Construction training hits nail on the head in Steelpoort
Unemployed individuals from a community in Steelpoort, Limpopo, recently received training in finishing carpentry and roofing from Tjeka Training Matters. This is the first step taken by these young adults towards becoming professional carpenters.
The community members now know how to manufacture and erect roof trusses, as well as install roof tiles and sheeting. They were also taught how to mount conventional home ceilings, cornices and skirtings, in addition to hanging doors.
Undertaken on behalf of a large mining company in Steelpoort, the intention of the training was to equip these individuals with the basic skills that they need to gain employment and then continue their learning journey. The training is part of the mine’s investment into uplifting communities located within its operational footprint.
Carpentry remains a highly sought-after skill in the country. This high demand is also being driven by a more than a 700% increase in growth in the home services market over the past year. Moreover, carpentry is one of many essential trades deployed in the construction of social services infrastructure, such as the schools and affordable housing.
Michael van der Byl facilitated the training on behalf of Tjeka Training Matters. He is a very skilled training practitioner with a wealth of experience in the built environment industry that he imparts to learners through hands-on mentorship.
As part of their learning journey, the individuals also had the opportunity to work with the best tools in the industry. Included in their toolboxes were Stabila Spirit Levels, which are renowned for being the preferred choice for construction professionals. This is because they offer very high levels of precision required for quality workmanship. Learners also used Milwaukee cordless planers, which provide unmatched depth control and powerful stock removal for quick and precise material removal on soft or hard woods.
“Our motto has always been to provide ‘training for zero defects’ on worksites. To achieve this, we aim to impart the best skills to learners. This includes an ability to work with state-of-the-art tools, equipment and material brands that you would find on a typical high-performance worksite,” Van de Byl says.
Van der Byl adds that the training was a resounding success. “We had the opportunity to work with very talented young South Africans who have a lot of potential. They have gained essential skills that can also be harnessed by the Greater Tubatse Local Municipality for its own infrastructure projects. It is, therefore, essential that government prioritise the construction of new and maintenance of existing service delivery infrastructure to also help create jobs for the country’s many unemployed youth,” he concludes.