Construction World November 2017

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Training to uplift an industry

Just six months into the programme the education regimen is receiving much praise from companies who have sent staff members to attend the workshops and requests are already being fielded for follow-up courses to further upskill staff that have attended. According to Aspasa Office Manager, Mary-Ann Sutton, the courses are specifically aimed at areas of the industry where skills development is needed. They were developed following two surveys that were conducted by the association to determine the most immediate needs of the industry. A Skills Development Committee (training) has also been established with many new ideas already on the table since the first meeting was held in June this year. Relevant material “Trainers are sourced from within the industry were relevant and all have exceptionally strong training backgrounds and in many instances the courses offered are fully accredited so that CPD points can be claimed. Thus far there has been a strong uptake for all the courses held which shows that the courses are relevant. “Where possible the courses are offered in all regions across the country if there is sufficient demand. Alternatively, courses are offered in the major centres and can be arranged for individual companies if a need exists. The courses can also be repeated if need be. Also, if changes in legislation or working practices occur we may choose to update the course and offer it as a refresher,” says Sutton. She adds that Aspasa will again undertake surveys again in the latter half of 2017 and encourages companies to put forward their requirements. If there is sufficient requirement for a new course then relevant and concise workshops will be compiled in order to provide the relevant information to trainers in a short and succinct manner in order to minimise time out of the office. On offer Courses offered include Health & Safety & Fatigue Management, Crushing and Screening, G1 Base Training, Lockout Workshop, Total Quality Management for Skills Development, Section 54 Workshop, SHE REP, Blasting, PDS. Deepening skills shortages in the surface mining industry have led to the launch of several new pointed training workshops by the industry’s representative association, Aspasa, that is aimed at addressing the problem at its source.

Hassle-less renovating

The newest product from Saint-Gobain Weber is Renovate, a tile adhesive with a distinct set of benefits, one of which allows renovators to tile directly onto existing substrates without priming – a first for South Africa. Saint-Gobain Weber’s product manager, Tiisetso Mokotjo, says, “This exciting new development means that tiling upgrades can now be managed in ways that are simpler, cleaner and faster, providing more peace-of-mind for home, shop or office renovators during what is generally a stressful process.” Thanks to its exceptional strength, the product allows tiling onto existing tiles and other substrates without primer, eliminating the need to chip out tiles – significantly reducing dust and mess, the bane of most renovations. Amplified by the fact that it sets in only six hours, Renovate saves significant time and money. It’s also waterproof and is available in both grey and white to match with tiles. This combination of practical and aesthetic characteristics means an upside for homeowners or contractors doing tiling alterations from a convenience, time and cost saving perspective. “Performed traditionally, tiling renovations are incredibly disruptive, but Renovate minimises downtime,” says Mokotjo. “For example, a store owner can now lay tiles immediately after closing shop and leave the product to dry overnight, in time to trade the following morning. The same principle can apply to office managers who need to maximise productivity in the work place, despite renovations. For homeowners, the project can also be timed to be more orderly and convenient, a necessity in busy households especially those with young children and pets.” Not only does Renovate provide a more agreeable alternative to tiling upgrades on a comfort level, but by eliminating surface preparation products like latex bond liquid, primer and waterproofing, labour costs are also reduced and an estimated 55% in monetary value is saved. It also saves about 87% in time value, thanks to the reduction of preparation work like breaking out tiles and priming surfaces, as well as decreasing the setting and curing process. “We’re delighted to be launching a product that will make such a significant difference to modern renovators, and that can contribute towards alleviating pressures that can come with home alterations,” concludes Mokotjo. 

Aspasa is also willing to assist with a short course – three hours for a company to familiarise senior staff to the MHSA and related information. To find out more about

the workshops visit the Aspasa website at www. Aspasa.co.za and click on the training link which has all the course details and online booking facilities. 

Aspasa Office Manager, Mary-Ann Sutton.

56

CONSTRUCTION WORLD NOVEMBER 2017