MBAWC offers free training to upskill building sector entrepreneurs

“African entrepreneurs are poised to change the economic trajectory and shape the social landscape of our continent. The millions of jobs that our people need will not be created by governments or big industry alone. They will be created by emerging entrepreneurs…”

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, an entrepreneur himself. It was these sentiments that inspired the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC) – in partnership with the University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation – to offer the Entrepreneurship for Contractors Development Programme from mid-February to mid-September 2019.

The programme, which is free of charge and open to subcontractors and small contractors who are registered with the Building Industry Bargaining Council in the greater Cape Town and Boland areas, covers key elements affecting business success such as pricing and claims, health and safety, project management, construction costs, contracts, the building industry wage system and collective bargaining, amongst other key areas.

Ongoing access to mentor

The course will be run over 12 days, spread across a period of six months and will see participants completing assessments and evaluations with feedback supplied immediately so that they can apply what they have learnt to their businesses. On completion, they will receive a certificate from UWC and have access to a mentor to ensure their continued success.

Wesley Clarence, a consultant at Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, shares that upon graduating, business owners will be able to determine quality control procedures and systems, coordinate the successful handing over of completed work, as well as understand, plan and maintain operational requirements to be a sustainable business.

Tony Keal, group skills facilitator at the MBAWC, concludes: “The construction industry has long been regarded as a significant contributor to job creation and economic growth in our country. By equipping established entrepreneurs in our sector with the skills they need to successfully run their own businesses, the potential outcomes are unlimited.”

For more information or to apply, visit either www.mbawc.org.za or www.bibc.co.za.