TASA launches apprenticeship programme
As part of a national strategic programme and in an effort to counter skills erosion and job losses in South Africa, the National Tooling Initiative Programme (NTIP), a TASA initiative, is managing a Toolmaker Apprenticeship programme. The programme is providing future tool makers with the skills required to pursue careers in South Africa's tooling industry.
The NTI was established in 2005 as the turnaround intervention programme of the Tool, Die and Mouldmaking (TDM) sector. TASA, with the financial support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) created a vehicle, the NTIP, that has the capacity to address the skills erosion and job losses, technology stagnation, and loss of capacity and competitiveness in the industry.
The TDM-powered programme was developed to address the shortage of skills in the industry. The outcomes-based training will enable students to obtain a globally sought-after qualification in toolmaking.
Exposure to the latest technologies
In addition to benefitting students, the programme is also expected to benefit industry with well-trained, adaptable and experienced students who have had exposure to the latest technologies. This ensures that the industry generates and retains sufficient skills to keep the manufacturing industry globally competitive.
Since 2010, the NTIP has successfully placed all students from the programme in On the Job (OTJ) training programmes at toolmaking companies to gain practical experience. In 2014, the first students will qualify as toolmakers and will be available for appointment in permanent positions in industry. High-technology industries, such as automotive, aerospace and manufacturing, could benefit from this injection of newly qualified high-technology artisans.
For more, go to www.ntipweb.co.za
