Real opportunities for adult learners, particularly previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs), to improve their skills through further study have traditionally been restricted as a result of limited access to learning centres.
In the first of a projected series of community development projects, Tshumisano, a SME partner of JSE-listed CS Holdings` education solutions division, has entered into a collaboration with the Tembisa Adult Education Centre. This collaboration will provide adult learners with the opportunity to enrol for SAPICS (South African Production and Inventory Control Society) approved Supply Chain Management courses, in Tembisa.
Rembuluwani Magosha, principal of the Tembisa Adult Education Centre, says that he had been given a mandate from the Department of Education to seek out partnerships with the private sector. "Our primary aim is to address the ongoing problem of adult illiteracy. However, traditional adult education focuses primarily on academic subjects. Our collaboration with Tshumisano effectively means that we will provide access for over 1 000 learners each year to training in relevant business skills which will greatly enhance their prospects for employment in the private sector. Furthermore, because the Tembisa Adult Education Centre will be the official outlet for CS Holdings` IT education division in the area, opportunities for advancement will also be provided for lecturers who will become certified SAPICS trainers, thus ensuring an ongoing transfer of knowledge."
According to Reuben Badana, CS Holdings education director in charge of the collaboration, private sector organisations have a role to play in contributing to overall skills development in the communities from which they draw their employees. We are looking at promoting skills development and preparing PDIs for entry into the private sector, as well as providing those who are already employed with the opportunity for advancement in their chosen field. Our involvement with Tembisa Adult Education Centre came about primarily because of the interest expressed by the Centre`s governing body, and the principal`s commitment and vision."
The Tembisa project is really a pilot project which we intend to roll out to other surrounding areas and provinces around the country." says Elize Ackerman, an education director of CS Holdings. While SAPICS has actively provided education in the manufacturing and logistics sectors for more than 30 years, very few PDIs living in areas outside the major cities have had access to such programmes. CS Holdings` education solutions division is committed to exposing the broader community to SAPICS programmes. "We would like to position ourselves as education providers who offer all options to all people. We firmly believe that training does not come to an end when an individual earns a qualification. The training cycle stops only once tangible differences have been made in the workplace."
SAPICS training provides real solutions for developing the skills of employees across the private sector. Given the generally poor training standards that continue to impact on the South African business sector, SAPICS training plays a vital role in raising staff expertise and ensuring that companies are industry-competitive. The courses cover a variety of topics geared towards raising expertise in all areas of supply chain management, from the most basic through to the most advanced industry skills. Because SAPICS training is based on the international standards set by APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society), those enrolling for courses offered through the Tembisa Adult Education Centre will be working towards an internationally recognised qualification. Among the topics covered are Stores and Stock Control, Inventory Management, Customer Service and Basics of Supply Chain Management, right through to e-Supply Chain Management. The courses combine best business practices with practical exposure to factories and workplaces, as well as industry-specific workshops which assist learners in the application of knowledge, the primary objective being to make people more employable.
Share
