Eaton unties industry expertise with KNOTS

Industry stalwart and lecturer at the South Africa Maritime School and Transport College, Roderick Eaton has launched a new venture, Knowledge of Transport Services (KNOTS), offering an alliance of marine industry experts to address what he terms a “knowledge gap” for the sector. “As a lecturer for the industry I’ve noticed that there is a need for more hands-on, practical training in addition to the formal classroom training, particularly in Gauteng where not many people understand the shipping industry,” Eaton told FTW. He says the current skills dearth is increasing across all sectors, and even with learnerships companies don’t always have the time to address specific knowledge or skills gaps with their employees. KNOTS addresses this by offering one-day workshops or longer-term mentorship programmes, depending on the company’s individual needs. Eaton says companies tend to prefer short blasts of additional training that don’t impact on productivity. “Depending on the need, and the company’s unique set of circumstances and knowledge gaps, I will either offer this myself or arrange for an industry expert in a particular field to provide the training and insight,” he says. KNOTS will cater for one student, or up to 20 or more. “Our rates are realistic and we provide the assurance of complete confidentiality to our principals,” said Eaton. Drawing on its vast array of industry contacts, KNOTS also provides several support services to the maritime industry, including offering interim management services, market research and client support. “For example, if a shipping company based in New York or London is looking to start a trade route to Zambia or is considering using a new port, we would conduct an independent viability study and identify potential pitfalls as well as opportunities,” says Eaton. KNOTS will also undertake forensic investigations and audits of service providers should a dispute or concern arise. INSERT & CAPTION There is a need for more practical training, particularly in Gauteng where not many people understand the shipping industry. – Roderick Eaton