Training and skills development in the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Evidence from Botswana borehole drilling companies

Abstract

Orientation: Organisations are hesitant to implement new technologies that are beneficial to the organisation to achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently.

Research purpose: The study’s major aim was to investigate the best practices of training and skills development in the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) using a case study of Botswana borehole drilling companies.

Motivation for the study: Training and skills development in the wake of the 4IR has received little investigation in Botswana and hence this study looked for the best practices in training and skills development in the aftermath of the 4IR and its impact on Botswana’s borehole drilling companies.

Research approach/design and method: A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted for this study. A probability sample consisting of 100 participants from a population of 300 workers of Botswana borehole drilling companies was studied. Data were gathered using questionnaires and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Main findings: The study findings showed that training and skills development play an important role in equipping employees with new skills, especially in this modern day of technological advancement for an organisation to have a competitive advantage.

Practical/managerial implications: There is a need in organisations to unlearn old technologies and practices and relearn new ones to successfully adapt to the realities of disruptions from technological advancement.

Contribution/value-add: The study recommended that businesses in the borehole drilling sector should embark on training and skills development if their workers are to keep abreast with the relevant technology in the industry.