The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), in collaboration with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), has officially launched the Green Hydrogen Centre of Specialisation (CoS) in Pretoria. This initiative, held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), aims to address South Africa’s growing need for hydrogen-related skills in the rapidly evolving green hydrogen sector.
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Yershen Pillay, CEO of CHIETA, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “As a leader in the provision of training in the chemical industry, we are pleased to work with colleagues from MQA and TETA to help create skills needed to tap into the opportunities in the rapidly emerging hydrogen space.” This collaboration is intended to provide specialised training that addresses the increasing demand for upskilling and reskilling in green hydrogen and its associated industries.
Strategic collaboration to drive hydrogen skills development
The Green Hydrogen CoS will focus on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) through hybrid training, with courses offered at select tertiary institutions and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The training will be designed to complement existing degrees and National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 5 or higher qualifications. This comprehensive approach ensures that trainees are prepared for various elements of the green hydrogen value chain.
CHIETA’s leadership role is vital to the project’s success. The collaboration enables the sharing of resources, expertise, and market access. It also aligns the project with government priorities, helping to foster a skilled workforce for the future. “Through this we endeavour to address unemployment and also grow the economy,” said TETA CEO, Maphefo Anno-Frempong.
New centre targets hydrogen sector’s future workforce needs
The Centre’s primary focus will be training workers across the green hydrogen value chain, from production to distribution. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has conducted a skills mapping exercise to guide the CoS’s efforts in addressing specific needs within the sector.
MQA CEO Dr Thabo Mashongoane stressed the importance of this initiative, saying, “This is a significant move that not only raises awareness about the CoS and generates momentum for the project but also showcases the unwavering commitment of all participating organisations.” The collaboration is expected to produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities presented by the hydrogen economy.
In his keynote address, Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi, representing the Minister of Higher Education and Training, emphasised the crucial role of the education sector in building South Africa’s skills base. He reaffirmed the government’s support for the initiative and its alignment with national economic growth priorities.
