Local development programme helps boost Loeriesfontein SMME skills development

Two local construction and electrical companies are receiving training to build capacity and increase productivity, with funding from Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm.

The SMMEs, which are upgrading and converting the previous local motor garage into a business centre in Loeriesfontein, requested training for their local labour force, comprising a team of 23. The training has been extensive and includes special height training skills to reduce safety risks. Various critical skills training specialists provided on-site coaching, supervision and mentoring, as well as tutoring on the Small Builders Manual by the Masters Building Association, over a four-month period.

Increased productivity, safety

One of the contractors, Elton Januarie, owner of Essay General Traders, said, ”After the training, the production went much faster, as most of the workers have never worked with this kind of scaffolding, so less time was spent on the erecting of the scaffolding.”

Similarly, Patrick Souw, safety representative of Essay General Traders & Elysium Projects JV, explained, “In the beginning we were struggling to erect the scaffolding, but the training facilitator has been a great help and worked closely with us. Thanks to the practical training, I now have the skills to build the scaffold in a much safer way for me or any of my colleagues.”

This funding, which forms part of the wind farms' Enterprise Development Programme, is two-fold as it builds capacity through skills training, while boosting small business capacity within the Loeriesfontein community.

“The support and development of small businesses lies at the heart of our development ethos as it boosts local employment and local economic growth,” explained Vanessa Fredericks, economic development manager for Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm.