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SAFCOL, CHIETA collaborate to develop digitally savvy artisans SAFCOL, CHIETA collaborate to develop digitally savvy artisans
SAFCOL, CHIETA collaborate to develop digitally savvy artisans

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concluded today between the Chemical Industries
Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) and the South African Forest Company Limited (SAFCOL)
will see the signatory parties collaborating on the construction of an Eco-Friendly SMART Skills
The Centre is made entirely from timber.

CHIETA’s SMART Skills Centre programme involves the establishment of centres in rural areas of the country to provide digital technology and online learning to young people living in communities around the centres. They aim to bridge the digital divide for young people living in rural areas and contribute to a more tech-savvy youth. This centre, however, will be the first eco-friendly centre.

“South Africa’s skills development challenges and the need for specific skills across a broad range of sectors requires SETAs to be innovative and exercise ‘out-the-box’ thinking,” continues Pillay “CHIETA consistently seeks to identify innovative opportunities that allow for cross-sector collaboration and the implementation of meaningful projects and programmes that will yield the greatest impact.”

This project is targeted at a range of beneficiaries across a variety of skills development opportunities. From artisan trades such as boilermakers and fitters and turners to 4IR-focused career opportunities such as drone operators, the centre will be geared to assist youth in the community with training for careers in the forestry environment, but at the same time in response to national skills development imperatives.

“The forestry environment is becoming increasingly automated and therefore requires young people with technical and artisan skills,” comments Tsepo Monaheng, Chief Executive Officer for SAFCOL. “And the growing use of drone technology that is used extensively to monitor plantations offers ‘future career’ opportunities for young people with an aptitude for 4IR technologies.”

In terms of the agreement signed, SAFCOL will cover the cost of erecting the eco-friendly wooden structure and CHIETA will supply the equipment. The centre, which will be situated in the Sabie area of Mpumalanga, will offer a variety of online and virtual training opportunities.

“CHIETA is very excited about this project that will not only make an important contribution to training young people for work in the forestry and chemical industries but will also provide a digital hub of excellence for the community around the centre,” concludes Pillay.

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