Training and development

The training and development of employees is a key contributor to initiatives in the area of continuous productivity improvements, talent management and the achievement of broader transformation objectives in terms of Employment Equity. In line with their strategic business goals, AECI’s businesses implemented the following initiatives:

MINING SERVICES

To develop the skills required to operate its cuttingedge automated detonator manufacturing facility, AEL is training employees in the electrical, fitting, instrumentation and turning trades. Seventy-five employees participated in the programme, ranging from National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 to NQF Level 4. Nineteen learners were engaged in the chemical operations learnership programme, at NQF Level 1 while 59 learners completed NQF Levels 2 and 3 of the same qualification.

As part of AEL’s initiative to develop in-house expertise, various courses are conducted internally on mining operations. A total of 144 employees attended mining-related courses, including the Basic Explosives Introductory Course, the Blasting Certificate Course, the Blasting Competency Programme, as well as courses for Blasting in Open Cast Mines/Quarries, Blasting Operations and Mining Engineering. AEL’s Management Development Programme is being finalised and aligned to the AECI Group’s talent management strategy.

SPECIALTY CHEMICALS

The accelerated development of employees from designated groups remains a strategic focus of training and development. The main emphasis is on developing competent supervisors, managers and operators from these groups.

The improvement of supervisors’ skills is achieved through the Super Management Programme. With this approach teamwork is enhanced and the transfer of best practices among employees is facilitated. Ninety eight employees have benefited from this training.

The Management Development Programme continued to be effective with 155 employees participating. The first intake of participants began the Programme in 2007, with completion expected by end-2011.

The Technical Training Centre at Umbogintwini has achieved full accreditation from the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) for the provision of Chemical Operations NQF 2 learnerships. Application for the registration of the Training Centre as a Further Education and Training College has been submitted to Umalusi and the Department of Further Education and Training. Umalusi is the quality assurer in the general and further education and training bands of the National Qualifications Framework. Nineteen of the 52 learners trained in 2010 were previously unemployed. The presentation of NQF 3 learnerships, will commence in the latter part of 2011.

A total of 39 apprenticeships and learnerships in various trades were also offered, mainly to unemployed individuals.

Senior Human Resources personnel continue to represent AECI at Governing Board and Chamber level of the CHIETA. Functional experts from the Group are providing assistance in writing unit standards by the Standards Generating Body as well as the National Artisan Training Committee. Internships were offered to 12 students for completion of their in-service training year.

PROPERTY

Heartland provided training for eight apprentices in the year, four each in the mechanical and electrical trades. Five previously unemployed trainees were assisted in the disciplines of analytical chemistry, property valuation, accounting and environmental sciences. In addition, 91 Heartland employees, or 55% of its total staff complement, participated in formal generic and non-generic training programmes.

AECI Group companies submitted their annual Workplace Skills Plans and Training Reports to the CHIETA, as required. Application for Discretionary Grant funding was made to the CHIETA in respect of apprenticeships, analytical chemistry in-service trainees, and learnerships in water/waste water management.