The Colliery Training College (CTC), an important centre for artisan and mining skills training in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, has been part of the coal mining industry since 1964. Prominent mining houses (Anglo American Thermal Coal, Exxaro, Glencore, Izimbiwa Coal, Kangra Coal and South 32) own and control CTC but allow the College to offer its services to other employers from any sector in any industry, making it the preferred training college in the region.
Student numbers currently average about 700 per day in the engineering workshops, 70 in mining training and 45 in mineral beneficiation training.
CTC trains artisans in various traditional trades, such as fitters and turners, electricians, and diesel mechanics. Miners and mineral process beneficiation operators are trained in a similar way. All these trades and occupations are important in times of high levels of economic activity. Unfortunately, during times of low growth, demand for these skills also declines. But with the emphasis on the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, artisans need to be upskilled and trained. And CTC is at the forefront of ensuring that the artisans trained now, are ready for Industry 4.0.
CTC provides “off-job” skills for a period totalling six months after which the “on-job” skills are obtained with employers where practical tasks are performed under the supervision of qualified. Partnerships with employers are therefore important. This is a critical part of the learning process because this is where occupational knowledge and practical training are applied in the workplace. Students will be exposed to real-life situations such as work ethics, safety responsibilities and industry-level performance standards, as well as really getting to know what it’s like to be an artisan in South Africa.
Research and development are undertaken continuously to ensure only applicable and up to date training material and training aids are used. In reply to the exacting safety requirements of clients and to ensure only the best safety outcomes for its learners, CTC was recently assessed and found to conform to the OHSAS 18001 standard. Before any task is attempted during training, learners are taught to do a proper risk assessment as if they were attempting a real-life task.
In 2016, CTC was recognized by the National Skills Authority as the best provider of artisan training in South Africa. And since then the college has been building on its success.
What challenges do we face?
Due to reduced employment opportunities, demand for training is also declining, resulting in a decline in student numbers; more worryingly though, is the declining opportunities for learners to obtain “on-job” experience. CTC is in a fortunate position that it is owned by the six largest coal mines in the area, so students can get hands-on experience in their different fields. Students are thoroughly trained in both the theoretical and practical aspects of their course of study. Training is done on a modular/unit-standards basis, and a self-paced method of study is applied.
Additional courses are also available. Anyone wishing to improve his/her skills can also choose between all modules/unit standards available to suit their company’s or own needs.
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Written by Heleen Tshibumbu for the Colliery Training College 2019
