Building skills, building futures
Building skills, building futures
Bridging the skills gap is essential for the future of SA’s furniture industry. SAFI and key stakeholders are driving initiatives to upskill artisans, certify talent and secure industry growth.
Skills development is the backbone of a thriving furniture manufacturing industry. In SA, where unemployment is high and skilled artisans are in short supply, investing in training and qualifications is critical for long-term growth. To remain competitive, manufacturers must bridge the skills gap, adapt to evolving technologies and ensure that artisans, upholsterers and designers receive the necessary training to excel.
At the recent Strategic Planning Meeting under the Furniture Industry Master Plan (FIMP), key stakeholders – including SAFI, industry bodies and government representatives – came together to outline an actionable plan for addressing critical skills shortages. The Final Skills Audit Report highlighted urgent gaps in occupations such as upholstery, cabinetmaking, carpentry, and computer numerical control (CNC) machine operation, emphasising the need for targeted training initiatives.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to certify skilled, but unqualified artisans and self-taught professionals, strengthening the industry’s workforce. However, training capacity remains a challenge, as many TVET colleges lack the resources for artisan training, exacerbating the skills shortage.
While large manufacturers embrace automation, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) continue to drive employment for trained artisans, highlighting the need for investment in skilled trades. Financial barriers continue to slow progress, and although the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA) is very supportive, limited funding for SMMEs makes training less accessible.
Addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration between industry, training institutions, and policymakers to align qualifications with industry needs. Expanding training opportunities and securing funding solutions will help ensure the SA furniture sector remain competitive and sustainable.
The roadmap for 2025 – 2027 will focus on:
- Strengthening partnerships with TVET colleges and industry stakeholders to align training with industry needs.
- Launching a pilot RPL certification that will formalise skills for upholsterers, carpenters and machine operators.
- Securing funding from the FP&M SETA and private partners, that will support new occupational qualifications.
- Establishing SMME training incubators, nurturing innovation and long-term industry sustainability.
By strengthening training facilities, increasing access to funding, and aligning education with industry demands, SA’s furniture sector can equip the next generation of artisans, create sustainable jobs, and drive economic growth. Stay engaged with SAFI as we roll out these initiatives – because when we build skills, we build the future.
