Training for retrenched workers?
Project manager for the Merseta, Dimakatso Phiri, reports that terms of reference for a service provider to run a project for training retrenched workers are still being finalised. Once the terms of reference are complete, the project will go out to tender.
In the meantime, if you have been retrenched and you haven’t given your name to your nearest Numsa office, do so now.
The department of labour’s National Skills Development Strategy has set a target that by 2010 at least 700 000 workers must have achieved ABET level 4. The
Merseta’s target for 2005/6 is that 10 000 workers must be in ABET programmes of which 3000 must achieve ABET level 4.
But Numsa’s training coordinator, Malebo Mogopodi is worried that to reach these targets, “we need to know more about which companies are offering ABET and where” and what kind of education profile workers in the sectors have.
That is why Numsa’s representatives are calling for a study to put together this information.
“Workers must not be afraid to disclose this information,” says Mogopodi. ” Unless we have that analysis, employers might throw ABET back at us and say ‘there is no demand’.”
Mbambo Stanford Mpupi, a 50-something worker from VWSA chose to go the ABET route because of changes taking place in his workplace.
“I saw that the company was moving away from labour intensive jobs and introducing technology. Those workers from A1 Citi Golf and those from the press shop who can’t read or write will be faced with retrenchments, there will be no future for them.”
Other ABET learners are also clear of the benefits. “I am still looking forward to my future because I can see this ABET can take me places,” says Continental learner, Hector Mzozoyana.
Numsa member, Meshack from Dunlop Rubber Mouldings Krugersdorp describes how before he started ABET, “I was not able to read and write clearly, but now there is a huge difference. I appeal to all people who did not have a chance to attend school to attend ABET, you will never regret it.”
Meanwhile, the Merseta is looking into developing something new called workplace operacy. This will include in the ABET syllabus, learning of a technical nature. This will help workers who want to move onto learnerships after completing ABET.