Western Cape construction benefits from training course

Cape Town - A little over a decade ago Irwil Adonis, Gabaitsiwe Medupe and Arthur Mills started a training programme that would alter the course of their lives.

Today, they each hold high-ranking positions in construction companies in the Western Cape.

Adonis and Mills both recall seeing a newspaper advertisement by chance back in 2007 for the Certificate in Construction Supervision Course being launched by the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC) in response to the shortage of skilled supervisors on construction sites. As both men had a passion for construction, they decided to enrol.

Medupe, on the other hand, says she wanted to study biomedical technology, but that course was full and so she switched to building and civil engineering.

After failing one of her subjects, she was told about the MBAWC’s training programme.

“I think it was fate,” she says. “My passion and love for construction grew as I continued with the training.”

Dubbed the "cadet programme", the Certificate in Construction Supervision Course enables participants to attain an NQF Level 4 qualification - equivalent to a diploma from a university of technology. They earn a monthly stipend at the same time.

• READ: Western Cape construction still contributes to economy

During their training, students are exposed to all facets of the building industry including carpentry, plumbing, plastering, and health and safety. They also get practical experience through employment with MBAWC member companies.

Medupe and Adonis were placed with Pinelands Development Company, while GVK Siya-Zama took on Mills. All three are still working for these companies, with Medupe serving as health, safety and environmental site administrator, Adonis as general foreman and Mills as senior foreman.

Mills says the training he received not only increased his overall knowledge of the construction industry but boosted his self-confidence.

Adonis adds that it was always his dream to become a site manager and that this course helped make it possible.

“I hope the MBAWC will carry on providing this programme and continues to make a difference in the lives of other young people,” he says.

MBAWC group skills facilitator Tony Keal says since the original crew of cadets graduated, over 30 others have done the course and are on the road to achieving similar success.

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