Coinciding with Kobus Swanepoel’s appointment as Manager of ACTOM’s Technical Training Centre (ATC) at Knights on July 1, 2021, a decision was taken by Group HR Executive Sylvester Makamu to adopt a new training strategy.
Previously ATC’s primary function was to recruit and provide training for the ACTOM group for applicants who have an N2, which is the minimum requirement, as apprentice artisans in the range of electrical and mechanical trades applicable within the group.
ATC was re-accredited on November 15, 2021 for the already existing trades: mechanical fitter, tool, jig & die maker, electrician and fitter & turner. They have also added a metal machinist (turner) and millwright to their list. They also offer ARPL (Artisans’ Recognition of Prior Learners) assessment and gap training.
“This has necessitated having to obtain extra accreditations for additional trades to those we already cater for, as well as get on board with existing training programmes and training colleges that provide theoretical technical training that we are well-positioned to work closely with in providing the necessary hands-on training which complements and completes what they teach,” Kobus said.
“The ARPL applies to people who have had more than three years’ work experience but haven’t had the opportunity to do an apprenticeship. We assess them and do the gap training so they can become qualified,” he explained.
Furthermore, ATC has arranged with public technical & vocational education & training (TVET) colleges to provide work-based training for their learners.
“The learners receive their certificates from the colleges when qualifying. They’re then required a further two years in industry to get their diploma,” Kobus said.
The fields of study these students do cover engineering and business studies. The Engineering Studies comprise:
- Mechanical Engineering N6
- Electrical Engineering N6
- Electronic Engineering N6
- Fitting and Turning
- Plate and Steel (Boiler makers)
- Motor Mechanics
- Electricians
- Transport and Logistics
- Mechatronics
The subjects under Business Studies are:
- HR management
- Office Administration
- Management Assistant
- Marketing Management
- Hospitality studies
To date ATC has provided the following services for external companies:
- Six months institutionalised training in various mechanical trades, electrical and millwright.
- ARPL assessment and gap training for learners from various external companies.
- Training and hosting 36 learners in different trades from one external company.
- Six weeks’ trade test preparation in electrical and various mechanical trades.
For internal ACTOM divisions ATC has recruited 24 learners in various trades, one of which is electrical for six months institutionalised training, followed by three years of work-based training.
“Towards the end of this year we will have thirty 2018 and 2019 intake apprentices from ACTOM divisions coming back to the Centre for six weeks of trade test preparation for their trade tests,” Kobus remarked.
“Our future venture is to get accreditation for First Aid, health and safety, forklift driving and Learnership NQF 2 – NQF4 and other various learnerships,” he concluded.
