EBH SA Takes Skills Development to Higher Levels

Since the beginning of 2000, the South African manufacturing sector has been affected by a prevailing technical skills shortage. This has seen many qualified technical employees leaving the local sector for perceived greener pastures and more lucrative international contracts.

The aftermath of the 2008/9 global recession has also meant that many companies have found it difficult to invest sufficiently in skills development training programmes due to ensuing financial constraints.

However, there is always the exception to the rule, and Durban-based Elgin Brown and Hamer South Africa (EBH SA), a ship repair and marine engineering company with over 140 years’ experience in the industry and part of the DCD Marine Cluster, has consistently prioritised training and staff development, investing generously in this important area.

According to Veni Gopalan, Human Resources Manager at EBH SA, this investment is regarded as key to the ongoing success of the organisation.

Gopalan reports that the company’s skills development initiatives have provided sustainable skills in order to assist the organisation to achieve long-term stability and profitability.

“We have broadened our skilled artisan database to align us to meet our future strategic objectives. The skills developments initiatives have also enabled employees to feel like they are true assets and add value to our operations.

As we take our skills development objectives to higher levels, we believe this will facilitate us to become a world competitor in the global economy and – very importantly for us – in the international shipping industry,” she points out.

Gopalan adds that the company is on track with their training and skills development goals and strategy for 2013.

Another important aspect of the training strategy for this year is to assist employees who, through years of practical experience and service are recognised as artisans, but do not possess a formal trade qualification. These initiatives are aimed at growing the company’s skills database while providing employees with a sense of fulfilment and pride.

“With regard to the artisan development project, we foresee that by January 2014, EBH Group Holdings will have an intake of 22 apprentices in the various scarce skills categories. The main goal of this project is to ensure we have a continuous flow of skilled marine artisans for our future operational and growth requirements.”

In this way, EBH SA has established itself as a preferred industry employer which has an extensive skills development programme and a low staff turnover rate. Gopalan adds that a key aspect of this enviable status is a well-defined HR and skills development strategy which is supported by management.

“We have achieved our preferred employer status through our staff retention strategies, including above-average remuneration, benefits and through cultivating a sense of belonging and ownership throughout the company.

Although the environment is demanding, it is also supportive. The company is continuously developing employees who show potential. We have an optimal mix between work and social relationships; and, for example, when employees are off ill or experience a life tragedy, other employees are willingly supportive without being prompted,” she comments.

Another factor contributing towards the company’s preferred employer status is its focus on developing a ‘family culture’ in the workplace. With over 140 years’ experience in the industry, EBH South Africa has a core value system which regards staff members as a ‘family’ operating as a cohesive unit – rather than a company merely servicing the industry.

“We have an open-door policy which really strengthens our family focus. There is regular consultation with management where employees express their requirements and feelings, and those in management listen and try to be accommodating,” comments Rob Deane, General Manager of EBH SA.

“We are proud of the well-established and successful training and skills development programmes, and even more so of our team of motivated and happy employees. We have intentionally developed a consultative management structure where there is clear direction, and plans are shared transparently with employees. There is also a strong focus on continuous improvement where employees’ inputs are encouraged. We believe that these factors will ensure we continue to have well-motivated, stable staff who are valuable contributors to the maritime industry,” he concludes.

 [mappress]
Press Release, September 10, 2013