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SAICE urges focus on experience and skills in the transport sector

In the transport sector, the need for workforce diversification has sometimes come at the expense of experience.

Alan Robinson, 2022/23 Chairperson of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering.
Alan Robinson, 2022/23 Chairperson of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering. Supplied by SAICE

In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), retaining critical engineering skills is an ongoing challenge, with professionals often lured away by high-tech, high-income nations. While young engineers bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, the absence of seasoned guidance can lead to unintended consequences.

Alan Robinson, 2022–2023 Chairperson of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE) Transport Division, noted: “Training extends far beyond academic qualifications, encompassing specialisation in specific fields or becoming a project management specialist. However, without the invaluable wisdom derived from relevant experience, the foundational principles of engineering tend to fade quickly.”

In LMICs, both public and private sectors grapple with skill shortages. Robinson emphasised: “It’s not uncommon to encounter “catalogue” designs founded on narrow strategic perspectives, inaccurate forecasting assumptions, and selective application of design standards and guidelines. This issue permeates across both public and private spheres.”

To address these challenges, he proposed the development of a bespoke training programme focusing on transport engineering fundamentals. This programme targets young and senior engineers, even those not specialising in transport. Robinson explained: “We’ve identified common issues that will be addressed in the courses. The focus of the courses is not on how to do things, which is covered in most other courses, but “why” do things. Our goal is to expand these courses to cover ten areas of transport planning, and traffic engineering ranging from strategic planning to green transport and autonomous integrated systems.”

The training programme aims to equip designers and reviewers with the ability to assess designs at a high level, ensuring they align with economically efficient solutions. Robinson emphasised, “Experience has shown that it’s often the obvious that is missing in transport scheme development.”

Reflecting on South Africa’s engineering landscape, Robinson recognises the objectives of transformation in the engineering industry, which drives economic transformation. However, he noted: “It is imperative that the experience/skill balance is retained. It is loss of experience in using the skills that cannot be replaced with just the skills.”

Robinson underscored the significance of experience, stating: “Experience is not measured in years, but in a cognitive library of real-life events. It provides an unparalleled understanding of project complexities, interdependencies and potential pitfalls.”

The ultimate objective of this training programme, he explains, is to bridge the gap between skills development and practical experience, particularly in LMICs.

Source: SAICE