INDUSTRIES EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTE Applicable Training for Rural Electrification “Local Labour Job Creation For Sustainable Growth” Presented

INDUSTRIES EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTE

Applicable Training for Rural Electrification

“Local Labour Job Creation For Sustainable Growth”

Presented by Claude Cogill


OVERVIEW

Introduction and Background Electricity Service Delivery – The Challenge Our Country’s Challenges Our Role and Response Rural Electrification as an Entry Point Risks and Rewards Conclusion


Introduction and Background

There are no quick-fixes to the unemployment crisis facing our societyReality Check – Unemployment leads to:-Low Self-EsteemCrimeDrug, alcohol and woman and children abuseDespair in families and communities

What work and work opportunity does is build people’s moraleWe empower people to appreciate themselves


Introduction and Background (cont.)

We have seen the impact of the development of people Catherine Selefo – N3 Diploma, some work experience, then nothing – This all turned around when she joined a programme similar to what I am offering! Sepho Mphehlo – Joined the programme from unemployment, and has decided to pursue a career in the electrical field! Daniel Masiga – NTC 4 Diploma – no work – joined the programme and has advanced to the stage where he is training unemployed people!


Electricity Service Delivery The Challenge

Within the Johannesburg area, the mayoral office has alluded to distributing electricity to 95% of formal households over the next 5 years

Also, with Housing delivery a Government Priority, electricity goes hand in hand

EPWP is the buzzword and government’s order of the day – We have to deliver against the mandate of EPWP

To get to 2010, we have to start now – we need to create opportunities NOW for their realisation in 2010!


Our Country’s Challenges Skills shortages and specialised skills

leaving the country are a major talking point at present

Govt interventions include: ASGISA JIPSA EPWP Our unemployment rate is between 26%

and 30% We have to up skill people NOW!


Our Role and Response

We all need to get involved in turning the situation around

As Municipal Engineers, Managers, Councillors – we all need to respond by embracing the opportunities that are presented to us, eg. EPWP – It may demand more from us, but it will bring greater return over time eg Revenue, Drop in Crime, Growing Communities, etc.

As Consultants, Contractors – we need to ensure that our response is to consider the importance of engagement with govt interventions at all levels – it may cost some profit or yield, but it will eventually level out!


Our Role and Response (cont.)

Let us plan, from scratch, to incorporate elements of training and development into our projects

Let us engage with the agencies that have the resources to support training and development eg. Dept of Labour, SETA’s

Let us look internally at our resources – and see what we can allocate from within to drive job-creation opportunities


Rural Electrification as an Entry Point

There are numerous projects that have rural electrification as their point of departure – we suggest that that is the Entry Point

Local labour are trained to plant poles and run overhead lines (incl. safety, basics, etc.)

They are then recruited into the project by the contractor or utility supplier

Once completed, they can be trained in basic wiring, installation of ready-boards, etc.

Some, who show the aptitude and ability, can advance to Appliance Repair training


Once you have electrified an area, there will be a demand for house wiring, installations, etc.

The very people you will have developed from the local and surrounding communities have the opportunity to apply their skills and earn an income

Services and training can be extended to include SMME development

You will be creating a cycle of empowerment, and for the local authority, you are encouraging growth of your region’s GDP.

Rural Electrification as an Entry Point (cont.)


What are the Risks of such a Programme?

Level of intellect and ability at entry is low Numeracy and literacy challenges The commitment by learners could be a challenge On-site coaching / supervision creates a production / output loss At completion of training, and the project phase, the learner moves on – and I have expended my time and effort on the individual I will be creating more administrative headaches for myself


What are the Rewards of such a Programme?

Local Skills Development Local Job Creation People Empowerment Legacy of training and up skilling cascades to generations / role models Identification of Career Orientated individuals Financial return to the local community


Conclusion

This is not the be-all and end-all There are numerous other interventions that

can be offered, but within your context, and the context of this conference, this is an ideal entry point

We are not addressing the entire problem – but we are starting somewhere

We are called by government to address the unemployment epidemic in the country – this can go a long way to alleviate poverty

We will be playing a major role in “Fighting Marginalisation and Poverty” across the broader spectrum of our society!



Let us take up the challenge and work together to grow

skills and develop people –

We can do it!

Thank You

Documents

INDUSTRIES EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTE Applicable Training for Rural Electrification “Local Labour Job Creation For Sustainable Growth” Presented