Plastics Chamber Answers to questions

Question 1.1 It’s too soon for new members to contribute to this without first becoming part of the chamber meetings. The suggestions made will therefore usually come from a narrower view than if the member is well informed on the various skills related policies and NSDMS 3. Usually with the Plastics Chamber, we use the findings and recommendations that come out of current research and evaluate the value of using these to inform the next research. This ensures that we research topics that are relevant and concerning to the industry’s growth.

Question 1.2 Plastics Manufacturing Machine Setter Trade Qualification – through a review process has been submitted for registration at an NQF Level 5 and not NQF Level 4 as registered previously. Part Qualifications for the above Trade have been developed and are submitted for registration at an NQF L4 The next occupational qualification in the pipeline for development is the Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operator

Question 1.2 - Shop Floor Level Completion of Setter Trade Test – through the review process now an NQF L5 not NQF L4 Part Qualification Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operator – next occupational qualification for development Plastics Technicians: No Universities offering this. TUT is in the process of preparing for the new B.Eng degree in Polymers – not sure if they are ready to start in 2019 as originally planned? Plastic|SA Trainers/Lecturers development for future skills

Question 1.2 - Continued Recycling Higher Level Composites Full value chain needs formal qualifications Higher Level Export Readiness Programme and Import Replacement Management Development Executive Development Composites Possible review process of legacy qualifications (NQF L2-L5) to take place with experts in the sector which could be facilitated by Merseta through the QCTO.  Merseta could be appointed as the DQP, for the review process and convene a CEP (community of experts practitioners). Next stage thereafter would be to apply for development of Occupational Qualifications that are more relevant and current to replace the old qualifications (based on the needs of industry right now)

Question 1.2 – Future Skills Advanced Robotics Intelligent gripping controls Person is smart factories- use gesture recognition to imitate humans Workplace more attractive, more ergonomic and more hassle free Wear the robot directly on the body Man and machine will collaborate more effectively Robots for autonomous elements within workplaces and cobots for most other work elements Digital Assistant Systems Augmented Reality Gesture Control Wearable and Cobots Sensitive industrial robots Machine Learning Autonomous Systems: Software, sensors, artificial intelligence

How to disrupt your workplace for results (safely shake things up) Question 1.3 Merseta’s Role Development of lecturers/trainers of Plastics|SA for future skills readiness Relationships with Chamber of Commerce of the European and Eastern Countries to facilitate skills transfer partnerships Special project- Executive Development (Leadership for the future). Cannot introduce future skills if the leadership is NOT prepared. How to disrupt your workplace for results (safely shake things up) Collaborate rather than compete Keep up to date with science technology and current affairs Communicate in new ways, etc.

Question 1.4 For Chamber Committee: Training on various acts and policies Training on responsibilities and how to contribute Training on understanding what research is

Thank you