Partnership raises plumbing training standards in Fisantekraal

Marley Pipe Systems SA, a leading manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, fittings and related products, has partnered Tjeka Training Matters’ state-of-the-art Plumbing Training Centre in Fisantekraal, Western Cape.

As part of this partnership, Marley Pipe Systems donated products from its comprehensive range to the centre. This is in addition to various informative displays that show learners how to correctly install these products.

“Students will have the opportunity to work with among the best fluid-handling solutions in the plumbing and building industries while learning their trade at our centre. Marley Pipe Systems’ products are manufactured in an ISO9001:2015 accredited facility and abide with the South African National Standards quality specifications, and bear the South African Bureau of Standards mark of approval. This supports our focus on training for zero defects on worksites. Importantly, learners will also be exposed to the latest innovation in PVC pipe, fittings and associated products from a company with a more than 50-year-long track record manufacturing plumbing products and that has become a household name in its respective field. In this way, learners will be at the cutting edge of the plumbing profession when they commence plying their trade,” Gawie Burger, Manager of Tjeka Training Matters’ Southern Region, says.

Candice du Preez, Regional Sales Manager of Marley Pipe Systems, says that Marley Pipe Systems wanted to be associated with a company that is providing quality training to new plumbers who will be working extensively with its range of products.

“We heard about Tjeka Training Matters’ new training centre in Fisantekraal and the role that it was playing in raising building apprenticeship skills, including plumbing, in the Western Cape. We, therefore, approached Gawie and his team to see how we would be able to assist in ensuring that its Plumbing Training Centre was equipped with the best PVC pipes, fittings and related products in the industry to enhance the learning experience,” Du Preez says.

As part of the partnership, Tjeka Training Matters’ instructors will receive regular training from Marley Pipe Systems in the correct use of its products. This knowledge will be transferred to the many learners who have enrolled for learnerships, skills paths and short courses at the facility.

The companies are also exploring other ways that they can enhance training at the Plumbing Training Centre. There is, for example, also potential to conduct customer training at the centre in the foreseeable future. This is considering the state-of-the-art infrastructure at the facility. The Plumbing Trade Centre features its own workshop with a classroom; a tool store; ablution facility and a changeroom; as well as a courtroom/rest area. As a standalone, self-sufficient operation, it provides the ideal environment for trade testing operations.

“Tjeka Training Matters will continue to partner leading participants in the construction supply-chain to ensure zero defects on construction sites. We look forward to a long working relationship with Marely Pipe Systems moving forward,” Siyabonga Dilimeni, Director: Business Development, concludes.