MAKE TRAINING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION, SCHOOL OF CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY URGES

The construction industry’s New Year
resolution for 2020 should be to budget for staff training to gain a
competitive edge when work volumes increase again, John Roxburgh, senior
lecturer at The Concrete Institute’s School of Concrete Technology (SCT), has
urged.

Roxburgh says the volatility of the South
African construction industry is virtually unmatched with slumps and booms
always the norm. “Right now, the industry is decidedly struggling with work
scarce and many experienced employees being retrenched to make ends meet. The
School of Concrete Technology firmly believes that employers should use this
situation to their advantage and use 2020’s lean order book times to upskill
staff in concrete technology.

“Concrete work on site is usually a major
cost component in building contracts. 
With trained staff – competent in all relevant aspects of concrete
practice – contracts could be carried out more economically and quickly with
fewer costly site errors and necessity for repairs and damage to reputations. There
is no doubt that trained staff give construction companies the edge – and 2020
promises to separate the men from the boys when it comes to competition,”
Roxburgh states.

He says small builders and emerging
contractors should also note that without substantial concrete technology
competency there is very little chance of their companies performing to
specifications and establishing a sound business foundation. “Spending money
now on training by the School of Concrete Technology – South Africa’s oldest and
internationally respected training institute – is an investment in the future
of any company.”

Roxburgh adds: “Although there is a severe
slump in the construction industry, this should not deter those seeking a
career in concrete technology as there are still many key opportunities
available. South Africa urgently requires competent concrete practitioners and
sales specialists in admixtures, construction chemicals, ready mix concrete,
precast concrete, concrete repairs, cement production, aggregate production,
testing laboratories and mining sector, to name just a few potential
careers. 

“The SCT has structured a progression of
course levels that will allow prospective students to join at a level that
matches their personal competency. There can be no short cuts to becoming a
good concrete technology practitioner and the School has all the educational
requirements to help trainees meet their specific goals.”

The SCT 2020 education programme,
containing full details of courses planned for Midrand, Cape Town and Durban,
is now available and can be obtained by visiting the website
www.theconcreteinstitute.org.za or phoning 011 315 0300.

Ends