Plumbing Africa June 2019 | Page 9

NEWS 7 WHAT ARE WE ASKING FROM COMPANIES? Candidates will receive theoretical and practical instruction through a public TVET college, after which they will require a 10-month period of workplace learning in a plumbing company to become fully competent as a Technical Plumbing Assistant. During this period, companies will provide mentorship and candidates will be required to complete a logbook to demonstrate achievement of competence. During this 10-month period, the candidates will receive a basic stipend to cover daily living expenses. The stipend will be funded by one of the project partners. www.plumbingafrica.co.za WHAT SKILLS WILL THE IRM WORKERS IN PLUMBING/SOLAR WATER HEATING HAVE? The IRM programme in plumbing/solar water heating will bridge the gap between engineering theory from public TVET colleges and work-readiness skills, both in terms of practical skills and work behaviours, thereby preparing the young person to enter the workplace ready to engage positively in on-the-job training and development. The learning pathway is aligned to the formal plumbing qualifications. BENEFITS FOR COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMME The initiative, with its multiple exit pathways provides an opportunity for employers looking to tap into a high- potential technical skills talent pool of young people for its entry-level employment needs, enterprise/supplier development incubation and apprenticeship opportunities. This programme will also be extended in the future to existing employees who need to be upskilled. The process candidates follow in the programme. Interested employers who are willing to host students for workplace learning should contact Cecil Macheke on [email protected]. PA June 2019 Volume 25 I Number 4