The COVID-19 crisis has impacted greatly on all facets of human activity, including education and training. In an instant our lives, the way we do business and how we learn has changed. Globally, large sums of money have been spent on aligning with the challenges posed by the pandemic. Businesses and institutions of learning alike have had to embrace technology to retain their relevance. This has resulted in vast investments in technology over the past few months.

The unfortunate consequence of the pandemic has also been a reduction in economic activity and Van Aardt Smit and Carla Serfontein report that this has had a globally devastating effect on institutions, with particular examples of the impact in the United Kingdom, USA and Australia. There has been a sharp rise in unemployment and the inability to pay for education. With a decrease in economic activity, employers who are a large source of funding for education and training have held back on planned training of staff.

Institutions ranging from schools to universities have been brought to the brink with many threatening to - or having already shut their doors. The media has over the past few months reported on the closure of numerous institutions and the financial strain faced by others.

The sudden change to online and open source learning is here to stay and Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Training Academy have responded by making training available through digital platforms. will reduce the cost of travel and accommodation, thus reducing some of the costs associated with training.

The education and training response to the previous industrial revolutions took many decades. The rapid pace of changes in methodologies and technology requires a more urgent response, with a need for ongoing training and professional development.

Employers are therefore encouraged to make use of this facility. Going forward, a hybrid of classroom-based training and online platforms will be available to our clients.

For more information, write to training@masterbuilders.co.za or call the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Training Academy on 031 831 3238.

Victor Smith | Training Manager