rpf skills development task group

1. RPF Skills Development Task Group Feedback from meetings of 31 January 2002 & 29 April 2002

2. RPF Resolution The RPF be regularly apprised of the developments in the field of skills development (and technology transfer) within the framework of the SDA of 1996. That a RPF Task Group be convened by Les Sampson to establish contact with formal structures in this field and disseminate information to the RPF. That the Task Group reports to the RPF as and when required to so as to inform employers on: Development of unit standards and learnerships; Registration and accreditation of courses; Details on accredited service providers; Training programmes. That the activities of the RPF Task Group on Materials Technicians be integrated into the new Task Group.

3. Task Group Members

4. Role of Task Group To provide a legitimate forum for coordination of skills development activities, relevant to the road sector To provide an effective means of communication within the various industry sectors To provide a reference group for broader industry comment on specific sub-sector initiatives To provide a feedback mechanism to the industry through the RPF To pay specific attention to skills development related to materials technicians To minimise duplication of skills development activities within the road sector

5. National Certificate in Civil Engineering Five qualifications being developed from NQF levels 1-5 Contextual model developed for structuring qualifications within the construction industry Tender drawn up by SGB 12/CETA to appoint a consultant (close 7 May) Draft qualifications available for NSB meeting in July Concerns expressed related to the timeframe Core unit standards of the qualifications will be fixed Electives define the specific job per sub-sector Qualifications/learnerships for manufacturing not accommodated and need to be developed in parallel

6. Entry levels for Mathematics and Communications and Language Entry level thought to be too high NQF 1 v ABET Revised table approved at first meeting Problems with acceptance by broader construction industry Task group letter to CETA expressing concerns

7. Asphalt Industry 34 unit standards developed in areas of binder manufacturing, HMA manufacturing, seal application and HMA application Frustration at progress with learnership/qualifications Asphalt/binder manufacturing learnerships AsAc going through the registration process as a training institution Portfolio of courses being developed 14 courses by end of year (including T’tek courses) Intro to bitumen Web site (asac.csir.co.za) Course management system developed

8. Cement & Concrete industry Unit standards for pre-cast, ready-mix and reinforced concrete have been developed 8 unit standards now available for pre-cast concrete Modified for use by Building SGB C&CI training school expected to be registered in the next few weeks Development of qualifications still outstanding

9. Aggregate industry 23 unit standards are developed and posted on the web site www.clas.sys.co.za Part of the mining SGB and also posted on their web site 25% are for cement manufacturing

10. Professionals Unit standards for levels NQF 5-7 only likely to be available in 2 years time Progress being made with liaison between the Professional Councils and CETA Council for Construction and Project Management has been established Run in parallel to ECSA and concentrating on management component Concerns re lack on technical/engineering expertise and experience Presentation from ECSA at next RPF

11. Tertiary institutions Scoping exercise of course and course content being carried out by SANRAL chair in association with AsAc Analysis complete by mid-June Strategies and actions will be developed based on the outcome of the survey

12. Materials testingunit standards/learnerships/qualification Scoping exercise at a workshop in March Lack of progress a concern Funding constraints Meeting with CETA