Ford's SEP powers job creation and skills development
In celebration of its three-millionth engine milestone, Ford's Struandale Engine Plant (SEP) has donated two of its 3.2-litre, five-cylinder Duratorq TDCi and two of its 3.2-litre, four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engines to the Coega Skills and Training Development Centre.
Job creation and skills development the main objective
Coega's training services aim to address skills development and job creation in the Coega IDZ, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Eastern Cape at large. "As one of the largest manufacturers in the province, job creation and skills development is one of our biggest objectives too," said Plant Manager Satya Banda. Coega Industrial Zone offers skills development through training programmes that focus on assessor, moderator, coaching and facilitation training; basic construction skills; safety and supervisory training; and apprenticeship implementation in the construction and mechanical trades.
"The Struandale Engine Plant recently celebrated its three-millionth engine milestone and, over the past 50 years, this facility has produced some great products while investing in our local team's talent, expertise and skills. We want to do our part and extend this to other enterprises such as Coega's Training Services."
The FMCSA Struandale Engine Plant employs approximately 600 people, and received a major boost in 2010 when it was awarded the export contract to machine components and assemble high-tech Duratorq TDCi engines for the new Ford Ranger. Over R3.4bn was invested in the Struandale Engine Plant and the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, which produces the new Ranger for South African market, and for export to over 148 markets around the world.
Investing in skills development of labour market
Coega sources funding for its training programmes through the Department of Labour, Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative South Africa (AsgiSA), applicable SETA's and the private sector. "The Coega Skills and Training Development Centre is deeply grateful to Ford for its generous and relevant investment in the skills development of our labour market," said Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega Development Corporation's marketing and communication manager.
"The donation of these engines will undoubtedly support technical and vocational skills development of emerging talent. This, in turn, will have many positive spin-offs on employment and poverty eradication, which support a wider set of critically strategic socio-economic goals.
"Coega will continue to provide training on critical skills needed by the market. As a result, it is vital for the private and public sectors to continue working closely, cooperatively and persistently to address and improve skills development in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Eastern Cape at large. This will ensure that labour in the automotive manufacturing value chain remains productive and globally competitive," said Dr Vilakazi.
