Civil Engineering August 2021 | Vol 29 No 7

Civil Engineering August 2021 43 Artisanry is an elite profession Artisanry needs to be promoted as an elite profession if South Africa is going to succeed in developing a large pool of compe- tent skills required to complete construction projects on time and within budget, says Frans Toua, Chief Executive Officer of Tjeka Training Matters. “Unfortunately, so many young adults still view artisanry as a second-choice career. This is a false perception that all stake- holders in the construction industry need to help address if we are going to attract and retain young talent. Artisanry should be promoted in the same manner that we do other professions that require a degree, diploma or certificate. Who other than competent tradespeople are going to construct key infrastruc- ture that will drive economic growth?” says Toua. South Africa’s current skills shortage manifests in poor workmanship, which compromises the overall quality of final infrastructure. It also shows in costly project delays. This is due to having to redo substandard workmanship or an inability to operate at optimal levels on building and civil engineering construction sites because workers are not sufficiently skilled. Skilled apprentices have undergone at least three years of training which includes both theoretical and practical instruc- tion before completing a trade test that certifies that they are competent to work in their respective fields. Worryingly, there are still companies that expect to quickly train employees when they have been awarded contracts and clients demand to see formal qualifications of the team ap- pointed to undertake the work. These formal qualifications are important as they demonstrate an ability to perform according to the required standard and specification – and, just as impor- tantly, in a safe manner. “There is no getting around the fact that apprenticeship training has to be done correctly and this takes time – in the same way that it takes many years for other professionals to qualify and be deemed competent to perform their duties in the world of work. In addition to being proficient in their trade, a suitably qualified tradesperson will have a broader view of construction. For example, appropriately trained apprentices will have already set their eyes on building regulations and specifications, as well as understand the importance of compli- ance with regulations and standards when they start working,” concludes Toua.  Skilled apprentices have undergone at least three years of training A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE SUCCESS ROCLA is South Africa’s leading manufacturer of pre-cast concrete products. Surpassing 100 years of product excellence. • Pipes • Culverts • Manholes • Poles • Retaining walls • Roadside furniture • Sanitation Including other related products within infrastructure development and related industries. Visit us on www.rocla.co.za for our nationwide branches