Education and training remain among the most important strategic tools available to strengthen the long-term competitiveness, quality standards and growth potential of South Africa’s stainless steel industry.
As the custodian of stainless steel industry development in Southern Africa, Sassda believes structured training plays a critical role in supporting not only individual companies, but also the broader sustainability and advancement of the local manufacturing sector.
Sassda Training Manager Mankabe More says the industry increasingly requires a stronger focus on technical capability, practical skills development and knowledge transfer across the value chain.
“Training is not simply about compliance or education. It is about building a more competitive and sustainable stainless steel industry in South Africa. When companies improve technical capability, reduce errors and strengthen quality standards, the entire value chain benefits,” says More.
Building Technical Capability Across the Value Chain
Sassda’s current education and training structure has been developed to support multiple levels of industry participation, ranging from entry-level awareness through to advanced technical and metallurgical expertise.
The organisation currently offers programmes including the Introduction to Stainless Steel Course, Fundamentals of Stainless Steel Course, Advanced Stainless Steel Course, Selling of Stainless Steel Course and a specialised Multi-Module Shopfloor Course.
The introductory online programmes are designed to provide newcomers and non-technical personnel with a foundational understanding of stainless steel, including material grades, applications and handling requirements.
At a more advanced level, the Fundamentals of Stainless Steel Course offers ECSA-accredited training covering corrosion, stainless steel applications, mechanical properties, production methods and handling practices over a structured three-week programme.
Meanwhile, the Advanced Stainless Steel Course focuses on areas such as metallurgy, thermodynamics, corrosion mechanisms, welding microstructures and manufacturing processes for professionals requiring deeper technical knowledge.
According to Sassda, improved technical competence in areas such as fabrication, welding, corrosion resistance and finishing can deliver direct operational and commercial value to member companies. Better understanding of stainless steel grades and applications can help reduce defects, minimise material wastage and improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
The association also believes training contributes directly to improved productivity and manufacturing efficiency by helping companies optimise fabrication processes, improve throughput and reduce downtime.
Importantly, many of Sassda’s programmes are aligned with ISO, SANS and export standards, helping position companies for participation in regulated markets including Europe, the Middle East and food-grade manufacturing sectors.
Sassda has also seen growing demand for customised on-site shopfloor training tailored to the operational requirements of individual companies.
These practical sessions allow businesses to focus on their own fabrication environments, handling procedures, traceability systems and workshop challenges while training entire teams simultaneously. The customised approach has become increasingly popular among members seeking more
practical, operations-focused skills development directly within their manufacturing facilities.
Supporting Localisation and Long-Term Industry Growth
More says South Africa’s future competitiveness will increasingly depend on moving beyond price-driven manufacturing towards higher-value fabrication and engineered solutions.
“South Africa cannot afford to compete only on price. The future lies in higher-value fabrication, engineered solutions and specialised stainless steel applications. Skills development creates the platform for innovation, localisation and stronger export competitiveness,” says More.
Sassda believes stronger industry-wide training structures can also support localisation efforts by helping local fabricators move further up the manufacturing value chain and reduce dependence on imported products.
Beyond technical knowledge, the association sees education and training as an important driver of industry transformation, inclusion and workforce sustainability. Structured programmes can help create opportunities for SMEs, emerging fabricators and younger entrants into the manufacturing sector while supporting broader national skills development objectives.
Particular emphasis has also been placed on practical shopfloor capability. Sassda’s Multi-Module Shopfloor Course includes modules covering handling and warehousing best practices, fabrication methods, contamination prevention, traceability and pickling and passivation processes.
According to Sassda, long-term investment in skills development creates a compound industry benefit where improved capability strengthens quality standards, increases competitiveness, supports market growth and ultimately contributes to greater industrial sustainability and job creation within South Africa’s stainless steel sector.
ROSHENE SINGH
EMV Africa HR & Quality Manager
Which Sassda courses have you or your staff attended and when?
I personally attended the Advanced Stainless Steel course, while our Sales and Marketing teams completed both the Advanced Stainless Steel and Selling of Stainless Steel courses. Over the past three years, our teams have continuously participated in Sassda training initiatives.
One of the standout programmes was the Handling of Stainless Steel course, which was conducted on site for our warehouse teams. The mill visits are also highly anticipated events on our annual calendar.
What value did your staff get out of attending them?
The courses empowered our teams with a stronger foundational understanding of the products we work with every day. As a result, they are able to engage with customers with far greater confidence and credibility.
Would you recommend the courses to others and why?
Definitely. I believe Sassda plays an important role in strengthening the industry through knowledge sharing and skills development. If we want to grow and nurture talent within the sector, we need to invest in people. EMVAfrica is committed to being a learning organisation, and these training opportunities align perfectly with that philosophy.
HEYNS BOTHA
Fastenright Sales Manager
Which Sassda courses have you or your staff attended and when?
Over the past few years, several members of the Fastenright team have attended the Fundamentals of Stainless Steel course, along with a number of the additional training programmes offered by Sassda.
What value did your staff get out of attending them?
The training has delivered excellent value to our team, particularly in improving their understanding of stainless steel grades, applications, corrosion resistance, and broader industry best practices. This has significantly strengthened both their technical confidence and customer engagement, enabling staff to provide clients with more informed advice and service.
Would you recommend the courses to others and why?
Absolutely. We would highly recommend the Sassda courses to others operating within the stainless steel industry. The courses are professionally presented, practical, and beneficial for both new and experienced employees. Ongoing industry education is essential, and Sassda continues to play a valuable role in elevating industry knowledge and standards.