Skills development partnership is celebrated
The two companies held an apprentice awards ceremony recently for the students currently enrolled at the training facility near Port Shepstone.
In 2009, Natal Portland Cement (NPC-InterCement) and the Artisan Training Institute committed to a skills development partnership which has trained more than 1000 apprentice students to date.
At the 10-year celebration of the successful partnership, the two companies held an apprentice awards ceremony recently for the current students enrolled at the training facility near Port Shepstone.
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At the awards ceremony, NPC director, Giovani Lodetti shared an inspiring story about the birth of the training centre which was conceptualised during the planning phase of the Simuma cement plant expansion project in 2005.
“The project included a second kiln line, cement mill, multi-storage bulk silo and packing plant. For a major project like this, space was a challenge, and the question was ‘where would we house the contractors?” Mr Lodetti said.
When the project team mapped the layout of the new installation, they made provision for contractors’ accommodation. “We built what we called the contractor’s village, right here on Battle Hill. We also had a vision, upon completion of the expansion project, to turn the village into something that would continue to contribute to the local economy”.
And as they say, the rest is history. The Artisan Training Institute KwaZulu-Natal campus opened its doors on January 7, 2009.
Together, NPC and ATI have established a world-class training centre catering for corporate and private students. The facility offers electrical, fitting, turning, boiler-making, welding, millwright and diesel mechanic training and provides accommodation for 32 learners from remote areas.
Lodetti, who began his career as an artisan, says technical training and skills development have changed the lives of many young people in the region. “Training facilities are legacy projects because knowledge is power. We are delighted that our partnership with ATI has enabled us to achieve this vision.”
According to the facility’s training manager, Niall Mackenzie, it is of utmost importance to recognise apprentices who excel during their development phases. “In addition to motivating their future career paths, it also encourages other students to improve their skills, so that they can receive an award in the future.”
The students who received awards included Thandeka Mzelemu (TISO Foundation-best electrician), Malusi Mhlongo (Standard Bank Tutuwa-best plater/boilermaker), Sifiso Mchunu (Afrisam-best fitter), Vanessa Smith (Idwala Carbonates-best diesel mechanic), Mfuneko Dazana (Komatsu-best millwright), Melwayinkosi Mlele (NPC Newcastle- best phase three student) and Endri Ohlsson (Esayedi TVET College) who was recognised as the best TVET college lecturer. The overall student of the year award went to Malusi Mhlongo.
Seema Maharaj the NPC HR manager, says it is particularly encouraging to see women students excel in electrical- and diesel mechanic training, which historically was known to be male-dominated trades.
According to Sean Jones, ATI’s managing director, ATI takes great pride in the facility’s growth and contribution to the KwaZulu-Natal economy over the past ten years and values the strong partnership it has built with NPC.
Both companies remain committed to skills development acknowledging its critical importance within the South African context. This commitment has galvanised plans to ensure the ongoing success of the facility over the long-term.
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