Examining the level, mix and deficiencies in skills-upgrading among South African manufacturing enterprises : the role of skill-upgrading as basis for addressing equity issues

Abstract

As the South African economy get more integrated into the global economy, the competitive restructuring of local firms will be critical to their survival and future growth. Consequently, skills and technological upgrading will be crucial in upgrading the international competitive advantage of local firms. Enterprise-provided training is one means used by local firms to continuously upgrading their knowledge bases, increase their competitiveness, and enhance employment growth over time. The objective of the study is to examine the effectiveness and deficiencies of different types of skills-upgrading or training strategies used by manufacturing firms in South Africa.