The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), together with The Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, March 27, 2023, in Midrand, Johannesburg.

The partnership is earmarked to galvanize meaningful ways to explore the lucrative international hydrogen market estimated to grow exponentially to the value $2.6 trillion by 2025. Research indicates that the hydrogen economy can help address climate change challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously creating jobs along the hydrogen economy value chains.

“We have identified a huge opportunity for CHIETA and TETA to work closely together to provide leadership on skills development for the hydrogen economy to ultimately create a future-ready workforce,” says TETA CEO Maphefo Anno-Frempong.

The MoU serves as genesis to creating/developing requisite skills to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the hydrogen economy and related total value chain inclusive of manufacturing, production and safe transportation on South African roads.

“Green hydrogen economy skills cannot be developed in isolation but require a consolidated and collaborative approach that involves stakeholders from across various industry sectors. Thus, we are encouraged by TETA’s openness and willingness to work with us in this regard,” says CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay.

“It is only through partnerships like this that we can establish effective goals and ensure they are aligned with delivering on skills development, education and training through innovative solutions for sustainable livelihoods”, he remarked.

It is expected that the African hydrogen industry could create approximately between 1.9 million and 3.7 million jobs and boost South Africa’s gross domestic product by $60 billion by 2050 (Masdar-ADSW Report, 2022). For Africa, hydrogen is both a decarbonisation vector and jobs multiplier.

CHIETA and TETA will collaborate on research and development programmes, implement future and priority skills in digitisation, innovation and economic reconstruction and recovery plans, with a particular focus on the hydrogen economy and transition.

They will also collaborate on skills development and training initiatives, including digital programmes; support the implementation of Smart Skills Centres; collaborate on STEM projects and work jointly on SMME development and support projects.

This momentous occasion was attended by the chairpersons of both SETAs, Executives, and Management teams. The partnership commenced on signing of the MoU and will remain active until 31 March 2025.