“There is a need to continually reskill, upskill, and increasingly adopt technology”

Dr. Harris Neeliah emphasized the crucial role of skills development in reshaping the manufacturing sector at the “Industry of the Future” workshop organized by the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers (AMM). He showcased the HRDC’s dedication to bolstering the industry through cutting-edge training programs and strategic collaborations aimed at maintaining the competitiveness of Mauritian businesses in an increasingly technology-focused environment. Central to his address was the Sectoral Skills Development Scheme (SSDS), a program designed to provide hands-on, enterprise-level training to tackle technological challenges. He also introduced a new partnership with the Université des Mascareignes to launch a Master’s program in Industrial Internet of Things, reflecting the HRDC’s commitment to innovation and future readiness.

At the “Industry of the Future” workshop organized by the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers (AMM), Dr. Harris Neeliah, the Acting Deputy Director of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), emphasized on the critical role of skills development in shaping the future of the manufacturing sector. His address highlighted the ongoing efforts of the HRDC to support the sector through innovative training programs and strategic partnerships, ensuring that Mauritian enterprises remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Dr. Neeliah began by acknowledging the longstanding partnership between the HRDC and the AMM, a relationship that has been instrumental in driving forward the development of the manufacturing sector in Mauritius. “Along the years, the HRDC has been a continual partner of the AMM and the manufacturing sector in general,” he remarked, underscoring the collaborative spirit that has led to the success of numerous projects.

Recent collaborations between the HRDC and the AMM have included initiatives focused on the circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, and the application of lean sigma methodologies in the medical devices sector. These projects are reflective of the HRDC’s commitment to addressing the diverse challenges faced by the manufacturing industry, particularly in the areas of sustainability and efficiency. “As we know, the manufacturing sector is buffeted by a myriad of challenges, and we acknowledge the need to continually reskill, upskill, and increasingly adopt technology,” Dr. Neeliah emphasized.

The philosophy of transferring theoretical training to solve real technological issues is crucial, and should be integral to any skills development programme

A cornerstone of Dr. Neeliah’s speech was the introduction of the Sectoral Skills Development Scheme (SSDS), an innovative initiative designed to enhance the skill sets of workers in the manufacturing sector. “Today’s skilling programme is grafted on the Sectoral Skills Development Scheme. This instrument is a purposive, integrative, and developmental tool that does not only facilitate face-to-face training, but also promotes in-situ skills development at the enterprise level,” he explained.

The SSDS is tailored to meet the specific needs of enterprises, providing a framework that supports both theoretical and practical learning. Dr. Neeliah highlighted the importance of this approach, noting that it ensures technical knowledge is not only imparted, but also effectively transferred to the enterprise level. “To operationalise this concept, we today have resource persons from Ekium Ltd to ensure that technical knowledge is not only shared, but that capabilities are developed, and more importantly transferred at the level of participating enterprises,” he said.

This emphasis on practical, enterprise-level training is central to the HRDC’s philosophy of addressing real technological issues within the industry. “This philosophy of transferring theoretical training to solve real technological issues is crucial, and should be integral to any skills development programme. Issues must be identified, and training should be geared towards addressing such issues, focusing on both production and productivity,” Dr. Neeliah advised.

He also spoke about the HRDC’s efforts to promote advanced educational opportunities that align with the future needs of the industry, announcing a new collaboration with the Université des Mascareignes (UdM) to offer a Master of Science (MSc) in Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). “Bearing this philosophy in mind, we are also collaborating with UdM to launch a call for applications for an MSc in Industrial IOT. I take this opportunity to invite enterprises to consider this prospect,” he stated, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and innovation within the sector.

This initiative reflects the HRDC’s proactive approach to equipping the workforce with the skills required to thrive in an environment increasingly dominated by digital and automated technologies. By fostering higher education in emerging fields like IIOT, the HRDC aims to ensure that Mauritian enterprises are not just participants, but leaders in the global industrial landscape.

Dr. Neeliah urged participants to take advantage of the knowledge provided by Ekium Ltd, a key partner in the SSDS program, to drive technological advancements within their own enterprises. “I would like to impress upon participants to make the most of Ekium’s expertise; to tag solutions—technological and non-technological—to further progress the technology adoption agenda of their respective enterprises,” he said.