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<title>News &amp; Info</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/default.asp</link>
<description><![CDATA[       NEWS &amp; INFORMATION -&nbsp;  Relevant | Useful | Current    Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal endeavours to keep its members informed of new developments in the construction industry, along with other industry pertinent matters, such as changes to legislation, contractual and legal matters, Health and safety advancements and more. For all your Industry related news and information – look no further!    Use the drop down box above to select topics covered, which include:     Newsletters     Contractual &amp; Legal    Occupational Health &amp; Safety    Labour Relations     Training    Resources    Industry and General News    Vacancies    Press Releases    COVID-19   ]]></description>
<lastBuildDate>Tue, 5 May 2026 15:15:11 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 May 2026 08:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<copyright>Copyright &#xA9; 2026 Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal</copyright>
<atom:link href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news_rss.asp?cat=12199" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link>
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<title>Developing Health and Safety Practitioners for Safer Workplaces</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=726510</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=726510</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2026_images/OHS_Training.jpg" style="width: 450px; height: 349px; float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />Health and safety remains a critical priority across all industries, more so in the construction sector. With sites having become more complex and regulated, the role of a Health and Safety Practitioner is more important than ever in protecting employees, ensuring legal compliance and fostering a culture of safety.<br /><br />The Health and Safety Practitioner Qualification is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and practical competence required to identify hazards, manage risks and implement effective health and safety systems within the workplace. This qualification goes beyond compliance; it empowers practitioners to actively contribute to safer and more productive working environments.<br /><br /><strong>Why Health and Safety Training Matters</strong><br /><br />Effective health and safety management reduces workplace incidents, protect lives and minimises operational disruptions. Trained Health and Safety Practitioners play a vital role in:</p><ul><li>Identifying and assessing workplace hazards.</li><li>Implementing risk control measures.</li><li>Ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety legislation.</li><li>Conducting inspections, investigations and audits.</li><li>Promoting a culture of safety awareness and responsibility</li></ul><p>With increasing regulatory inspections and accountability placed on employers, appointing health and safety professionals is no longer optional, it is vital.<br /><br /><strong>A Qualification Built for the Workplace</strong><br /><br />The Health and Safety Practitioner qualification is aligned with occupational requirements and is QCTO accredited. It places strong emphasis on applied competence and workplace learning.&nbsp;<br /><br />Learners are supported through a structured programme that integrates the following components:</p><ul><li>Theoretical knowledge relevant to occupational health and safety.</li><li>Practical skills development applicable to real workplace scenarios.</li><li>Workplace experience to ensure readiness for professional practice.</li></ul><p>This approach ensures that qualified practitioners are knowledgeable and capable of applying safety principles effectively in their working environments.<br /><strong><br />Supporting Employers and Learners<br /></strong><br />For employers, this qualification provides assurance that health and safety responsibilities are managed by trained and competent practitioners, which contributes to compliance, reduced risk and improved organisational performance.</p><p>For learners, it opens clear career pathways in occupational health and safety, offering opportunities for professional growth.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Commitment to Quality and Compliance</strong><br /><br />Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning offers the Health and Safety Practitioner Qualification and is committed to delivering quality training that meets industry standards and legislative requirements.&nbsp;<br /><br />Through partnerships with members and the industry, The Association aims to support enterprises in building safer workplaces while developing skilled professionals who can confidently carry out health and safety responsibilities.<br /><br /><strong>Building Safer Workplaces Together</strong><br /><br />Investing in health and safety training is an investment not only in people but in productivity and sustainability. By developing Health and Safety Practitioners, enterprises not only meet compliance requirements but demonstrate a commitment to employee wellbeing and responsible operations.<br /><br /><strong>Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 May 2026 09:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>SACPCMP CPD Categories</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=724835</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=724835</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2026_images/CPD_Points.png" style="width: 450px; height: 350px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" />The SACPCMP requires registered professionals to earn 50 CPD points over a three-year cycle. Activities must be purposeful and relevant to the applicant's field of expertise and are comprised of four core categories:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Professional Practice</li><li>Personal Development</li><li>Mentorship</li><li>Public Policy Priority Issues</li></ul> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>How to earn points</b></p> <p>Below is an explanation of each category with examples.</p> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>1.</b> <b>Category 1: Professional Practice</b></p> <p>This category focuses on technical competence, industry knowledge and professional expertise. Activities strengthen your practical ability to perform in your registered SACPCMP role.</p> <p>Examples of professional practice activities:</p> <p>Attending full<span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math', serif;"> </span>day or half<span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math', serif;"> </span>day CPD events (e.g. OHS seminars, Construction Management updates) <span style="font-family: Aptos;">—</span> 1 CPD credit for full day, 0.5 for half day. (<u>mychs.sacpcmp.org.za</u>)</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Writing or presenting conference papers (2 CPD credits).</li><li>Publishing a journal or research article (4 CPD credits).</li><li>Authoring a book chapter (6 CPD credits) or full textbook (10 CPD credits).</li><li>Participating in recognised industry training (e.g. Construction Regulations, Risk Management).</li><li>Professional work contributions such as complex project management tasks or high-level safety management responsibilities.</li></ul> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>2.</b> <b>Category 2: Mentorship</b></p> <p>This category recognises your contribution to developing others in the profession, especially candidates preparing for registration.</p> <p>Examples of mentorship activities:</p> <p>Acting as a mentor for candidates (1 CPD hour per mentee).</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Participation in structured mentorship programmes (10 CPD hours guideline). </li><li>Supervising candidate construction managers, safety officers or project managers.</li><li>Coaching on workplace skills, compliance or technical development.</li></ul> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>3. Category: Personal Development</b></p> <p>This category focuses on self<span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math', serif;">-</span>improvement and developing broader personal skills that support professional effectiveness.</p> <p>Examples of personal development activities:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Courses on communication, leadership and management.</li><li>Attending personal development workshops (e.g., ethics, problem-solving).</li><li>Participating in wellness or resilience programmes.</li><li>Completing self<span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math';">‑</span>study modules relevant to professional growth.</li><li>Short courses not necessarily technical but beneficial to professional behaviour.</li></ul> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>4. Category: Public Policy priority issues</b></p> <p>This category supports learning and participation in areas aligned with national priorities and public interest within the construction and built environment.</p> <p>Examples of public policy priority activities:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Attending sessions on new legislation, regulations and government policies affecting the sector. </li><li>Participating in industry engagements on Construction Regulations updates.</li><li>Learning programmes linked to national safety priorities or government directives.</li><li>Workshops addressing sector transformation, ethics or compliance standards.</li><li>Activities aligned with SACPCMP’s strategic public policy goals.</li></ul> <p>Any registered person who does not comply with the above requirements of the cycle within the three years may result in deregistration.</p> <p>How to load CPD activities to the SACPCMP website</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Use your registration link.</li><li>Navigate to your online profile.</li><li>Locate the CPD section.</li><li>Use the provided upload function to submit your supporting documents.</li></ul> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>How to view the CPD statement</b></p> <p>To view or download your CPD statement/transcript, you must log into the SACPCMP member portal where your registration profile and CPD records are stored.</p> <p>Check whether the documents you uploaded previously was accepted or if requires remediation. You can rectify/remediate at the next CPD opening.</p> <p>In conclusion, CPD points compliance is important for maintaining a professional status, ensuring competence and staying up to date with the industry standards.</p> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</b></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 7 Apr 2026 12:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>How AI Has Taken the Educational Space by Storm</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=721242</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=721242</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2026_images/ai.png" style="width: 450px; height: 351px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" />Artificial Intelligence is no longer an emerging concept in education; it is now reshaping teaching and learning, assessment, academic operations and institutional strategy at a very high speed.<br /><br />Below is a summary of current AI developments in the educational space.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>1. AI Adoption is now widespread across all school levels</strong><br /><br />Primary and secondary schools that have AI powered platforms have access to real time feedback, personalised instruction and language learning support. For example in developing areas, these tools offer high quality personalised language support, effectively levelling the playing field for young learners.<br /><br />Higher education institutions have integrated AI into instruction, research, student support and campus systems. Universities worldwide have embedded AI into the very fabric of campus life. It is now a default tool for research, coding and academic writing, helping both students and faculty manage complex workflows.<br /><br />The above shows that the adoption of AI is not limited to advanced institutions, it reaches all the way down to foundational school levels. It is no longer unusual, it has become a core part of institutional infrastructure, providing students with around the clock one on one tutoring that was previously inaccessible to most.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>2 AI Is transforming the role of educators&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />Rather than making educators obsolete AI is amplifying their abilities, allowing educators to focus on the human side of teaching.<br /><br />AI handles time consuming administrative tasks such as grading, scheduling and reporting. This frees up valuable hours allowing teachers to focus their energy on mentorship and student wellbeing.<br /><br />Educators are increasingly using AI tools to upgrade their own digital competencies, ensuring they remain relevant in a tech-driven classroom.<br />Universities and professional development programmes now equip teachers with the skills to integrate AI into their instruction, preparing them for today's modern learning environments.<br /><br /><strong>3. AI is becoming institutional infrastructure</strong><br /><br />In the higher education sector, AI has evolved from a classroom "extra" to a foundational system. Institutions are reengineering their digital ecosystems to remain competitive.<br /><br />There is a growing divide between educational institutions that embrace AI and those that do not. Institutions integrating AI will, outperform those that do not.<br /><br /><strong>4. The Future: AI as a permanent partner in learning</strong><br /><br />AI tutoring will become mainstream, offering real-time personalised learning and support on a large scale.<br /><br />With AI skills being integrated across most programmes and disciplines, workforce readiness will become an urgent priority. AI is not a passing trend but rather a core component of modern education systems and it will remain so.<br /><br /><strong>5. Conclusion&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />Education has entered the era of AI‑native learning where human intelligence and artificial intelligence collaborate, to create more effective and accessible learning&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager<br /></strong>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Mar 2026 09:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Unlocking Value Through Learnerships: The Opportunity for Members of Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=719367</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=719367</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2026_images/LS.png" style="width: 450px; height: 349px; float: right; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" />In a competitive construction environment, companies are constantly seeking ways to reduce costs, improve productivity, and build a skilled workforce that can deliver quality outcomes. One of the most powerful and under-utilised tools available in South Africa is the tax incentive under Section 12H of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 (commonly referred to as the “learnership tax incentive”). This article outlines the benefits of Section 12H from both financial and human</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math';">‐</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">resource perspectives and shows how engaging with the learnership programmes offered by the Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning can position your company for lasting advantage.</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">What is Section 12H and how does it work?</span></b></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Section 12H is a tax incentive introduced by the South African Government to encourage employers to participate in registered learnership agreements. These agreements are formal contracts between an employer, a learner and a registered training provider (via a Sector Education &amp; Training Authority, SETA) under the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998. (</span><a href="https://www.sars.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Ops/Guides/LAPD-IT-G09-Guide-on-the-Tax-Incentive-for-Learnership-Agreements.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" title="[PDF] guide on the tax incentive for learnership agreements | sars"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">South African Revenue Service</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">)</span></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">The incentive comprises two parts:</span></li> <ol start="1"> <li><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Commencement allowance</span></b><span> </span></li> <li><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Completion allowance</span></b><span> </span></li> </ol> </ul> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border: none;"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 112.7pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Able/ Person with Disability</span></b></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 85.5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Commencement allowance</span></b></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 99.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Completion allowance</span></b></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 3cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Total Tax Allowance</span></b></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 112.7pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Able</span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 85.5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">R 40 000</span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 99.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">R 40 000</span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 3cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">R 80 000</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 112.7pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Person with Disability</span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 85.5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">R 60 000</span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 99.25pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">R 60 000</span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 3cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; text-align: left;"> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">R60 000</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Financial Benefits for Your Company</span></b></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">From a cost / tax perspective, participating in Section 12H learnerships can deliver significant benefits:</span></p> <img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2026_images/tr.png" />&nbsp;<p><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Human Resource Benefits: Building Capacity and Retention</span></b></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">1. Developing a pipeline of skilled talent</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">2. Improved employee engagement and loyalty</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">3. Enhanced productivity and quality</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">4. Diversity, transformation and B-BBEE alignment</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">5. Succession planning</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning provides an ideal partner for companies looking to leverage Section 12H learnerships.</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">1. Accredited training provider: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning is ACCREDITED by CETA and QCTO. </span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">2. Construction</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math';">‐</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">specific focus: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Programmes are tailored to relevant skills, supervisors, occupational health &amp; safety, site management and entrepreneurship within construction contexts. </span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">3. Full lifecycle support: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Your company can plug into an end-to-end solution: recruit learners, train through the Institute and embed them in your business.</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">4. Practical value for clients: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Achieve both tax savings (via Section 12H) and build a workforce aligned with your company needs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">To harness the benefits of Section 12H, partner with the Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning, your company gains access to accredited, construction</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math';">‐</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">focused learnership programmes that align with the requirements of Section 12H. The result: <b><i>you enhance your tax position, up</i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria Math';">‐</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">skill your team, and strengthen your business for the future.</span></i></b></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">Contact the Association for further information at </span><a href="mailto:training@masterbuilders.co.za"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">training@masterbuilders.co.za</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';"><strong>Hannah Moodly<span>&nbsp; |&nbsp;</span>Training Consultant</strong> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light';">&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Feb 2026 07:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Quality Education </title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=715455</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=715455</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/education.png" style="width: 450px; height: 350px; float: right;" />Quality education is a broad concept that refers to education that effectively equips learners with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes they need to thrive in life, work and society.</p><p>It is characterised by the following:<br /><br />•<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Learner-Centered Approach<br />•<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Qualified and Motivated Educators<br />•<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Relevant Curriculum<br />•<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment<br />•<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Adequate Resources and Infrastructure<br />•<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Strong Governance and Accountability<br />•<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Assessment and Continuous Improvement<br /><br />Failure in quality education is caused by poor infrastructure, irrelevant curriculum, exclusion, weak governance, low learner engagement and socioeconomic challenges.<br /><br />Failure in delivering quality education may be caused by lack of resources in schools, underqualified teachers, a curriculum that does not meet learners’ needs, weak governance and socio-economic challenges.<br /><br />Measuring quality education involves evaluating multiple aspects that reflect how well an education system supports learning, equity and development.&nbsp;<br /><br />Here are the key indicators below.</p><p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/MDA.png" style="width: 250px; height: 375px;" /><br /><br />To encourage quality education in all spaces, we must support educators, create safe learning environment, provide meaningful and real-world learning experiences, involve communities and empower students to set their goals through mentorship and positive encouragement.<br /><br /><strong>Prudence Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</strong></p><br />]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 1 Dec 2025 08:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Vuka Makhi Programme - Applications Now Open!</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=714904</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=714904</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p class="pf0">&nbsp;</p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2023_images/skills.png" style="width: 365px; height: 292px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; float: right;" />Members of Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal are invited to submit applications on behalf of their employees for the following skills interventions, available to members at no cost.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Short Skills Intervention</strong></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">This programme is designed to equip foremen and site supervisors with the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively manage construction projects.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Skills Card Intervention</strong></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">This programme is aimed at construction workers who have no formal qualification. They will be assessed in an area of trade, do top up training and then be deemed competent.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Candidacy Intervention</strong></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">This programme supports built environment graduates with their SACPCMP registration from candidacy through to registration as a professional.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Benefits of These Interventions</strong></span></p><table><tbody><tr><td><ul><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Upskill staff at no cost</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Quality training provided</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Qualified / registered staff</span><span class="cf0">.</span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Applications close on 30 January 2026.</strong></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Please submit applications to Mandisa Khumalo at mandisa@masterbuilders.co.za.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><a href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/docs/2025_docs/Application_form_for_Candida.pdf">Application: Candidacy Intervention 2026 (PDF)</a></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><a href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/docs/2025_docs/Short_Skills_Application_For.pdf">Short Skills Application Form 2026 (PDF)</a></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><a href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/docs/2025_docs/Application_form_for_Skills_.pdf">Application: Skills Card Interventions 2026 (PDF)</a></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Prudence Mandisa Khumalo - Learning and Development Manager</strong></span></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Invitation to Participate: Emerging Contractor Programme 2026</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=714900</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=714900</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/ECP.png" style="width: 440px; height: 350px; float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" />APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!</strong></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">This initiative is designed to support contractors in achieving their business goals through free training interventions and mentorship. The programme focuses on developing critical business and contracting skills essential for building sustainable and competitive enterprises in the construction industry.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Please submit applications by 30 January 2026 to </span><span class="cf0">mandisa@masterbuilders</span><span class="cf0">.co.za.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><a href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/ms_word_docs/ECP_Application_Form2026.docx">Application Form (MSW)</a></span></p><p class="pf0">&nbsp;</p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Prudence Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</strong></span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Bursary Fund Applications for 2026 - Now Open</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=714897</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=714897</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/2nd31jdl-media-8488030.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 400px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" />Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Bursary Fund are now open! We invite students pursuing studies in the built environment to apply for this exciting opportunity.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">The Bursary Fund is designed to address the shortage of critical skills in the construction industry and support deserving students in achieving their academic and career goals.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"></span></p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Funding may be awarded for, but is not limited to:</p><ul><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Apprenticeships</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">National Certificate qualifications</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Diplomas</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Degrees</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Any other related qualification as approved by the Bursary Committee</span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Bursaries are awarded for one academic year and re-applications may be considered based on satisfactory academic performance from the prior year.</p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">The closing date for applications is 14 January 2026.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">For further information please contact 031 831 3218 or mandisa@masterbuilders.co.za</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><a href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/docs/2025_docs/Master_Builders_KwaZulu-Nata.pdf">Download Application Form (PDF)</a></span></p><p class="pf0">&nbsp;</p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Prudence Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</strong></span></span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>SACPCMP Registration Update – Limited Special Dispensation </title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=711763</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=711763</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p class="pf0"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/SACPCMP.png" style="width: 450px; height: 350px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" />The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) has introduced new registration rules effective from 1 August 2025, along with a Limited Special Dispensation.</p>
<p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>1. New Qualification Requirement</strong></span></p>
<p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Applicants must hold a relevant qualification aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), accredited by SAQA and align with the SACPCMP  competency framework for the specific registration category.</span></p>
<p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>Core requirements in the Rules:</strong></span></span>
</p>
<ul>
    <li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Professional Construction Manager / Professional Construction Project Manager: NQF 8 (480 credits)</span></li>
    <li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Professional Construction Health and Safety Agent: NGQ7 (360 credits)</span></li>
    <li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">CHSO: NQF 5 (120 credits)</span></li>
    <li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Minimum experience required (4-10 years depending on category)</span></li>
    <li class="pf0"><span class="cf0">CPD and annual fee compliance to maintain registration</span></li>
</ul><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">All qualifications submitted for registration must be verified through MIE (Managed Integrity Evaluation).</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal offers MIE verification services to both members of the Association and the general public at a competitive cost. This service includes verification of qualifications, professional memberships, criminal records, ID documents and credit checks.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Association directly for more information and pricing.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>2. Purpose of the Limited Special Dispensation</strong></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">The limited special dispensation aims to broaden access to professional registration for individuals who are actively working in the construction sector but may not meet the new qualification or competency standards immediately. It was developed over three years in collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that the professionalisation of the sector does not prejudice experienced practitioners who lack formal qualifications. Many applicants have practical experience but lack the formal NQF level qualifications that is now required. The dispensation allows them to register provisionally and upskill through CPD and Initial Professional Development Modules (IPDM) modules during a 3 year cycle.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>2.1 Temporary Exemptions</strong> </span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">It provides temporary exemptions from certain qualification and competency requirements under the Project and Construction Management Professions Act (Act 48 of 2000). It applies to new applicants, valid from 1 August 2025 to 30 July 2027.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"><strong>2.2 Key Exemptions</strong> </span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Lower NQF thresholds accepted for registration:</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf0"></span></p><table><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Professional Construction Project Managers: NQF Level 7 (instead of 8) Professional Construction Managers: NQF Level 7 (instead of 8)</li><li>CHS Agents: NQF Level 6 (instead of 7)</li><li class="pf0">CHS Officers: SAMTRAC NQF Level 5</li><li class="pf0">CHS Managers: NQF Level 5 (instead of 6)</li><li class="pf0">Professional Building Inspectors: NQF Level 6 (instead of 7)</li><li class="pf0">NEBOSH International Diploma NQF Level 8 now accepted for CHS categories.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table> <strong>2.3 Competency Assessments Adjustment Made</strong><table><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Minimum score reduced to 50% (from 60%)</li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf1">Temporary exemption from three Council-specific competencies:</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf1">Diversity, Equity &amp; Inclusion</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf1">Sustainable Development &amp; Environmental Protection</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf1">Digitisation</span><br /></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="pf0"><span class="cf1"><strong></strong></span><strong>2.4 Next Steps</strong></p><table><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Individuals registered under this dispensation will be provisionally registered.</li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf1">They must complete CPD modules and meet annual targets over a 3-year cycle.</span></li><li class="pf0"><span class="cf1">Failure to meet targets may result in suspension or cancellation of registration.</span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="pf0"><span class="cf1">Registered persons under the dispensation must meet annual targets for completing modules and CPD courses. Failure to comply may lead to suspension or cancellation of registration.</span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf1"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p class="pf0"><span class="cf1"><strong>Prudence Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</strong></span></p><p class="pf0">&nbsp;</p><br />]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 6 Oct 2025 11:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Why should businesses invest in human capital</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=709132</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=709132</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/HC.png" style="width: 450px; height: 348px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" />Investment in human capital refers to the process of improving the skills, knowledge, health and abilities of people to enhance their productivity and economic value. It encourages employees to work together and identify improvements that will benefit both the employer and the employee. Its key objective is economics, education and workforce development.<br /><br />Here are the main components of human capital investment:<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1. Education and Training</span><br /><br />• Formal education (schools, universities)<br />• Vocational training and professional development<br />• On-the-job training and workshops<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2. Skills Development</span><br /><br />• Technical skills (e.g., IT, engineering)<br />• Soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership)<br />• Lifelong learning and adaptability<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3. Work Experience</span><br /><br />• Internships, apprenticeships and mentorships<br />• Job rotation and exposure to different roles<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4.&nbsp; Health and Well-being</span><br /><br />• Access to healthcare<br />• Nutrition and mental health support<br />• Safe working environments<br /><br />Businesses invest in human capital by implementing strategies that develop, support, and retain their workforce. Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal through its Learning and Development Programmes offers various programmes such as Bursary Fund, Vuka Makhi Programme and Emerging Contractor Programme. The aim of these programmes is to invest in education and skills development in construction sector and also to support members of the Association as they are the beneficiaries.<br /><br />Members are encouraged to participate in these programmes for the benefit of their employees and economic growth.<br /><br /><strong>Why It Matters:</strong><br /><br />• For individuals: It increases employability, earning potential and career growth.<br />• For businesses: It boosts productivity, innovation and competitiveness.<br />• For economy: It drives growth, reduces poverty and improves social outcomes.<br /><br /><strong>Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 1 Sep 2025 13:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Skills Development is a lifelong necessity </title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=707353</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=707353</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/skills.png" style="width: 450px; height: 350px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" />The world is evolving whether it adapting to new technologies, meeting workplace demands or pursuing personal growth, continuous learning empowers individuals by enhancing their capabilities and enables greater participation in the economy.&nbsp;</p><p>New technologies emerge all the time transforming industries and job roles. Lifelong learning helps individuals stay relevant and adapt to tools, platforms and systems that didn’t exist previously. Even within the same role, expectations can shift. Employers increasingly value soft skills like communication, teamwork and problem solving alongside technical expertise.<br />Employers should comply with skills development for several strategic, legal and ethical reasons.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>1. Legal Compliance</strong><br />In South Africa, the Skills Development Act and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework requires employers to invest in employee training. Compliance can affect a company’s B-BBEE scorecard, which influences access to contracts and partnerships.<br /><br /><strong>2. Improved Productivity and Performance</strong><br />Training equips employees with the latest knowledge and techniques leading to better efficiency, innovation and quality of work. Skilled workers are more confident and capable which boosts overall performance.<br /><br /><strong>3. Talent Retention and Attraction</strong><br />Employees value growth opportunities. Companies that invest in development are more likely to retain top talent and attract skilled professionals who are looking for long-term career growth.<br /><strong><br />4. Adaptability to Change</strong><br />Industries evolve quickly. Skills development helps businesses stay competitive by ensuring their workforce can adapt to new technologies, regulations and market demands.<br /><br /><strong>5. Reduced Staff Turnover and Costs</strong><br />Training reduces errors, improves job satisfaction and lowers staff turnover rates. This saves costs related to recruitment, onboarding and lost productivity.<br /><br />Companies can implement skills development effectively by creating structured, inclusive and strategic programmes that align with both business goals and employee growth. This can be achieved by conducting skills audits, implement training initiatives that align with business objectives and monitor and evaluate progress.<br /><br />Embracing technology is critical for businesses to remain competitive and drive innovation, however skills development is a powerful and permanent strategy for empowering individuals and a key driver of continuous learning.<br /></p><div><strong><span style="color: #1f497d;">&nbsp;Prudence Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</span></strong><br /><div>&nbsp;</div></div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Aug 2025 10:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Youth empowerment focuses on education and skills development </title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=705219</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=705219</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/Youth_Emp.png" style="width: 450px; height: 355px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 12px; float: right;" />With National Youth Day falling on 16 June, June is cerebrated as youth month.<br /><br />Youth empowerment in South Africa means equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to reach their full potential and contribute to the country's development. This involves addressing challenges like unemployment, poverty and lack of access to education and skills development. Empowering youth is crucial for South Africa's economic growth and social cohesion.<br /><br />It is not just a social imperative but also a crucial investment in South Africa's future. By providing young people with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, the country can unlock their full potential and build a more prosperous and equitable society.&nbsp;<br /><br />Emmanuel Kganakga, Director: Youth Policy and Legislation at the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities stated:&nbsp;<br />“The theme for 2025 Youth Month, “Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation”, calls on us to build on our proud legacy as Africans and to prepare our young people for the evolving demands of the global economy.”<br /><br />He further highlighted the following points:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>The Quarterly Labour Force Survey revealed that the youth unemployment rate increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025.&nbsp;</li><li>The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is at the forefront of reducing youth unemployment and enhancing skills attainment through a range of programmes.&nbsp;</li><li>It is envisioned that the launch of the South African National Service Institute (SANSI), a joint initiative by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will create a deliberate and seamless skills-to-industry pipeline by training, capacitating and empowering emerging industrialists.&nbsp;</li><li>The Department of Employment and Labour recently announced that more than13 000 unemployed youth in Limpopo will benefit from a R 462 million fund dedicated to training and skills development.&nbsp;</li><li>The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is allocating a R 55.4 billion budget for the 2025 academic year, assisting eligible students from poor and working-class families at public universities and TVET colleges.&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Director Kganakga recognised that when youth are equipped with the right skills, they become more productive members of the workforce, drive innovation, stimulate economic activity and contribute meaningfully to Gross Domestic Product.<br /><br />Reference:&nbsp;</p><table class="reTableSelected"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/youth-empowerment-focusing-education-and-skills-development ">https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/youth-empowerment-focusing-education-and-skills-development&nbsp;</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><strong>Prudence Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager</strong><br /></p><br />]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 7 Jul 2025 07:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Keep Track of Your SACPCMP CPD Points </title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=702531</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=702531</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><img alt="" src=" https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/cpd.png" style="width: 450px; height: 353px; float: right; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 12px;" />Keep track of your&nbsp;SACPCMP Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points and avoid being deregistered at the end of your CPD cycle.</span></b></span></p><p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"></span></b></span><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">CPD helps professionals keep their skills and knowledge current and relevant, ensuring that they can effectively perform their roles in a rapidly changing environment. This entails ongoing learning and development.</span></p><p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">The SACPCMP CPD policy requires that all CPD activities be competency based to improve performance, provide guidance to the professional and provide detailed descriptions for category achievements.</span></p><p style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">The SACPCMP CPD cycle runs over a 3-year period from 1 April to 31 March. All CPD activities must be done with skills development providers that are registered with or recognised by SACPCMP. Any formal qualifications must be SAQA aligned, and the Skills Development Provider (SDP) </span><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">must be registered with the Council for Higher Education or the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. Until phased out, any unit standard based training must be done by a SDP who is accredited by the relevant SETA. It is important to note that Unit Standards and legacy qualifications are being phased out and will no longer be available after 2027.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">One CPD point is equivalent to 10 notional hours and this is the estimate time an average delegate needs to invest in a course, module or unit standard to meet specific learning objectives. SACPCMP has provided a guideline for programme durations where the point allocation may be unclear or are not aligned to SAQA.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left: 4.1pt; border: none;"> <tbody><tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; border-width: 1pt; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;">CPD ACTIVITY </span></b></span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b>CPD CREDITS AWARDED </b></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Full day event </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">1 CPD credit </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Half day event </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">0.5 CPD credit </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Conference paper </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">2 CPD credit </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Journal or research article </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">4 CPD credit </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Book chapter </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">6 CPD credit </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Book / textbook </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">10 CPD credit </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 5.5pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 173.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">External examiner </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 5.5pt; width: 185.55pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">1 CPD credit per programme </span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p style="text-align: left; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: left; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">All registered professionals need to ensure that they meet their SACPCMP CPD requirements for a 3-year period. It is important to note that these requirements are not the same for each registration category and that the competency-based subjects also differ. However, the CPD categories and activities are the same across the different registered professionals. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">There are 4 categories that each professional needs to cover, with a certain number of points per category per year as outlined in the table below.&nbsp; The CPD cycle applicable to the registered persons runs from the beginning to the end of the SACPCMP's financial year (1 April to 31 March)</span></p> <p style="text-align: left; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left: 11.2pt; border: none;"> <tbody><tr style="height: 6.7pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 5cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; border-width: 1pt; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;">CATEGORY </span></b></span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b>Year 1 </b></span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.9pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b>Year 2 </b></span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b>Year 3 </b></span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 63.8pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-left: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b>Total </b></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 6.7pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 5cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Professional Practise </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">15 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.9pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">10 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">5 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 63.8pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">30 </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 6.7pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 5cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Personal Development </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">2 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.9pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">2 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">1 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 63.8pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">5 </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 6.7pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 5cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Mentorship </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">5 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.9pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">3 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">2 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 63.8pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">10 </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 6.7pt;"> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 5cm; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Public policy priority issues </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">2 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.9pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">2 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 70.85pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">1 </span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 63.8pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">5 </span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 6.7pt;"> <td colspan="4" valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 354.35pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-top: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;">TOTAL </span></b></span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="height: 6.7pt; width: 63.8pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border-style: none; text-align: left;"> <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><b>50 </b></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Any registered person who does not comply with the above requirements of the cycle within the three years may result in deregistration. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">How to load CPD activities to the SACPCMP website</span></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Use your registration link</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Navigate to your online profile</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Locate the CPD section</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Use the provided upload function to submit your supporting documents</span></li></ul> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">In conclusion, CPD point compliance is important for maintaining a professional status, ensuring competence and staying up to date with the industry standards.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Mandisa Khumalo | Learning and Development Manager<br /></strong></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 107%; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 1 Jun 2025 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>What Employers Need to Know When Planning Training - South Africa’s Legacy Qualifications Phase-out</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=700234</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=700234</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/TRai.png" style="width: 450px; height: 351px; float: right; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 12px;" />The skills development landscape in South Africa is experiencing significant transformation as the registration deadline for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards listed on the Occupational Qualification Skills Framework (OQSF), was 30 June 2024. This meant that the last date for enrolment for first time learners was by the 30 June 2024 for full qualifications, part qualifications, skills programmes and unit standards.</p> <p>On 3 June 2024, the Minister of Higher Education issued a directive on the implementation and transitional arrangements for pre-2009 qualifications and this directive took effect from 1 June 2024. The Minister noted twelve directives that would be implemented during the transition period. They key directives that employers need to be aware of when planning any training for 2025 are as follows:</p> <ol><li>No blanket extensions have been given. All pre-2009 qualifications, unit standards, N4-N6 programmes and N-Diplomas have been deregistered and are in a teach out period. </li><li>374 pre-2009 qualifications have had their last date for enrolment extended to end December 2025. After that, they will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis for extension to allow the realignment process to be completed. This extension has been issued for <ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;"><li>regulatory qualifications </li><li>N4-N6 programmes and N Diplomas that are being taught at TVET and DHET facilities</li><li>Artisanal occupational qualifications that have not been registered as yet.</li></ol></li><li>The pre-2009-unit standards that have been used for regulatory programmes will continue to be recognised provided that they are realigned through the QCTO as occupational skills programmes, to replace the regulated unit standards. </li></ol> <p><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/Table1.png" style="float: right; margin: 12px; width: 400px; height: 331px;" /><b>What employers need to know when planning training</b></p> <p>Despite these changes, a considerable number of employers seem unaware of this transition and the knock-on effect it will have on accredited training in 2025. In short, planning has just become a vital component in crafting effective skills development strategies that meet the needs of South Africa’s evolving workforce. </p> <p>Only 275 pre-2009 qualifications have had their registration dates extended and this is being delt with on a case-by-case basis. </p> <p>It is important that employers check with their SETA’s as to the extension date and realignment status of any of the qualifications listed in this table.</p> <p><i><span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/admin/content/ResourceManager.aspx">For the full list of qualifications click here</a></span></i><a href="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/admin/content/ResourceManager.aspx">.</a> </p> <p>If it does not appear in this table, employers will no longer be able to register learners for these legacy qualifications or parts there of or any unit standards. </p> <p>To assist in this critical period, employers currently running training programmes need to have a clear understanding of what qualifications are still valid and considered accredited training. Even more so is to ensure that the Skills Development Providers they utilise are aware of these changes and that they have their accreditation documents stating what they may or may not enrol learners for and until what dates.</p> <p>One area that has been found to be problematic is in the issuing of tender documents. Tenders are being issued for training using legacy qualifications and unit standards that are no longer valid, meaning learners cannot be enrolled in these programmes. This could have knock on effects for both parties when an agreement is signed on this basis.</p> <p><b>Collaboration and communication are key</b></p> <p>Employers and providers are strongly advised to consult with the QCTO and relevant SETA for the development, accreditation and registration of skills programmes, given that the alignment process requires a comprehensive application. The Skills Development Provider will need to apply for accreditation of the new programme with the QCTO.</p> <p>Additional consultation is also recommended to ensure that employers and SDPs gain a clear understanding of the SETA’s plans for future qualification registration in each specific industry to avoid duplication of effort or missing the mark entirely.</p> <p>Moving forward, it is advisable for companies to work closely with their SDP to navigate the transition and ensure the continued development of their workforce through occupationally-directed programmes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #1f497d;">Heidi Kilian</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 4 May 2025 18:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Workplace skills planning and the importance of investing in learning</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=697978</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=697978</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/learning.png" style="width: 450px; height: 355px; float: right;" />Empowering your employees is an investment in the success of your organisation. Talent management involves appropriately deploying employees' skills to optimize performance, making it a vital function for any organisation. As the world rapidly evolves, organisations thrive or decline based on the strength of their workforce. It is essential for businesses to ensure that their employees are well-skilled and equipped to navigate emerging changes. </p> <p>A Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) is an important tool that helps organisations address their learning and development needs. A WSP requires organisations to identify their skill priorities in alignment with their business strategy, assess existing skills gaps within their workforce through a training needs analysis, and develop or discover the best learning solutions for employees' career aspirations. Organisations must develop a WSP annually and submit it to their relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). This ensures accountability in implementing skills development within their sector. A WSP provides businesses with insights into the skills currently available within the organisation as well as current and future skills needed. It also outlines the investment in training required for the upcoming year. By having a WSP in place, businesses can enhance their employee’s skill level and demonstrate their commitment to complying with current Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes. This allows them to gain a competitive advantage by being recognized as an employer of choice.</p> <p>Organisations can systematically consider both current and future needs by identifying gaps through a skills audit, integrating these needs into their performance management systems, implementing succession planning initiatives, as well as adapting to new processes and technological changes. With a structured approach to learning, organisations can reap various incentives and create a more skilled and productive workforce. Implementing a WSP enables employees to acquire portable skills through recognised qualifications, allowing organisations to actively contribute to addressing the skills shortage in South Africa. Not only should current skill needs be addressed, but critical and scarce skills related to both short and long-term strategic objectives should also be considered. The WSP should align with other important human resource functions and practices, such as performance management and succession planning. </p> <p>Submission of Workplace Skills Plans are required by the relevant industry SETAs to tackle the shortage of skills in South Africa. Through the submission of WSPs, SETAs can compile meaningful Sector Skills Plans that prioritize their skills development efforts within their respective sectors. Organisations are legally obligated to pay a skills development levy and submit a WSP annually. If compliant, they can qualify for mandatory and discretionary grants from their SETA, which provide additional funding for planned learning interventions. However, simply submitting a WSP is not sufficient for its effective implementation. </p> <p>Kindly note that the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Recruitment Agency is qualified and skilled in processing WSP/ATR on behalf of each member: For more information please contact <a href="mailto:recruitment@masterbuilders.co.za">recruitment@masterbuilders.co.za</a> or 031 831 3201.</p> <p>Sources:</p><p><a href="https://www.hrfuture.net/talent-management/training-development/workplace-skills-planning-and-the-importance-of-investing-in-learning/">Workplace skills planning and the importance of investing in learning - HR Future</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Anisha Naidoo | Human Resources Manager</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 7 Apr 2025 12:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Shifting the education system to prepare students for a changing world  ​</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=697975</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=697975</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/welding.png" style="width: 450px; height: 348px; float: right; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 12px;" /> </span><p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">South Africa is dedicated to lifelong learning and has in the last 15 years been restructuring the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to address these needs by establishing a unified framework for the country’s qualifications system. By standardising qualifications, it plays a significant role in both the education and employment sectors. Now progression can be shown from basic education to the highest level of academic and professional expertise. In other words, each level demonstrates the learning achievements and outcomes. Based on a qualifications NQF levels, employers can now determine if a candidate is suitable for a particular job. As a result, the new NQF levels in South Africa make it easier to compare and understand different qualifications, make University Qualifications and Occupational Qualifications comparable, while ensuring qualifications are recognised both in South Africa and around the world.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">The South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) has changed significantly since 2008 with the promulgation of the NQF Act 67 of 2008, which came into effect on 1 June 2009 and shifted the system from an 8-level to a 10-level NQF. This created a single, integrated national framework for learning achievements and facilitated access to mobility and progression within education, training and career paths, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and training.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">The shift away from unit standards has been part of the broader strategy led by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). As the QCTO moves towards occupational qualifications and skills programmes that focuses on job roles rather than fragmented units of learning, this aims to create a unified system for recognising learning achievements and ensuring qualifications are relevant and aligned to national standards.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">All qualifications across the NQF now focus on:</span></p> <ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;"><li><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Modules – be it knowledge modules, practical modules or workplace experience or a combination thereof.</span></li><li><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Defined assessment criteria and Exit level outcomes. </span></li><li><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">International comparability.</span></li></ol> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">For Occupational qualifications, the "Organising Framework for Occupations" (OFO) which is a skills-based coded classification system used in South Africa to identify, report and monitor skills demand and supply in the labour market and act as a common language for understanding occupations, has also been incorporated into the development of occupational qualifications. </span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">The OFO was developed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in 2005, extending the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) by incorporating additional occupations and occupational categories identified through research and consultation. </span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">The OFO is structured from the bottom-up by analysing jobs, identifying similarities in tasks and skills, categorizing similar jobs into occupations, and classifying these occupations into occupational groups. </span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) use the OFO codes to develop and report on Sectorial Priority Occupations list (SPOI). Employers use OFO codes to plan and develop their Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs). The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) also uses the OFO codes as a basis for occupational qualification development and certification. Just another important puzzle piece to the greater picture of holistic learning.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial;">Although South Africa is still in a transition phase, in 2025, South Africa's education system is focused on strengthening foundations for learning, prioritising early childhood development, literacy and numeracy, while also addressing challenges like improving quality and access and preparing students for a changing world. The education system continues to address historical inequalities and promote social cohesion while incorporating a growing emphasis on integrating technology into education.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 150%; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Heidi Kilian</strong></span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 7 Apr 2025 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Literacy is no longer just about knowing how to read and write</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=695021</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=695021</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/Training_March.png" style="width: 450px; height: 345px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" />Commonly literacy is known as the ability to read and write but it can also be defined as having competence or knowledge in a specified area. Digital literacy involves "digital" technology which includes everything from computers and the internet to devices like cell phones and smart systems or apps. "Literacy" in this context, refers to the ability not only to use these technologies but also to use them effectively.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">This is one of the key skills needed in our fast-paced world filled with constant technological advances. It is essential to know how to use technology safely, effectively and responsibly. As technology continues to become more and more ingrained in daily life, the importance of obtaining digital literacy skills is becoming increasingly apparent.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Uses of Digital Literacy in Everyday Life </b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">As technology becomes increasingly prominent in our everyday activities it is more important than ever, that digital literacy be included as a fundamental life skill. Whether we are conscious of it or not, most people engage in digital systems multiple times a day. For instance, the following daily activities require some amount of digital literacy to perform or interact with:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/Clipboard_03-03-2025_01.png" style="width: 650px; height: 366px; margin: 10px 5px;" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Efficiency</b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">In the workplace digital technology has increased the employee’s ability to become more efficient in their work processes. Utilising the ‘cloud’ means that information can be stored and accessed from anywhere using any device. Using applications like SharePoint means that more than one person can work on a document at any given time and changes are done in real time. This leads to better collaboration, online productivity and the development of collective data bases.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">This efficiency carries through to our personal lives too. Alarm systems can be activated remotely and security cameras can be checked on cell phones. A patient’s medical records can be accessed online by different doctors alleviating the need for hard copy reports, x-rays or the patients file history. Banking and shopping can be done online to allocate payments and arrange deliveries. Social media allows people to ‘be involved’ in their friends and families lives albeit at a distance, while news and information is at our fingertips on the internet and social media platforms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">All of this makes our lives easier and more efficient, essentially we can get more done in less time – a perfect world?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>The Challenges</b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Communication, perception and etiquette can become a challenge with online platforms. Often online communication can be misinterpreted as the receiver does not necessarily have the full context or tone and visual ques they would with an ‘in person’ encounter. The receiver is left to create their own interpretation of tone and context, which may be different from the intended meaning of the sender. This causes confusion and frustration and may even cause conflicts.<span>&nbsp; </span>With children and even some adults there has been an increase in online bullying as people are ‘safe’ behind a screen and do not have to face the person in reality. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Digital platforms leave an online footprint and technically once something is sent out digitally it will be out there forever. Images and documents from both workplace and social settings can have significant consequences. Additionally, numerous types of cybercrime exists including account hacking, theft and fraud, among others.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Become digitally savvy</b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Making yourself aware of the dangers of digital platforms and various security applications or multi-factor authentication can greatly reduce the risk of cybercrime. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Understanding the communication process and how people interpret information can be useful to become more emotionally aware of how people interpret information differently and how miscommunication can occur. Understanding these principles can make one more effective when they communicate with others online or electronically, to ensure they get the right message and information across and prevent miscommunication.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Developing the skill of being able to interpret information and decipher fact from fiction can be a very useful tool when there is so much digital information out there and not all information is accurate or true. It is important to be able to navigate your way through sources of information and to know if the content is credible and accurate. This not only applies to the workplace, but also to social media because sharing false information can cause panic as posts go viral. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">It is also important to be aware of the legal implications of information shared via online platforms. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) notes that it is mandatory for data subjects to give written consent to the responsible party before the data is published on social media or distributed to others on email or messaging platforms. As silly as this may seem to some, it includes the sharing of a photograph one took with other people in it. The Copyright Act governs all published content including written works and images. To utilise someone else's words or images you must obtain consent from the creator unless you properly reference the material or if the images are licensed under Creative Commons.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>So, remember…</b></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Protect your personal information with strong passwords and keep personal information private.<span>&nbsp; </span>Make sure your devices are secure and pay attention to software updates and popups that may appear on your screen. Be careful of what you click on. Be careful of Wifi connections and set up Two-Factor Authentication when logging into different applications or accounts. And lastly, always back up your personal data. If you remember these few precautions and with a bit of caution, the world will be at your fingertips.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Heidi Kilian</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Head: Training</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 3 Mar 2025 11:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>The Construction Foreman</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=692640</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=692640</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/images/2025_images/training_Feb24.png" style="width: 450px; height: 338px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; border-color: #ffffff;" />A construction foreman plays a key role in the overall running of a construction project as they are responsible for the supervision and coordination of the work crew. This can range from small projects employing only a few people to massive projects employing many. The foreman’s primary role is to ensure that the workers he manages perform their job skilfully and efficiently, and that assigned work is completed on time and within budget. </p> <p>In order to ensure that they achieve this, the foreman must:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors or design professionals to discuss procedures and problems that relate to the construction project.</li><li>Develop and/or implement quality control programmes for the project.</li><li>Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to administrative staff, workers and clients.</li><li>Plan, organise and direct maintenance activities related to the structures, facilities or systems.</li><li>Investigate damage, accidents or delays at construction sites to ensure that suitable procedures are implemented and followed.</li><li>Deal with the routing of material and equipment, and plan and coordinate the more difficult segments of the job.</li></ul> <p>Becoming a construction foreman can be done in various ways. Many employers may only require that a foreman have a National Senior Certificate, some management experience, and some experience with technical aspects of a building project, such as carpentry, concrete work, plumbing and electrical work. Other companies may prefer to hire a foreman who has a formal qualification, such as a degree or diploma in construction management. Admission to study a formal qualification requires the learner to have studied Economics, Physical Science and Mathematics at school.</p> <p>Attending short courses or short learning programmes can also help to upskill a foreman who may already be working or looking to be promoted. These courses are ideal for companies to enrol their junior foremen, enabling them to develop or refine their existing skills and become more effective.</p> <p>These key skills include understanding how to supervise the use of tools and equipment, interpret technical drawings, calculate quantities, survey and set out a work area, manage resources, report on work processes and understand the legal liabilities and construction regulations. </p> <p>A foreman’s function starts right at the beginning of a project and continues until the end. It involves everything, from ensuring straight foundations to setting out and working the levels to a certain height according to the plans, managing subcontractors, working on roofs, right down to the finishes i.e. details such as tiles and cupboards.</p> <p>The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning runs both a Junior Foreman and a Senior Foreman course. These are 11-day and 12-day courses respectively, with a duration of 2 months, requiring learners to attend 5-6 days per month. Recognising the need for staff to be present on site, these programmes offer scheduled dates spread across 12 months, enabling companies to plan and send employees for training with ease throughout the year.</p> <p>Please email <a href="mailto:Training@masterbuilders.co.za">Training@masterbuilders.co.za</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #1f497d;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #1f497d;">Heidi Kilian |&nbsp;</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d;">Head: Training</span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 1 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Practitioner</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=688185</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=688185</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/heididec24.jpg" style="width: 350px;" /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">What is an OHS Practitioner?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">A Health and Safety practitioner, also known as an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practitioner, advises employees and management on safety and health aspects in the workplace. This includes monitoring and inspecting the workplace and recording and investigating incidents and accidents. They also implement and maintain Occupational Health and Safety systems to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Some of the job titles of an OHS Practitioner may include Safety, Health and Quality Practitioner, Safety Coordinator and Safety and Health Advisor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Why is there a need for an OHS practitioner?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">Occupational Health and Safety is a key element for many companies globally. In South Africa, the right to work in a safe and healthy environment is entrenched in the South African Constitution. Accountability for OHS is a shared responsibility between employers and employees who must work together to uphold best practices and processes in the workplace.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">In most industrial work settings, the demand for health and safety practitioners is expected to increase due to several factors, including: </span></p><ol><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Workplace safety</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">: There is a focus on creating safer workplaces for employees, customers and other stakeholders. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Legal requirements</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">: Regulations and Acts increase the demand for health and safety professionals. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Awareness and specialisation</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">: The field of health and safety is becoming more specialised and therefore contributing to the increase in demand. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Industry growth:</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> As industries like mining, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and retail grow, so does the need for health and safety professionals. </span></span></li></ol><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">This position therefore enables employees from different technical work areas to embark on a career path in Occupational Health and Safety Management.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">Having a Health and Safety practitioner on your team ensures that best practices and compliance are implemented at the site level. They ensure that workplaces are inspected and hazards and risks are identified. They facilitate actions to eliminate or control hazards and represent employee needs.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Key Responsibilities of an OHS Practitioner:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><ol><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification:</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> Conducting regular risk assessments to identify workplace hazards and developing strategies to eliminate or minimize identified risks.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Developing, designing and Implementing</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> safety procedures in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards (such as OSHA, OHS Act, or local regulatory bodies). Ensuring that all personnel follow safe work practices and that risks are mitigated through the proper use of equipment, training, and controls.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Providing training and education</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> for employees on safety protocols, emergency procedures, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and safe work practices, and organizing regular safety drills and awareness campaigns.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Conducting safety inspections and audits</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> to ensure compliance with safety regulations and internal safety policies, identifying areas for improvement and taking corrective action as needed.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Investigating accidents, injuries, near-misses, and safety incidents</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> to identify root causes. Then reporting and documenting incidents according to regulatory and organizational requirements and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Compliance:</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> Ensuring that the organisation complies with national and international health and safety laws, standards, and regulations, staying updated on changes in legislation and implementing necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Health and Wellness Programmes</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> to promote general employee well-being, including ergonomic assessments, mental health support, and wellness programmes. Also managing programmes related to workplace health risks such as stress, fatigue, and substance abuse.</span></span></li></ol><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Who qualifies for the OHS Practitioner training course?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">Health and safety practitioners need strong communication, presentation, knowledge management, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">Someone in this field needs to be able to identify issues, facilitate and support actions, represent employees, and be good at planning and monitoring.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">The entry requirement for studying in this field is a Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy. Alternatively, one can pursue the route of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if the person has been working in the industry for a period of 5 years or more and has sufficient knowledge and experience. In this case, they would need to write an internal assessment.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">What does this training course involve?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">This qualification is aimed at building the competence levels of employees to cover the work that will be done by the legislated Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) representatives. This qualification meets a critical need in the industry, and all organisations in South Africa require the services of at least one Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">This training course covers topics such as fundamentals of communication, occupational health and safety applications, and occupational health and safety management.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">It can be offered through distance learning, in person or online and consists of a portfolio of evidence with theory and practical assignments. There is also an External Integrated Summative Assessment to ensure the standardisation of this qualification.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">The Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner qualification is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). It has the following accreditation details: QCTO Curriculum Code: 226302001, SAQA Qualification ID: 99714, Credits: 256, and NQF: 5.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Sign me up!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning offers the Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner with classes starting in February 2025. Perhaps your business would like to sponsor a learner as part of your CSI B-BEEE spend or you may know of a school leaver looking to study in this field in 2025. For an application form contact </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="mailto:training@masterbuilders.co.za">training@masterbuilders.co.za</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">At the end of the day</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">Health and safety is important in the workplace for a number of reasons, including meeting legal requirements, reducing accidents and increasing productivity. A good health and safety record can also improve a company's reputation with customers, investors and communities, as well as reducing costs. Establishing health and safety as a shared value can help create a positive culture in the workplace and protect visitors and customers, making the role of a Health and Safety Practitioner essential for any workplace. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">Heidi Kilian</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%; font-size: 16px;">Head: Training</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Dec 2024 10:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>The value of Learning and Development Programmes</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=686008</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=686008</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/training1nov24.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 306px;" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The well-known phrase “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime” holds true in many instances of life. By teaching a man a skill, he has the opportunity to earn an honest livelihood. Over the past 11 years, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal has invested in the development of the construction industry by implementing learning and development programmes aimed at driving skills growth and knowledge transfer.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One key programme is the Emerging Contractor Programme which targets small businesses entering the construction sector. This programme provides training, mentorship and support.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">While the training sessions aim to build a better understanding of business principles, the purpose of mentoring is to facilitate the personal and professional growth of individuals by providing guidance, support and knowledge transfer, from experienced mentors to mentees. Through this guidance and support, emerging contractors can reach their full potential, which can unlock productivity, creativity and impactful returns for their business.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This model has been successful because mentors can listen to their mentees’ concerns and brainstorm ideas and suggestions about their business challenges. Mentors directly offer recommendations and can suggest professional development priorities to help the mentees establish goals and identify resources. Mentors also share personal knowledge of their own business successes and failures. Mentors provide encouragement, serving as a cheerleader for a mentee’s goals and dreams.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The MBA KZN Emerging Contractor Programme has enrolled 188 emerging contractors to date. This programme has assisted contractors in becoming legally compliant and guiding them to achieve their business goals and objectives. One participant stated, “I thought I knew this stuff, but it wasn’t until I attended this programme that I realised how much I was getting wrong in my business”. This demonstrates how the programme supports individuals who have chosen the built environment as a career by addressing skills and training gaps within the construction industry, while promoting best practice and skills development for construction excellence. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">General statistics show that roughly one-third of new businesses exit the market within their first two years, and half exit within their first five years. The programme has demonstrated remarkable success, with 89% of Emerging Contractors who participated remaining in construction over the 10-year period. This retention rate attests to the success of the programme.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is committed to driving a sustainable, innovative construction industry which seeks to achieve inclusive economic growth and development. It is proud to continue to support Learning and Development programmes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Please visit the Master Builders website for more information and the 2025 applications for Learning and Development programmes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Heidi Kilian &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Mandisa Khumalo </span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Head: Training&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Learning &amp; Development Manager</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Nov 2024 09:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>11 Key Training Topics for All Construction Workers</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=683843</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=683843</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/heidi_03102024.jpg" style="width: 350px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) reported a fatality rate of 17.5 per 100,000 workers in 2022, significantly higher than the 2.1 per 100,000 workers reported in the Australian and UK construction sectors for 2021 and 2022/23, respectively (V and S publications).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">With so many hazards at play, there are countless ways to get injured on the job. Dangerous&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">environments, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials are just some of the risks.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">One way to mitigate these is by providing high-quality and continuous training for construction workers.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>
    <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Below are 11 examples of training for construction workers that are essential for keeping your staff safe.</span></p>
    <ol><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Administration and Legal Requirements</span></b>
            <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Before any construction work begins it is important to understand and complete the appropriate&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Health and Safety Administration process. This is outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction Regulations and includes the Notification of Construction, Registration with Compensation Insurer, Health and Safety Plan, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments, Legal Appointments, Health and Safety Representatives and Committees, First Aid and Facilities, Recording, Reporting and Investigation of Incidents and agreements with subcontractors. Although these processes may often seem boring or unnecessary, they are vital for well-managed Health and Safety on-site.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p></li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Education, Training, and Promotion</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In many routine construction jobs, the same tasks are repeated with little conscious thought. This is when the odds of an accident occurring increase. There are many rules and regulations regarding Health and Safety, but these are ineffective if not communicated and prominently displayed to the appropriate persons. All staff should be trained on the Company OHS policy, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse policies, general site OHS rules as well as on Hazard Identification and task-specific training. All employees and visitors should receive induction training. Workers may not always recognise the importance of safety training or think of it as unnecessary because they’ve "been doing it for years." However, an important benefit of regular safety training is the reminder that danger can exist and that no one is immune to accidents.</span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Public Safety and Emergency</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In most cases, construction sites are located close to public areas or amongst already populated public spaces. In the interests of protecting the general public from the hazards associated with these construction sites, it is necessary and the responsibility of the contractor to display appropriate signage to inform the public of the dangers apparent during the construction period. Contractors and staff should be aware of the required notices and signs for a construction site to ensure the safeguarding, security and emergency preparedness of anyone at or near the construction site.</span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Personal Protective Equipment &amp; Clothing</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing or "PPE" refers to the equipment worn on site to protect and limit employees’ exposure to harmful hazards. It is the Contractor's responsibility to identify all safety hazards and thereafter try to remove the hazards. Should it not be possible to remove the hazard then, and only then, workers exposed to these hazards must be provided with suitable PPE. All workers issued with PPE should understand the need for that PPE, the various types of PPE available, how to wear the PPE correctly, and how to ensure the proper maintenance and record keeping of their PPE.</span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Housekeeping</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Construction sites, by their nature, will always generate waste and byproducts therefore it is important that all items of scrap, unsuitable off-cuts, rubble and redundant materials are placed in designated areas and removed from the site at least once a day. With this comes the importance of understanding the issues around scrap removal systems, the stacking and storage of materials and waste control to ensure that waste is dealt with in the safest possible manner. “Housekeeping means a place for everything and everything in its place, always!”</span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Scaffolding, Temporary works, Ladders and Fall Protection</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Working at height is an essential and highly risk-filled component of most building projects and its safe implementation is absolutely vital. This includes the use of scaffolding, falsework and ladders. There is no room for error when working at height. A fall, no matter the height, can result in serious injuries and even death. Workers often fail to understand these risks. Each of these areas should make an appointment of a competent person to erect and inspect</span><span> </span>
                <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">scaffolding, falsework and ladders. These appointments must be made in writing using an appropriate appointment form. Fall protection systems should also be developed to eliminate any chance of a fall-related accident. </span>
            </p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Electrical Safeguarding</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Electricity is vital for the efficiency and productivity of a construction site. However, with this powerful resource, comes much responsibility. The source of this power on construction sites is found in the form of Temporary Electrical Installations on a site. Staff should be aware of the dangers of electricity and what can happen if they tamper with any of the electrical installations. Staff should also know who the appointed competent person is in case there are any issues that need to be reported.</span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Fire prevention</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">There are many types of materials or flammable liquids on construction sites. If proper precautions are not in place, a fire could break out. Staff should be aware of all fire hazards and precautions to maintain a safe working environment. Supervisors must conduct a fire risk assessment, and staff should know the type, quantity, and location of the firefighting equipment on site. </span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Excavations and Demolition work</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In almost any construction scenario there will come a time when earth needs to be moved or removed, or demolition needs to take place. Excavating is one of the most hazardous construction operations conducted on-site. There are many regulations that need to be followed in this area, and it is vital that a competent person be appointed in writing to supervise and control all excavation and demolition work. Staff must be trained on the Work Method Statement and risks, and adhere to all regulations.</span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Site Plant &amp; Machinery and Storage yards</span></b>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Site plants and machinery are the workhorse and backbone that drive construction productivity. However, it is essential that staff know how to safely use, maintain and implement these machines, as well as understand the dangers they pose. Site plant and machinery must only be operated by trained persons who are authorised to do so. This will reduce the chances of any serious injuries occurring.</span></p>
        </li><li><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Health and Hygiene in the workplace</span></b></li></ol>
    <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Just because you work on a construction site does not mean that your workplace facilities cannot be hygienic. In fact, it is a legal requirement to provide a workplace that has sufficient toilets, showers, change rooms, and eating areas that are clean and hygienic. The work environment must also have adequate lighting and ventilation, and workers must be protected from excessive noise and heat. Staff should be aware of these requirements and their role in ensuring that areas remain hygienic for all staff on-site.</span></p>
    <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></b></p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Competency Training and toolbox talks</span></b></p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></b></p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning offers competency training for all legal appointments required by the Construction regulations and OHS Act.</span></p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning also has an eLearning platform which has a comprehensive package of 20 eLearning modules that cover the above-mentioned topics in the form of toolbox talks. Each module holds 1 CPD point with SAIOSH, and modules can be done individually or as a collective. These modules are ideal as they are short 20-minute&nbsp; talks that create awareness around health and safety issues. To access the eLearning platform, please visit </span>
            <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="http://learn.masterbuilders.co.za">http://learn.masterbuilders.co.za</a></span>
        </p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Please email </span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:training@masterbuilders.co.za">training@masterbuilders.co.za</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> if you have any further questions about more detailed training on these topics.</span></p>
        <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>
            <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Heidi Kilian</span></p>
            <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Head: Training</span></p>
            <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p>
            <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Reference</span></b></p>
            <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">S and V publications. (2024). The long overdue overhaul of South African construction health and safety (H&amp;S) [online]. </span></p>
            <p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Available from:&nbsp;</span></p>
            <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">https://www.svmag.co.za/articlepage/2024/05/27/899/The_long_overdue_overhaul_of_South_African_construction_health_and_safety_(HS). [Accessed 2 August 2024]&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 7 Oct 2024 09:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Some clarity amidst the murky waters for Skills Development Providers</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=679043</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=679043</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/heidi_5_aug_24.png" style="width: 350px;" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of June 2024, Skills Development Providers (SDPs) were concerned about the way forward with QCTO qualifications, as many legacy qualifications had not yet been realigned. Some clarity was provided by the Minister of Higher Education when he released a directive in June 2024 about the implementation and transitional arrangements for pre-2009 qualifications. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The directive took effect on 1 June 2024 and noted that 1,101 pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards were to be deregistered. In addition, 374 pre-2009 qualifications had been extended for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years for their last date of enrolment. These qualifications are in the process of realignment, development and evaluation, and will be recommended to SAQA for registration. The table below shows the legacy qualifications that have been approved for realignment to occupational qualifications.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/SAQA_qualifications_29_July_.png" style="width: 600px; height: 285px;" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">More importantly, the QCTO has recognised various pre-2009 unit standards that have been used for regulatory programmes (under the Department of Employment and Labour) and will allow for the development of occupational skills programmes to replace the regulated unit standards. It was noted that the Pre-2009-unit standards that had been used for regulatory programmes will continue to be recognised provided that they are on the list to be realigned through the QCTO as occupational skills programmes to replace the regulated unit standards. Therefore, Occupational Health and Safety unit standard compliance training will still be valid until a QCTO skills programme becomes available.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The CETA has provided a list of Historical Qualifications that are due for realignment and what they will be realigned to as Occupational Qualifications. You can download this list by clicking here.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">While this all seems to be a very slow process, what is clear is that this offers some reprieve for surviving Skills Development Providers who are stuck between two systems. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Heidi Kilian</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Head: Training</p><p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 5 Aug 2024 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>How training with practical applications supports your business</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=676300</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=676300</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/Training_1_July_2024.jpg" style="width: 400px;" /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The sad reality is that most training does not include practical applications to cement learning and allow for continual recall of information. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Practical training provides hands-on experience, teaching key skills which are crucial for understanding real-world scenarios and challenges. Engaging with practical tasks enhances problem-solving skills, preparing learners to tackle actual issues they might encounter in their professional roles.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">A key component of effective training is being able to apply the theory that has been studied. By applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations, there is an increase in retention of concepts and understanding is stored into long-term memory. This increases the learner’s job readiness and successfully builds confidence, making candidates more appealing to potential employers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Practical training often involves the latest tools and technologies, keeping learners up to date with current industry practices. This exposure to the latest technologies through practical work enhances adaptability, an essential skill in the ever-changing cloud industry.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Practical projects often involve teamwork, helping individuals develop the skills needed to work with others which are required in most professional environments. Having realistic challenges enables learners to troubleshoot effectively and foster innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. Including practical applications during training sessions is also cost-effective for employers as it reduces the time and costs associated with induction training.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">As an example, legal compliance requires that staff are properly trained and appointed in writing. But what happens when your appointed firefighter who has never used a fire extinguisher, or the first aider who has never practised CPR? In an emergency, where emotions are already high, will they have the confidence to perform the task? Trainees are initially nervous but after a few rounds of practice and a lot of laughter, those fears subside, and their confidence increases.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal launched the Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning, where focus will be given to the practical application of theory to ensure learners have fully understood the training, they have received so that they will be competent in the workplace. Choosing the Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning for your staff’s training needs ensures that your staff will be trained by experienced facilitators, who include practical applications leading to the achievement of learning objectives. This is what makes us different – trainees can ask questions and get ‘real world’ responses from the facilitator who has been there and done that. They gain confidence to use equipment and practise techniques. If emergencies arise, they are prepared and can effectively support your business.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Heidi Kilian</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Head: Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning.</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 1 Jul 2024 08:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>The value of Career Days in promoting construction as a career of choice</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=674057</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=674057</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/heidi_30_may_2024.jpg" style="width: 400px;" /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">School subjects provide limited information in comparison to the expanded topics once we reach the working world. This often means that learners are not aware of the kinds of careers that are available. When asking primary school learners what they want to be when they grow up, the answer is usually a doctor, policeman, lawyer or teacher. This is due to their exposure to these occupations in their daily lives. Very few kids would know about the responsibilities of a phlebotomist, quantity surveyor or civil engineer.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Holding a Career Day gives learners an up-close look at different jobs and connects their learning to the real world. On Career Days the working community share insights about their careers and details about the required qualifications for success. Meanwhile, students get the opportunity to listen to presenters, ask questions and consider what roles pique their interest.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Reading about an occupation in a textbook is very different from learning about it from someone in the field. Career Days can expose learners to careers they may not have imagined and allows them to learn about jobs that align with their interests and skills, so they can start to narrow down what path to pursue in the future. These events provide an interactive and dynamic learning experience, where students can pose questions directly to professionals and presenters can invite students to tackle real-world problems.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>Benefits of attending a Career Day.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>1. Networking with Potential Employers</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">A career event is the perfect place to network with people in the industry, as it provides an opportunity to speak one-on-one with multiple company representatives all in the same venue.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>2. Access to Free Information</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Career events offer a multitude of free information from industry trends and opportunities to specific skills required in a particular field or allowing a learner to explore alternate employment avenues.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>3. Understanding the requirements of a particular job</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Most occupations are described by the knowledge requirements for a particular job. It is only through speaking with a professional that you can learn what soft skills are required. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>4. Interview Practice</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Most people are not going to find a job by attending a career event. But each time they attend such an event, they get the chance to practice their interviewing skills. For example, approaching a potential employer can be a bit intimidating the first time. However, many find that after doing it a few times during a single Career Day, they feel more comfortable engaging with potential employers. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Some of the skills you get to practice include introducing yourself (oddly not always easy), giving a firm handshake (just trust us on this), marketing yourself, answering basic interview questions, and asking questions of the company. Each of these skills is critical for finding a job.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>5. Learn About Job Opportunities in Your Industry</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Most industries have multiple entry-level opportunities. For example, in construction Health &amp; Safety one can start out as a safety officer and progress to a Safety Manager or a Risk Engineer. Career events offer students a chance to explore these entry level options and to talk with employers about what makes an ideal employee for those positions. A career event can also introduce students to alternative career paths they might not have thought about previously. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">The Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Training Academy hosts and attends Career days to promote construction as a career of choice. This May, the Training team joined the Mangosuthu University of Technology and 49 other organisations for their Career Day held at the University’s campus. &nbsp;The event was open to students from the University to explore various career options related to their studies. The Training Academy exhibited various careers in the built environment and spoke to students about their studies.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Heidi Kilian</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Head: Training</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 3 Jun 2024 07:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>5 ways learning changes when you are an adult.</title>
<link>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=671782</link>
<guid>https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/news/news.asp?id=671782</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><img alt="" src="https://www.masterbuilders.co.za/resource/resmgr/media/2024/heidi_may_2024_nl.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 235px;" /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Adults learn differently from children. Therefore, training providers who adopt appropriate teaching techniques for adult learners will have more effective training sessions.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>1. Adults have more self-direction and motivation</b> <b>and </b><b>want to choose how they learn.</b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Adults have to see the benefits and purpose of learning. Learning programmes should clearly demonstrate what value the learner acquires to encourage engagement. Adult learners prefer being able to control how and when they learn.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>2. Adults use their life experience to facilitate learning</b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Adults have more life experience than children. Adult learners rely heavily on their experiences when they engage in learning and benefit from training programmes that accommodate this. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Content that draws from real-world examples, relatable scenarios and that build on direct experience, will lead to a better understanding of the subject. However, the experience that learners draw from may be irrelevant. Therefore, it is important that they have access to sufficient learning materials.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>3. Adults are focused on achieving goals and guidance.</b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Adults enter the learning process focused on results. They need to know how the information will help them achieve their goals, whether personal or professional. Adults are able to set clear, achievable goals for themselves and engage with the content to reach their goals. They are also open to learning from role models and understand that an experienced role model can help them to acquire new knowledge faster and simultaneously avoid common mistakes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>4. Adults need to know how the information is relevant</b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">The relevance of the information within the training programme must be highlighted in order to effectively engage adult learners. This is to ensure that learners commit themselves to learning, because they see how it will benefit them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">While some learners may enjoy learning for the sheer joy of acquiring new knowledge, adults are far more likely to engage with learning that is relevant to their objectives.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>5. &nbsp;Practical examples, real-world scenarios and problem-solving.</b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Training that utilises practical examples, real-world scenarios and problem-solving requires learners to access their experience and knowledge. This helps them to be engaged and achieve learning objectives.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><b>Conclusion</b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">In the words of Michel Legrand “The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realise, the less I know.” Continuous learning should always be a part of organisational culture to encourage employees to acquire more skills. Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Training Academy helps you to identify areas for growth and match these areas to suitable courses. Contact the Association to learn more. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Heidi Kilian</span></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Head: Training Academy</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 6 May 2024 09:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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