The Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Vuka Makhi Programme has been offered since 2015 and was initially focused on grooming learners from education to employment in the construction sector and has produced 100 post-matric learners. Twenty learners are currently writing their final 2021 matric examination and this will increase the figure to 120.

The Association has since revised the Programme with a more targeted approach on enhancing construction skills. The Vuka Makhi Programme will focus on three critical areas of exigency from 2022.

These include:

1. Candidacy and Professional Registration
2. Short Skills
3. Skills Card

Candidacy and Professional Registration

The objective is to support graduates on their route to professional registration. The candidacy component will enrol built environment graduates and support them from their registration as a candidate through to their registration as a professional. The intake of students in construction disciplines at university has no shortage but many graduates often complete their degrees and do not progress to professional registration as a result of challenges enroute.

Members of the Association will be invited to apply for candidacy and professional registration on behalf of their employees. Identified candidates will be assisted with the process of registering with the Council and payment of their registration fees.

Short Skills 

Various research projects have concluded that the construction sector in South Africa is burdened with a skills shortage. To meet its immediate skills requirements, the industry requires the implementation of quick impact short skills interventions.

These short skills interventions are registered with the CETA and recognised as formal training interventions. Construction Health & Safety and Supervision of Construction Processes will be included in the menu of courses. Members of Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal will be invited to make applications on behalf of their staff.

Skills Card

It is recognised that many construction workers acquire various skills whilst working. These skills are rarely recognised because no formal assessment has taken place. To assist members in gaining formal recognition of skills acquired by their employees, the Association will support the assessment of employees on application by the employer for such funding.

This will culminate in the issuing of a Skills Card stipulating the skills assessed and competence deemed.

Members are encouraged to grab this opportunity to upskill their employees and contribute to skills development in the construction industry. Application forms will be circulated in due course.

For more information please email Mandisa Khumalo at mandisa@masterbuilders.co.za

Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager