Free CPD-accredited digital opportunity for building industry

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Hosts of the African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo, programme director Kelly Easton says: “It has been widely recognised that qualifications need to be supported by ongoing skills-based or practical learning. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has put such learning experiences on hold. To ensure that the built sector can take control of its own development and obtain the necessary CPD accreditation from a safe environment, such as their home or office, we are offering three days of accredited digital talks that will enhance their technical learning.”

Impact of Covid-19 on SMMEs

The talks will kick off with a speech delivered by Aubrey Tshalata, president of the National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI) on 'The Covid-19 impact and further support for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa'. This session will provide insight into the headwinds that these businesses are facing as well as recommendations for how to overcome these challenges. The discussion will also highlight what the public and private sector can do to support this important business segment.

Over the three days, a variety of topics will be discussed with practical guidance provided by industry experts and leaders of various organisational bodies such as the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), the South African Institute of Building Designers (SAIBD), and the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (ASPASA).

Topics to be tackled will include:

• Understanding the changes to the industry standards and its impact on the architecture profession,
  
• General conditions of contract 2015 - A cut above the rest, and
  
• The SIDSSA programme and overcoming the inherent challenges with supply chain management.

The learning experience will conclude with a session on concrete and material case studies, moderated by ASPASA director Nico Pienaar during which two topics will be explored: How does one mitigate material failures, and how does perfectly good concrete fail?

Says Pienaar: “When you build infrastructure - be it a building, road or bridge - you should at least have peace of mind that in 20 or 30 years it will still be standing. If you build with poor quality materials, people could potentially be injured or, worse, die. As important is the skill of the builder or engineer and these talks are crucial in this regard.”

To register or for more information, click here.