Construction World August 2017

Building on community skills with bricklaying programme Corobrik’s dedication to improving the lives of disadvantaged community members through training programmes continues to grow with the implementation of a nine-week bricklayer course. Twelve Swellendam community members completed the training course in March, empowered with skills for suitable employment in the construction industry.

“We have been successfully running a num- ber of NQF-level bricklayer training courses out of our three training centres at Avoca, Lansdowne and Lawley for a number of years now with fantastic results achieved,” said Christie van Niekerk, Corobrik manager, Western Cape. “In our continuous effort to meet the needs of these community mem- bers, we recently introduced the nine-week bricklayer programme which is specifically aimed at creating employment opportunities for local residents by enhancing the public facilities at small, rural towns.” Building Training Coordinator, are not-for- profit with attendees sponsored by various organisations such as the Swellendam Tourism Economic Empowerment Partnership (STEEP). STEEP is a project implemented by the Swellendam Tourism Organisation (STO) in partnership with the Jobs Fund, Swellendam Municipality, Western Cape Provincial Government, WESGRO and others. The three-year project, which started in January 2015, aims to create jobs, provide skills’ training and unlock The Western Cape training centre, headed by Ismail Rothman, Corobrik The technical bulletins are aimed at generating awareness about particular product ranges and their specifications, standards, advantages and applications, Incledon chief marketing officer Kelly Wilson explains. “Changing customer needs in the way information is received has spurred Incledon to adopt a digital approach to product awareness,” Wilson elaborates. The decision to go electronic not only gives Incledon a far wider reach, but also appeals to young upcoming engineers who rely on smartphones, computers, and tablets as their main sources of information. The technical bulletins are aimed at external customers and staff on a national basis, in addition to professionals in the engineering and built environment. Launched in February 2017, the process of

new enterprise opportunities to the benefit of the disadvantaged communities of the Swellendam municipal area, while growing and sustaining the local tourism and related economies through enhanced destination marketing and management. There is particular focus on improving the lives of women, the youth, the disabled, the elderly and those who have never had employment. The 12 candidates sponsored for the training programme all came from the Suurbraak, Buffeljagsrivier and Railton communities. They were taught bricklaying practices, as well as life skills, which would enable them to establish their own businesses. With Swellendam being a popular tourist attraction, the graduates – who received Certificates of Achievement – will be able to build braais and other public- use facilities in and around the area. Farouk Davids, skills’ training co- ordinator of STEEP, said all the candidates expressed an interest for self-improvement. “The key considerations in the selection process were people interested in bricklaying with some experience in the building and construction environment,” said Davids. “They were looking to become part gathering the relevant information for the inaugural technical bulletin commenced in August 2016. “There are no email attachments that clog mailboxes, but rather an embedded link that connects to the particular product catalogue that sits on the Incledon server,” Wilson explains, who oversees the creation and dissemination of the technical bulletins. All catalogues are available for download from www.incledon.co.za, should any end user miss a technical bulletin, or require a specific link not yet emailed to staff and customers. Wilson adds that anyone can subscribe to the email list to receive the technical bulletins from Incledon. “Incledon works closely with its key suppliers and business partners to ensure that the latest technical information is made available,” Wilson comments. All technical

of a skilled workforce and were willing to do hard work.” STEEP also works to engage the trainees in meaningful employment following the training process. “During the training, we work with local construction and the building industry about possible employment opportunities,” he said. “A highlight was co-ordinating a local building and construction industry forum where the trainees were introduced. We are continuing discussions with construction companies that expressed willingness to provide job opportunities.” 

eBulletins to promote range As part of the value-added service it offers its clients, Incledon disseminates regular bulletins containing technical information on its product range.

eBulletins generate awareness about products and their specifications, standards, advantages and applications.

bulletins issued will be unique to the specific product being communicated. The information incorporated covers manufacturing standards and material designation, product applications and uses, product specifications, relevant certifi- cation (where applicable), advantages and benefits, technical details (such as size in mm, OD, ID, and wall thickness), and CAD drawings (where available), showing the technical details. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD AUGUST 2017 CONSTRUCTION WORLD J LY