• Assessment and Trade Testing of noncontractual learners ; and
• Continuous upskilling of artisans .
The SEIFSA Training Centre also assists and |
supports companies with recruitment and |
selection of learners , as well as training and |
placement |
of |
un-contracted |
learners |
and |
apprentices . |
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Accreditation
The STC holds full merSETA , CHIETA as well as Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority ( EWSETA ) accreditation as a training centre as well as National Artisan Moderation Body accreditation as a decentralised trade test centre .
“ Providers of education and training , such as the STC , must apply for accreditation with an Education and Training Quality Assurance ( ETQA ) body under the South African Qualifications Authority ( SAQA ). All providers of education and training offering full qualifications must also be registered with the Department of Higher Education . We , at SEIFSA , are proud that we have received accreditation by Merseta , the CHIETA , the EWSETA as well as the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation ( QCTO ).
Therefore , students can be assured that the training offered by the STC is of the highest quality and that any certificate awarded will be recognised by employers nationally . Companies that choose the STC as the place at which to train their apprentices will also be satisfied that when deployed within the work environment , the skills of the learners will become self evident ,” said Melanie Mulholland , SEIFSA Human Capital and Skills Development Executive .
As part of its corporate social investment initiative , SEIFSA has , over the years , also sponsored and trained more than 80 apprentices , of whom more than 70 % have been placed in apprenticeship programmes mainly with its member companies . Many of the apprentices are now qualified artisans .
As part of its vision going forward , SEIFSA will seek to contribute actively to the Decade of the Artisan as contemplated in 2013 by the then Minister of Higher Education , Dr Blade Nzimande , who called for a “ decade of the artisan ” from 2014 to 2024 in a bid to increase skills levels in South Africa . Artisanship is the cornerstone of the country ’ s economy and the status of artisans needs to be elevated so that more young people see artisanship as a career path . The STC supports this view and is already making a difference in the lives of many including :
Tsakani Mukhari - the First Female Training Consultant at the STC
Tsakani Mukhari is a 36-year-old mother from the outskirts of Limpopo who has taken the jump and landed on the stepping stone of her future . She has become the inspirational story for her family and friends by becoming an Artisan and launching her successful career in the industry . The STC is proud to have played a part in her rise .
In the early 2000s , Ms Mukhari moved to Gauteng to complete her National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology . In order to make ends meet , her journey after University began as a Boom-Gate officer and as a cleaner in Pretoria . One day seemed to blur into the next . With very little motivation , she applied for various Mechanical Technician positions . Armed only with a National Senior Certificate from Nwamalobye High School and her National Diploma , Tsakani realised that in order to reach her full potential , she would have to complete her N3 certificate in Mechanical Engineering to make herself more competitive in the job market .
With her goal on the horizon , she stayed focused and started an apprenticeship for a company associated with the SEIFSA Training Centre , where she was sent as a student to complete her Artisanship in 2012 . Finally , Tsakani ’ s future had started to come together and the dream of becoming an Engineer and making her late father proud seemed to be coming closer by the day .
“ I will never look back after being a student at the SEIFSA Training Centre , and I encourage people of all different backgrounds to join ,” said Ms Mukhari .
Four years later , she is a qualified Fitter and Turner , holds an N3 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering and has a Semi-Skilled Certificate in tool , jig and die-making . Above all , Ms Mukhari was awarded Best Female Student in 2012 . Today , she is the SEIFSA Training Centre ’ s first female Training Consultant . The Centre ’ s Director , Operations Manager Desmond Uithaler , says “ even with such a great achievement to her name , Ms Mukhari continues to aim high .”
Said Ms Mukhari : “ The SEIFSA Training Centre allows for a positive learning experience . Although the work is challenging at times , the confidence in my work and in myself has grown .”
Some of her daily responsibilities include intensive research , preparing monthly schedules for her classes and conducting both theoretical and practical examinations completed by her students . Whilst her duties at the centre keep her extremely busy , she is also currently completing her Bachelor of Technology ( BTech ) degree in Mechanical Engineering , in the hope of one day becoming a qualified Mechanical Engineer . In addition to all of this , Ms Mukhari wishes to pursue a career in Project Management and Operations by using her flair for scheduling and processes .
Ms Mukhari is part of the rise of the female artisan around the world and the STC currently has more than 40 female students training to become Electricians , Fitters , Turners and Boilermakers . Her years of experience in the industry as a student and now as a training consultant tell potential female artisans to stay focused and remain passionate .
The demand for artisans is growing everyday . Yet , there is a shortage of artisans in South Africa . Since women make up 51 % of the South African population , younger women should consider joining the industry to alleviate the
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