Meeting the demand for skills

Hardly a day goes by without one of the major players in the building or construction industries lamenting the acute shortage of skills required to design and physically construct the number of projects required to facilitate
growth in the South African economy. Skills required to produce strong and durable designs and structures with concrete are in very short supply, and the SCT has a vital role to play in the alleviation of the problem.

A series of short courses were introduced last year to cover specific topics selected to resolve problem areas within the industry that recur with alarming frequency. The courses are practical in the manner in which they are presented and communicate the appropriate technology in an applied format.

The course written for construction supervisors is probably the most important course offered by the SCT. It is the course that is really addressing the skills shortage at grassroots level and demand is growing very quickly. Courses written for engineers have been slower to respond but are increasing in numbers as engineers perceive the importance
of proper specification of concrete.

The demand for SCT courses has also been felt at the lower levels of technology and the course called ‘Concrete for Site Staff’ has become very popular for site operatives. ‘Mortar, plaster, screeds and masonry’ has been well supported by small builders and those employed by larger companies.
Pressure of work has meant that the availability of learners for training is limited and there is an increasing demand for Saturday courses. Several courses have been scheduled for Saturdays around the country to meet the needs of clients.

The need for concrete technology in greater depth is also evident in the high level of bookings enjoyed by the more traditional courses offered by the SCT. These courses have a longer duration, but provide information essential to people working in the Ready Mixed Concrete and Cement
industries. Those who wish to further their studies to include the nternational City and Guilds or Advanced Concrete Technology Courses offered by the SCT, also find these courses of great value.

The training facility at the C&CI has also undergone a transformation and is
now able to cope with greater student numbers in surroundings that are more conducive to learning. The teaching laboratory has also expanded its ability to accommodate the demand.

Thanks to the increasing support from the industry the demand for training has escalated, and the SCT is now able to play a significant role in the eradication of the skills shortage.

Bruce A Raath, Pr.Eng.
Education and Training Manager