Robert Bosch South Africa (RBSA) has recently seen nine apprentices graduate from a programme for millwrights, fitters and turners.
This initiative is one of several Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) workplace approval programmes, including apprenticeships, learnerships, experimental training, graduate specialist programmes and the YES programme. Other skills which form a major focus for these programmes include mechatronics vocational training, recognised as a scarce skill in South Africa, with two apprentices in this area having received placement.
The recently qualified apprentices are part of a group of 17, the remainder of whom are currently completing their trade tests.
RMI’s training director Louis van Huyssteen applauds RBSA’s efforts in the area of training, noting that RMI greatly values its relationship with RBSA and appreciates both its professionalism and dedication to development training initiatives.
According to RBSA’s Christine Phoko, the secret behind the effectiveness of the organisation’s initiatives lies in its observations around scarce skills in South Africa and subsequent attempts to address these. Christine explains that RBSA works with the Department of Labour to source potential candidates, while newly appointed apprentices undergo a full induction programme that encompasses health and safety and plant management. Added to this, RBSA boasts a diverse and active skills development committee, which consults human resources training and development to ensure training is of a high caliber.
