater focus on job content competencies'. According to Prof Grimbeek the WSP has given companies "a better understanding of what is required in the selection process'.
To capitalise on the skills and talents in your workplace through the correct application of the WSP join one of the Workplace Skills Plan Workshops hosted by CE at UP either in Mpumalanga or Rustenburg.
Rustenburg:
Date: 24 May 2012
Mpumalanga:
Date: 31 May 2012
Course fee: R550 per person. The fee includes lunch, refreshments and a WSP toolkit with templates.
Enquiries:
Elna Venter
Tel: 012 420 5015
Email: elna.ce@up.ac.za
Website: www.ceatup.com
By Cindy Payle
