Gautrain skills training exceeds initial targets

Gautrain’s training initiatives to development skills and build capacity are proof of the project’s commitment to sustainable socio economic development in Gauteng, the province of Gold.

Since construction started in September 2006, the number of people who have received training by far exceeded the project’s initial targets. The following training successes have been reported:

• 737 individuals received training during the month of May 2008
• 2165 training interventions were undertaken during May 2008
• 511 Individuals underwent Assessment or RPL
• 34 Learning Ability Battery Assessments were performed during May 2008
• 1506 individuals have received training to date (January 2008 to 31st May 2008)
• 6119 training interventions/assessments have taken place to date (January 2008 to 31st May 2008)
• 272 individuals have written the Learning Ability Battery Assessment to date (January 2008 to 31st May 2008)

This was achieved through the following interventions

• An emphasis on planning and management, to accommodate training and upskilling needs, skills gaps and gap filling and the meeting of industry needs such as operator training.
• The use of on-site training rather than training at the training colleges
• Excellent co-operation between the National Skills Fund, Gautrain and Bombela personnel involved in the training for the project.
• Excellent backup and administrative support in managing accounts, training registers and personnel databases.
• Extensive use of Recognition of Prior Learning and Learning Ability Assessments.

To qualify for machine operator training, all candidates are required to write the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised Learning Ability Battery Assessments. Only the top 15% are invited to be trained as operators in the fields of Frontend Loader , Excavator, Bobcat, Articulated Dump Truck, Tractor Loader Backhoe and Mobile Crane.

To-date, 71 persons have received training as machine operators and 21 are currently in training. Training has been concentrated in the construction sector. The track laying, electrical, mechanical, operation and maintenance will be receiving increased attention in future.

Recently 35 candidates have been identified in the electrical or mechanical field and their training will commence in July. They will be trained in the operation and management of the feeder bus fleet.

An amount of about R23 million from the National Skills Fund was allocated to the Gautrain Project for training This training initiative is over and above the training undertaken by the Bombela Consortium as part of their commitments under the Concession Agreement.