Construction World August 2017

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Training opportunities offered

Durable drainage pipes Fibertex supplies a wide range of components for advanced subsoil drainage systems, designed for use in various industries, including civil engineering, construction and agriculture. Included in this range are Drainex slotted drainage pipes, which are used in conjunction with Fibertex geotextiles and composite drainage systems that encompass geonets, fin drains and wick drains. “Drainex pipes are manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE) which is a chemically resistant polymer, with resistance to acids or alkali attack. These durable drainage pipes also offer high impact resistance and are UV stabilised, ensuring extended service life in arduous environments,” says Darryn Meisel, national sales director: geosynthetics, Fibertex SA. “These drainage pipes are bedded and side filled with filter material and properly compacted surrounding soil, to form a complete pipe-soil system. This robust structure can withstand loads in excess of 150 kN/m from soil pressure and other superimposed loads.” Drainex pipes have a double wall sandwich construction, with a corrugated external wall and a smooth inner wall, with a low coefficient of friction. This design combines high ring stiffness (>450 kPa), with excellent flow characteristics, allowing for the optimum utilisation of pipe diameter. Drainage perforations are created in the valley of the corrugations to protect the pipe from blockage from drainage aggregate. Drainex is available in diameters of 75 mm, 110 mm or 160 mm, in coils and 6 m lengths. Push fit couplings and profiled sealing rings ensure reliable joining and watertight sealing of Drainex pipe fittings. Fibertex supplies a comprehensive range of other geosynthetic products into the civil engineering and mining industries. These products include nonwoven and woven geotextiles, gabions and mattresses, geosynthetic clay liners, composite cuspated drainage and leak detection systems, erosion control blankets and cellular confine- ment solutions. 

PICTURED ABOVE: Apprentices study to become qualified Diesel Mechanics at the Eqstra Training Academy.

After receiving more than 50 applications, 12 suitable candidates were selected for the first bursaries. The candidates chose the area in which they wish to study ie finance, marketing, etc. Alternatively they are able to rotate freely through the business until they find their preferred area of expertise. The programme lasts for a period of 12 months. The candidates spend three days of each month on theory and practical courses after which they are requested to provide a portfolio of evidence to assess their competency levels. During the rest of the month they are allocated to a project to gain on the job training and new skills. At the completion of the course, candidates receive a Business Administration NQF4 certificate, accredited through SETA and are assisted to find permanent employment. “Our first group of candidates achieved a significant success rate,” says Kayt Naicker, transformation specialist at Eqstra. Other programs offered by Eqstra include a three year Apprenticeship Program in which suitable candidates are chosen from one of Eqstra’s Social Economic Development Programmess – ‘Eqstralution’ – which was implemented to focus on disadvantaged technical schools namely the Pretoria or the Rhodesfield Technical High Schools. Candidates study to become qualified Diesel Mechanics at the Eqstra Training Academy situated on the East Rand and are assisted with academy costs, meals and accommodation, transport and uniforms. In addition, and as part of the training course, Eqstra funds the costs relating to obtaining a Code 14 drivers licence. To gain practical experience, the apprentices work at Eqstra workshops based in Durban, Clayville and Germiston. Eqstra also offers 18 month long internships to external candidates during which they can gain work experience and on the job training in any field of business including human resources, marketing, finance and business, aiding them to achieve their qualification. Other Youth development opportunities offered by Eqstra include sponsorships through the Theo Jackson Scholarship fund (Eqstra is currently sponsoring four learners from Grade 8 through Grade 12 at Jeppe High School for boys and then onto university next year) as well as aiding additional learners from Rhodesfield Technical High School with tuition and residence fees. Once the learners obtain their qualification they are employed at Eqstra for two years to attain work experience. On all programs, successful candidates are paid a stipend to cover their living and transport costs.  As part of its Learning and Development programme, Eqstra Fleet Management and Logistics has introduced the Eqstra Bursary Programme consisting of an accredited NQF level learnership bursary to assist family members of employees who are looking for qualifications and work experience.

Fibertex supplies a wide range of components for advanced subsoil drainage systems, designed for use in various industries, including civil engineering, construction and agriculture.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD AUGUST 2017