Balwin Properties launches the first of several vocational training centres

JSE-listed Balwin Properties has launched the first of several vocational training centres that will be rolled out nationally.  

It said on Friday that the first training centre at Mooikloof Smart City, east of Pretoria, will train more than 300 candidates annually in bricklaying, tiling, plastering, plumbing, electrical, first aid, firefighting, and working from heights.

Steve Brookes, the CEO and founder of Balwin, said, “The construction sector has lost a considerable number of vocational skills in the aftermath of the Pandemic. This initiative is aimed at empowering local communities as much as it’s about deepening skills in the sector, ensuring its long-term sustainability. Ultimately, it will lead to a higher-quality product for our customers, and cost-savings for Balwin by doing it right first time.”

Nationally recognised vocational training The Balwin Training Centre will deliver its skills programmes through UXI Artisan Development  (UXI), a nationally recognised vocational training network. UXI offers accredited artisan training using a “30/70” workplace-integrated learning” model, comprising 70% practical or on-the-job experience, and 30% classroom theory.  UXi-Artisan Development’s vision is to transform the nation through skills development, artisan training and quality education.

The qualifications UXI offers are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations’ relevant SETAs. The aim will be to train learners to be Red Seal certified for the most industry relevant candidates.  Cohorts will be sourced form local communities, in close co-operation with Community Liaison Officers. Candidates who successfully complete the course will receive a recognised Certificate of Competency and will be place with Balwin’s sub-contractors wherever possible. 

Ryan Kalk, the co-managing director of Balwin Foundation, said, “Our ambition through the Foundation is to unlock opportunity and we call on other sector participants to join us in growing this initiative. We see the Balwin Training Centre as a pathway for members from nearby areas to gain real, recognised trade skills, opening doors into the construction economy, and ensuring that growth is inclusive.”

Desiree Hogan, the co-managing director of Balwin Foundation said, “We are especially focused on giving people who were hardest hit during the pandemic a chance to rebuild their livelihoods. This training will equip cohorts with technical skills aligned to Balwin’s current strong quality standards.” 

In future, Balwin intends to transition the programme to a Red Seal three-year programme. The Red Seal programme (originating from the Canadian model) is generally a certification of trade competence in designated trades across provinces, involving both on-the-job experience and theoretical assessment culminating in a trade-wide standard exam or qualification.  While this will require meeting Red Seal certification requirements, the ambition is to raise the standard of the artisan qualification to this recognised level. 

BUSINESS REPORT