58
Associations
<< Continued from page 57
It is key to note that the framework is an effective model
of skills development and the downfall lies in the lack
of public- and private sector partnership, as well as
limited depth quality assurance, technical expertise,
and behaviour not conducive to quality training. Industry
has also taken a step back in their involvement in
skills development in the past 20 years and must take
ownership of this space now.
Plumbing qualifications are, at this point, in transition
from learnership (unit standard) based qualifications
to the new occupational qualifications (QCTO), which
impacts on these challenges.
For example, only 10% of employers across all sectors
— not only plumbing — submit a Workplace Skills Plan
(WSP), which is a fundamental mechanism to facilitate
organic training. All employers contribute to this levy and
should be claiming back for upskilling their employees.
The process of submitting a WSP is not over-complicated,
but does pose challenges to small businesses that do
not have the capacity. These businesses constitute
approximately 70% of IOPSA’s membership.
Most small plumbing businesses do not have the
environment conducive for developing plumbing
apprentices. Going forward, it will be critical for
employers to invest in skills and develop their
environments to be suitable for the training of
apprentices. This is an opportunity for all plumbers to
develop their businesses to support apprenticeship
training and be part of the investment in upskilling
tradespeople in the sector.
The reason why employers form such a critical
component is that the development of artisans requires
on-the-job training and mentorship within the workplace
to develop competent skills. This is not a new concept
but a key link in the process. It is imperative that
employers take back ownership of training, as plumbing
businesses desperately require competent skills.
This will include employing qualified plumbers, not only
to ensure compliant installations but also to mentor
apprentices successfully. It must be highlighted that
it is the responsibility of industry and employers to
develop the skills they require to operate and sustain a
successful plumbing industry.
June 2017 Volume 23 I Number 4
IOPSA is involved in various pilot training projects that
have highlighted these challenges and that are given
the opportunity to facilitate practical solutions, which are
being implemented on an ongoing basis.
The Department of Higher Education has appointed
IOPSA to develop centres of specialisation for plumbing
industry training. IOPSA will be conducting research
on the current public training environment, identifying
colleges throughout South Africa that will be best suited
for these centres and then developing them to the point
where they can deliver quality training successfully.
IOPSA has a signed Memorandum of Understanding
with EWSETA. Together, we will facilitate industry
support for quality training by bringing depth and
technical expertise into the quality assurance and
training process.
A crucial element of skills development lies in not
only technical skills, but also entrepreneurial skills for
plumbing business. IOPSA, therefore, is developing
enterprise and supplier development business- and
mentorship programmes, supporting these new
plumbing businesses to successfully grow and
contribute to the plumbing industry.
Exciting times are ahead as industry comes together
to take control of skills development in the plumbing
industry. The next couple of months will be important,
with the following activities taking place to launch the
IOPSA skills development initiative:
• Industry survey to define customers and
the research skills required, understand the
challenges, and develop providers.
• Design ongoing solutions, and test and evaluate
these programmes.
• Secure funding to finalise the business case and
launch initiatives that will become self-sustainable.
• Implement skills programmes and initiatives. PA
It is the responsibility of
industry and employers to
develop the skills they require
to operate and sustain a
successful plumbing industry.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za