Providing Africans technical training and customers skilled service

Since its launch in 2007, 82 apprentices have taken part in the Apprenticeship Program, and in April an additional ten learners joined. A sign of the program’s success is that apart from just three apprentices who left the program, all the others remain in training, working towards their ­qualifications.
 
Charles Maake, responsible for both the Apprenticeship Program and Training in Africa Project, attributes the high retention rate to the Artisan Coaching Program. Each apprentice is assigned a coach, an Atlas Copco employee who can offer his or her apprentice experience and insight. The coaches undergo training to ensure they are well-equipped to meet the needs of the young men and women engaged in the program.
 
Expanding a good concept
The original focus of the Training in Africa Project was the provision of technical training for Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Technique employees and customers in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana and Zambia.
The ACademy plans to build on its success by expanding into non-technical learnerships. Human resources, finance, logistics and general management, for example, are some of the areas in which training will be provided to ensure there is a pool of suitably qualified candidates for future vacancies within Atlas Copco.
 
Setting high standards
In March 2010, a Training in Africa Skills Development Facilitation Workshop was hosted at the ACademy. Each member country took part and participants committed themselves to ensuring that there is a common standard for competency development within Africa and that skills and expertise are shared. Through the Training in Africa Project, two new specialist programs, the Atlas Copco Drill Master and Construction and Mining Technique Mechanic Certification Program, will be rolled out this year.
 
Competence development
The ACademy is involved in a number of projects aimed to assist with the growth and development of employees. In 2009 South Africa achieved an average of 36 hours per person for training a total of 34 600 training hours.
 “The ACademy database has proven to be a great asset for the skills development of AC South Africa employees. Managers can easily track their employees’ training progress, as well as their department’s training spend and training hours. The database also assists us in meeting local legislative standards and reporting requirements.”

The ACademy drives the training process by identifying areas of large knowledge or competency gaps, and establishing programs to address these needs. In 2009 the ACademy Integrated Employee Development Program was created to emphasize leadership principles from junior management to senior management. Each program results in a nationally recognized qualification. Delegates’ success depends on their submission of workplace-based assignments and projects. There are 32 employees currently enrolled on the program, with an additional 24 employees to start in 2010.

 
“It has really expanded my view of the corporate world.” Oliver Mateman , Customer service.

 
“It teaches you about motivating your team, managing your meetings, cultural differences and making presentations. I look forward to applying these skills in the future.” Bongani Ndlovu, Administrator.