African Fusion November 2022

Technical Training Academy shapes the future S ince its establishment in 2011, Steinm ller Africa’s Tech nical Training Academy has successfully qualified 253 artisans and upskilled over a thousand employees. The

Academy offers apprenticeships, skills courses, learnerships, short courses and qualifications in technical occupations and trades. The programmes are grounded on four specialisations in the industry, namely welding, boilermaking, rigging and mechanical fitting. Currently, 52 learners are enrolled for one of these technical training programmes. Learners can fund their own tuition, apply for financial sup port through Steinm ller Africa’s bursaries, or apply for grants from merSETA. Bursaries from Steinm ller Africa are also available through apprenticeships for candidates who have completed Grade 12 mathematics and physical science and are previously disadvantaged, unemployed youth or are residents within proximity to the site. In addition to these learnership opportunities, Steinm ller Africa offers training and upskilling to its own employees. “We maintain a pipeline of the skills we require to achieve long-term sustainability, an imperative factor for the success of our company. We are proud to have an initiative that improves the lives of those who participate in these programmes. The initiative enables unskilled and unemployed students to acquire valuable knowledge, skills and experience, while enabling per manent employees to become upskilled to continue performing at a high level of service on projects,” says Karin Kaempffer, Executive General Manager for Human Capital Management at Steinm ller Africa. Steinm ller Africa’s internal programmes, including practical training, are facilitated by the company’s appointed educators. The external programmes are run by external educators who conduct National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) studies at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Programme candidates are required to pass all practical and theorymodules, NATED studies, and a final exam in aminimum

period of two years and a maximum period of four. On comple tion, graduates are awarded a Red Seal QCTO Certificate. “Through institutional training, learners become equipped with first hand skills and knowledge on how the relevant spe cialisations in the industry work and what it demands to thrive. The employable skills that are gained in these programmes are especially beneficial for those who do not yet have experience or are currently unemployed. Bridging the skill’s gap through knowledge and practical training for increased employability supports our aim to prepare developing professionals for the future of our industry,” concludes Kaempffer. Bridging the skill’s gap for increased employability supports Steinmüller Africa’s aim to prepare developing professionals for the future of the industry.

Through institutional training, learners become equipped with first hand skills and knowledge in relevant specialisations in the industry.

Steinmüller Africa’s institutional training programmes improve the knowledge, skills, employability and lives of its candidates.

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November 2022

AFRICAN FUSION