SAISC profile
The SAISC School of Draughting:
Developing quality structural steel detailers By Denise Sherman, Marketing Manager, SAISC
“ Getting students to choose a career path in Steel Detailing is a challenge at the moment, because of the negative perception of job prospects in tough times. We need to get the message out that there are still big projects and opportunities in and for South Africa” says Jaco Pretorius, Facilitator.
The School of Draughting, a division of the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction, was established in 2007 to address the need for well trained and skilled structural steel detailers. Currently based at Genrec Engineering in Wadeville Germiston, the school offers a National Diploma in Structural Steelwork Detailing through different pathways including Learnerships, Skills Programmes, Full Time and Part Time Training.
Aligning the needs of industry with the output of the school remains a key priority.“ Our goal is to exit good quality students who can add value to industry” says Roelf Lizemore, Head of the SAISC School of Draughting.“ We’ d like to develop a closer
ABOVE LEFT: Roelf Lizemore, Head of SAISC School of Draughting.
ABOVE RIGHT: 2nd year students collaborating on a task. relationship with Industry to ensure that we train to their expectations.”
Although structural steel detailing is an established and viable career option, communicating this to prospective students in a turbulent economy is proving difficult.“ Getting students to choose a career path in Steel Detailing is a challenge at the moment, because of the negative perception of job prospects in tough times. We need to get the message out that there are still big projects and opportunities in and for South Africa” says Jaco Pretorius, Facilitator.
The school has an intensive multi province marketing drive that takes place from July to October, where they engage school students.“ We cover quite a broad area, and went as far as Mpumalanga to promote the school. There is a lot of interest generated in those visits” says Jenny Claasens, Marketing Coordinator.
“ A big success factor is that our students do get placed in Industry. Of the 14 Students
that graduated in 2015 only 4 are still looking for placements. What I enjoy most is seeing how people develop over their time here. They arrive knowing very little and leave able to contribute to industry in a meaningful way.”
Because there are a number of students with aptitude and interest, who cannot afford tuition, the School of Draughting has put an appeal out to industry.“ We need industry to support by providing funding whether through Learnerships or Scholarships” says Roelf.
South Africa has infrastructure challenges that the students were enthusiastic about being a part of solving. First year student at the School of Draughting, Odette Mahabeer, says“ To be a part of that is something special because you’ re not just designing a building, you’ re developing a country.
To view the video profile and find out more about the School of Draughting through students and facilitators visit http:// bit. ly / 1qv6ubW
6 Steel Construction Vol. 40 No. 2 2016