1. THE HUMAN ELEMENTS OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY: Remembering what is important
MARCH 2016

2. FOCUS AREAS Introduction
People specific facts about the South African Plastics Industry
Our Employee Value Proposition
Industry Talent Attraction Initiatives
Industry Talent Motivation and Retention Initiatives
Other drivers Impacting on our People
What are we doing to Address People Specific Legislative Requirements
Our Future

3. INTRODUCTION
Encapsulated in the South African Plastics Industry Vision is the aspect of “Developing the skills needed through accredited training and programmes” amongst other important things.
It therefore goes without saying that the aspect of people development through skills provision is amongst others is critical in ensuring the sustainability and growth of our Industry.
This is surely one important task amongst many HR related tasks which has enjoyed focus for over a decade and continues to enjoy focus going into the future.
Companies are continually becoming aware that their competitive advantage relies largely on the calibre of employees that they employ and retain.
It cannot be argued that people are but the only one production factor which companies cannot replicate - simply put - its either we have the right people or face the consequences.

4. SOME ‘PEOPLE SPECIFIC’ FACTS ABOUT THE SA PLASTICS INDUSTRY
The South African Plastics Industry consists of an estimated 1800 companies mainly SMMEs (2014/15 Annual Report).
The industry employs about employees.
The industry like most South African industries faces huge transformation challenges (demographics, gender imbalances etc..).
Skills requirements are generally very specialised and unique to this industry.
There is a limited skills pool to supply the industry, particularly technical skills.
The industry is becoming highly technological and automated.
Literacy challenges at lowest levels (unskilled worker levels).

5. OUR EMPLOYEE VALUE PROPOSITION
Our Approach on people related matters follows an integrated approach – We focus on providing a complete Employee Value Proposition (EVP). This relates to the balance of the rewards and benefits that are received by Employees in return for their performance at the workplace. We have over the years found that the more developed our EVP is, the more we have been able to attract and retain employees in our industry. This also involves Employer Brand Communication and experience management.

6. OUR EMPLOYEE VALUE PROPOSITION
PICTURE SOURCED FROM THE HR LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

7. INDUSTRY TALENT ATTRACTION INITIATIVES
A need to tell a compelling story to potential employees:
Employment Opportunities in Plastics Industry
Plastics Advocacy Division
We sell a challenging career in Plastics.
Plastics Science/Material – interesting experience.
Our Technology Advancements.
Advanced Recruitment and Selection Techniques.
Partnerships established within our Communities (Plastics Recycling Campaigns).
Career Development Initiatives:
Learnerships (Machine Setter Trade Qualification)
Overseas Training

8. INDUSTRY TALENT RETENTION SYSTEMS
Culture and Climate Surveys.
Building Effective Competency Frameworks.
Skills Audit Processes.
Focused Training and Development Plans (ongoing collaboration with SETAs, Educational Institutions and other training providers).
Career Development Systems.
Performance Management Systems.
Reward and Compensation Management Systems.
Employee Wellness Systems.
Health and Safety.

9. PEOPLE SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE DRIVERS IMPACTING THE SOUTH AFRICAN PLASTICS INDUSTRY
Labour Relations Act
Basic Conditions of Employment Act
Employment Equity Act
Skills Development Act
BBBEE Act

10. INITIATIVES IN PLACE TO ADDRESS LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE ACROSS THE INDUSTRY
Committees formed with relevant stakeholders including Trade Unions, SETAs and Government.
Necessary resources including funding provided to ensure achievement of necessary outcomes.
Ongoing Feedback provided to stakeholders on progress made (mandatory annual reporting).
Manpower capacity provided through training on an ongoing basis.
Partnerships with other role players initiated where this is a necessity.

11. OUR FUTURE ROLE
As indicated at the beginning of this presentation, the Plastics Industry and its people, play a significant role in the economy of South Africa. It will therefore be appropriate to mention that whilst there may be challenges because of the current economic conditions, this Industry has a role to play going into the future.
The Industry is optimistic that through dedicated and skilled people we’ll be able to take our Industry to “new heights” in the future.

12. QUESTIONS / COMMENTS
THANK YOU