Training provides new opportunities for Gautrain learners

Since Gautrain construction started in September 2006, a total of 2277 individuals have received training by the end of August 2008 which exceeds the project’s initial targets.

The following training successes were achieved in August 2008:

• 247 Individuals received training
• 437 Training interventions were undertaken

Gautrain provides several construction related learnerships in its commitment to skills development and capacity building. Learnerships equip candidates with practical on-the-job-training and qualifactions recognised by the National Qualifications Authority.

Graduates receive certificates from the Skills Education Training Authorities and their fees are sponsored by the National Skills Fund (NSF). After the completion of their learnerships they are either employed by Gautrain or any other project in need of skilled graduates.

To date, training has been concentrated in the construction sector. The track laying, electrical, mechanical, operation and maintenance will be receiving increased attention in future.

The first three apprentices (electrical) have enrolled at the NECSA training school at Pellindaba. They will complete their academic training in November 2008 whereafter they will have to complete their practical training.

Targets were achieved by implementing the following approach to learnership management:

• To revise the implementation schedule
• The use of on-site training rather than training at the training colleges
• Excellent co-operation between the NSF and Gautrain personnel involved in the training for the project
• Excellent backup and administrative support in managing accounts, training registers and personnel databases
• 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
• Extensive use of Recognition of Prior Learning and Learning Ability Assessments.

To qualify for 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 fields such as Frontend Loader, Excavator, Bobcat, Articulated Dump Truck, Tractor Loader Backhoe and Mobile Crane.

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.