Page 7 - W&RSETA Newsletter July 2021

W&RSETA consults stakeholders

on skills priorities for the

Wholesale and Retail Sector

he W&RSETA commenced with the annual engagement session throughout all nine provinces for the 2021/22 Sector Skills Plan
(SSP), a process that the SETA will facilitate throughout the year. Stakeholder engagement and consultation are key requirements
Tto ensure a credible SSP that reflects the skills demand and supply for the Wholesale and Retail Sector.

As part of the process, the W&RSETA conducted engagement sessions and interviews with stakeholders to solicit input on skills priorities
to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the medium-term future. The first phase of the engagement was concluded on 5 July
2021.

The update to this year’s SSP will assist the W&RSETA to align critical skills needs, including Hard-to-Fill Vacancies (HTFVs) and scarce
and critical skills gaps. Primarily, the process will assist the W&RSETA to identify urgent skills needs required to respond to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic.

Stakeholders engaged on the challenges they face due to the pandemic and how the sector and the SETA should respond. The
W&RSETA also outlined the COVID-19 measures and critical interventions implemented.

Effects of COVID-9 on the W&R Sector Effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the
W&R Sector
• Consumer behaviour change to buying local –
benefiting businesses at the periphery of the economy; • Increasing competition of global market through
SMMEs, local business and smaller business e-commerce
• Challenging, tough times, but simultaneously it is a • Presence of larger retailers in rural areas
time of opportunities • Move to digitisation – e-commerce
• Strong managerial skills required • Employment is at a low level
• Upskill individuals on SHEQ • Skills required and opportunities to use
o technical and soft skills
o change management
o e-commerce

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W&RSETA | July 2021 Issue