Remote Metering Solutions (RMS), the largest privately owned utility network manager in South Africa, proudly announces the inception of the RMS Talent Factory. This pioneering 12-month experiential learning programme, welcoming its inaugural cohort of 12 recently qualified graduates, is uniquely designed to fill the critical skills shortage in the utility sector. The Talent Factory is set to empower young professionals with practical, hands-on experience, equipping them with the requisite skills to work effectively in the rapidly evolving utility management industry.
As global and domestic forces push towards a low-carbon economy, RMS clients are increasingly investing in decarbonisation. “The shifting landscape presents intricate challenges. Utility management service providers are now tasked with navigating these complexities, assisting clients in optimising their utility management activities for financial and environmental sustainability. The Talent Factory is RMS’s answer to cultivating a pool of adept young graduates by exposing them to all aspects of utility management. We believe that our Talent Factory graduates will become highly sought after talent in the utility management sector, ready for deployment at future employers,” says RMS CEO, Chris van der Walt.
Towards the end of last year, the South African National Energy Association (SANEA) launched its South African Energy Skills Roadmap aiming to secure the human capacity and technical expertise South Africa needs for a just energy transition. Essential future skills identified include technical competencies for maintenance, such as accredited electricians, diesel mechanics, welders, and boilermakers, as well as electricity distribution and grid maintenance skills.
Despite the availability of traditional energy management courses at TVET colleges and universities, a skills gap persists in specialised utility management education. The RMS Talent Factory steps in to bridge this gap, particularly emphasising the regulatory, pricing, and financial aspects of utility management – with the first cohort all graduating in financial management, taxation and accounting.
“Understanding the financial intricacies of utilities allows RMS to steer clients towards forecasting future needs, optimising cost, addressing risks, and maximising technology and human resource benefits,” Chris says. To source the most suitable candidates for our Talent Factory, RMS partnered with Graduate World Connect NPC, a company that specialises in incubating and developing young talent. “Our approach to utility management not only seeks innovation but also prioritises social responsibility. Making a measurable impact on people and society is no longer a business imperative – it is simply the right thing to do. I could not imagine a better group of graduates, and I am delighted to
welcome this inspiring group of talented professionals to the RMS family. By investing in South Africa’s youth, we’re nurturing tomorrow’s leaders in utility management. We have high expectations of our first Talent Factory cohort and look forward to seeing how they thrive in the utilities sector, using the skills and experience gained in our business,” says Chris.
In addition to the Talent Factory, RMS also recently onboarded 22 young people from the Youth Employment Service (YES) to gain exposure and experience in the utility management industry.
“According to Statistics South Africa, around 56% of our youth are currently unemployed. This is a massive waste of potential and represents an unacceptable social risk for South Africa. We onboarded our first 11 YES youth in 2019 and have since doubled our intake. We are proud to be associated with this initiative and have witnessed the ability of the YES programme to leapfrog young people out of their economic circumstances. By giving talented young individuals future-proof experience and skills, we hope to create a multiplier effect in the utility management industry,” concludes Chris.
