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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
AUGUST
2017
58
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
After receiving more than 50 applications, 12 suitable candidates were
selected for the first bursaries. The candidates chose the area in which
they wish to study ie finance, marketing, etc. Alternatively they are able
to rotate freely through the business until they find their preferred area of
expertise. The programme lasts for a period of 12 months.
The candidates spend three days of each month on theory and practical
courses after which they are requested to provide a portfolio of evidence to
assess their competency levels.
During the rest of the month they are allocated to a project to gain on
the job training and new skills.
At the completion of the course, candidates receive a Business
Administration NQF4 certificate, accredited through SETA and are assisted
to find permanent employment.
“Our first group of candidates achieved a significant success rate,” says
Kayt Naicker, transformation specialist at Eqstra.
Other programs offered by Eqstra include a three year Apprenticeship
Program in which suitable candidates are chosen from one of Eqstra’s
Social Economic Development Programmess – ‘Eqstralution’ – which was
implemented to focus on disadvantaged technical schools namely the
Pretoria or the Rhodesfield Technical High Schools. Candidates study
to become qualified Diesel Mechanics at the Eqstra Training Academy
situated on the East Rand and are assisted with academy costs, meals
and accommodation, transport and uniforms. In addition, and as part of
the training course, Eqstra funds the costs relating to obtaining a Code
14 drivers licence. To gain practical experience, the apprentices work at
Eqstra workshops based in Durban, Clayville and Germiston.
Eqstra also offers 18 month long internships to external candidates
during which they can gain work experience and on the job training in
any field of business including human resources, marketing, finance and
business, aiding them to achieve their qualification.
Other Youth development opportunities offered by Eqstra include
sponsorships through the Theo Jackson Scholarship fund (Eqstra is
currently sponsoring four learners from Grade 8 through Grade 12 at Jeppe
High School for boys and then onto university next year) as well as aiding
additional learners from Rhodesfield Technical High School with tuition
and residence fees. Once the learners obtain their qualification they are
employed at Eqstra for two years to attain work experience.
On all programs, successful candidates are paid a stipend to cover their
living and transport costs.
Durable drainage pipes
Fibertex supplies a wide range of components
for advanced subsoil drainage systems, designed
for use in various industries, including civil
engineering, construction and agriculture.
Included in this range are Drainex slotted drainage pipes,
which are used in conjunction with Fibertex geotextiles
and composite drainage systems that encompass geonets,
fin drains and wick drains.
“Drainex pipes are manufactured from high density
polyethylene (HDPE) which is a chemically resistant
polymer, with resistance to acids or alkali attack. These
durable drainage pipes also offer high impact resistance
and are UV stabilised, ensuring extended service life in
arduous environments,” says Darryn Meisel, national sales
director: geosynthetics, Fibertex SA.
“These drainage pipes are bedded and side filled with
filter material and properly compacted surrounding soil, to
form a complete pipe-soil system. This robust structure
can withstand loads in excess of 150 kN/m from soil
pressure and other superimposed loads.”
Drainex pipes have a double wall sandwich
construction, with a corrugated external wall and a smooth
inner wall, with a low coefficient of friction. This design
combines high ring stiffness (>450 kPa), with excellent
flow characteristics, allowing for the optimum utilisation
of pipe diameter. Drainage perforations are created in the
valley of the corrugations to protect the pipe from blockage
from drainage aggregate.
Drainex is available in diameters of 75 mm, 110 mm or
160 mm, in coils and 6 m lengths. Push fit couplings and
profiled sealing rings ensure reliable joining and watertight
sealing of Drainex pipe fittings.
Fibertex supplies a comprehensive range of other
geosynthetic products into the civil engineering and mining
industries. These products include nonwoven and woven
geotextiles, gabions and mattresses, geosynthetic clay
liners, composite cuspated drainage and leak detection
systems, erosion control blankets and cellular confine-
ment solutions.
Fibertex supplies a wide range of
components for advanced subsoil
drainage systems, designed for use
in various industries, including civil
engineering, construction and agriculture.
Training opportunities offered
As part of its Learning and Development programme, Eqstra
Fleet Management and Logistics has introduced the Eqstra
Bursary Programme consisting of an accredited NQF level
learnership bursary to assist family members of employees
who are looking for qualifications and work experience.
PICTURED ABOVE:
Apprentices study to become qualified Diesel Mechanics
at the Eqstra Training Academy.