LH Marthinusen (LHM) recently completed the expansion and complete upgrade of their SETA accredited Skills Development Centre at the division’s main operating facility in Denver, Johannesburg.
The Centre, which until recently could only provide training for up to 24 armature winder apprentices, has been expanded to accommodate a total of 80 apprentices and now caters for electrician, welding and fitter-and-turner trades as well. 20 Engineers in Training (EIT’s) are also afforded the opportunity to complete their practical experience modules, followed by a 1-year internship.
The expansion was driven by LHM’s realisation that South Africa’s economic future depends heavily on a skilled, employable youth.
“Opportunities for young people to obtain these desperately sought-after skills are limited, hence it is of paramount importance that the private sector play their part in upskilling young people so that they might find employment and grow the economy,” said Nepile Nyakane, Manager of the Centre.
The Centre also offers training for customers and the industry at large. Training courses vary from tailored short courses to 4-year apprenticeships, depending on the budget available. LHM are uniquely positioned to offer trainees with hands-on exposure to Transformers, Electric Motors and Industrial Fans.
Upskilling the local community is very much in focus as well. Plans are in place to once again offer electrician’s assistant short courses on Saturday mornings with the view of providing unskilled individuals from the surrounding areas with the basic abilities to secure entry level employment.
