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Community House Building (NQF 2) and National Certificate
Construction (NQF 1),” shares Dilimeni.
Operating as a watchdog for the timber construction
sector in South Africa, the Institute of Timber Construction
South Africa (ITC-SA) offers specialised courses for
fabricators and erectors in the industry.
Also operating as a South African Qualifications
Authority (SAQA)-accredited professional body, the ITC-SA
aims to create and maintain the highest standards in the
engineered timber construction industry in the country,
including roofing, timber construction and decking. They
offer training courses and inspector and erector training.
“A tough economy, limited resources and being a very
specialist trade can hinder local roofing businesses from
initiating and building on trade apprenticeships and
mentorships for newcomers to the industry,” says general
manager from the institute, Amanda Obbes. People who
take the skills programme route have an objective to
continue learning and improve their qualifications,
knowledge and skills to meet ITC-SA requirements.
The infrastructure department at Lafarge holds
workshops on a quarterly basis.
“The topics cover concrete mixtur es where continuing
professional development (CPD) points are earned by
engineers in attendance. On the practical side we have
Binastore that looks at upskilling artisans by giving them a
better understanding in terms of using the product and the
From contractors to government
and private institutions, they all
agree that the construction industry
is sitting on a skills shortage crisis.
properties thereof,” says Madoda Manitshana, Lafarge
country marketing manager.
Binastore is a home building service that also offers
training to small to medium sized contractors. They are
added to the Binastore online contractor’s database so that
walk-in customers can make their selection.
Manitshana states that in 2017, as part of rules of
engagement by government, there is a requirement to get
locals involved in bigger construction projects. “With that
there’s skills transfer and enterprise development. There’s
definitely a move in compliance and it is bearing fruit,”
he says.
WORKING IN A NICHE MARKET
According to the ITC-SA, initiating and building on trade
apprenticeships and mentorships for newcomers can be
hindered by various factors, therefore, “On-the-job
experience is paramount for those entering the job market
in this trade to gain relevant, real-world experience that
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