Company Announcement - Atlas Copco Mining & Rock Excavation Technique invited 130 Grade 12 learners from Hoërskool Garsfontein to attend a presentation to illustrate how key legislation which correlates with their matric Business Studies, is strategically and practically applied in large businesses.
Hoërskool Garsfontein, located East of Pretoria and affectionately known as ‘Garsies,’ opened its educational doors in January 1988 with 310 learners. Now with close to 2 000 learners, the high school has developed into one of Pretoria’s top schools, bearing testimony to the school motto “Bou en Bewaar” (Build and Conserve) which symbolises the endeavour to build and develop a school for the community and to conserve it for future generations.
“When we were approached by Hoërskool Garsfontein with a request to assist learners with their business studies, we saw it as a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to our future leaders,” says Johan Goosen, Business Line Manager - Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions. “Atlas Copco South Africa is a subsidiary of the global Atlas Copco Group. With a presence in more than 180 countries and over 44 000 employees, the Group supplies air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment and power tools. 2/…Atlas Copco turns theory into practice for Grade 12 business study “Atlas Copco is thus perfectly positioned to assist learners by making their Business Studies come alive so to speak, in the business world.”
The initiative, held at Atlas Copco head office in Jet Park, Johannesburg, on 19th March 2015, included three interactive presentations covering Human Resources, SHEQ and training legislation and learners were encouraged to ask questions. Human Resources Manager for Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique, Lerato Mokgethi, shared insight into BBBEE, the Labour Relations Act as well as the Employment Equity Act and explained the objective of each legislation. Lerato pointed out the importance of correct implementation which can result in positive outcomes and present many opportunities for all South Africans. “Job creation will eliminate poverty, contribute to economic growth and help to make South Africa globally competitive.”
In his presentation, Cedric Marillier, SHEQ Coordinator - Branches/Mine Sites, touched on the importance and history of Safety Legislation in South Africa for both general industry as well as for the mining and related industries. “We showed how Atlas Copco and other organisations ensure compliance and utilise aspects of the various legislation including Occupational Health and Safety Act, Mine Health and Safety Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and the Consumer Protection Act, in their operational activities.”
Atlas Copco’s 1100m2 state-of-the-art, fully equipped in-house training facility, ACademy, addresses a wide range of operator, technical and dedicated computer based training. ACademy Manager, Kathryn Coetzer, wrapped up proceedings with an overview of Atlas Copco South Africa's training and development activities which are in line with local skills development legislation. “We believe that competent and committed people are crucial for achieving our strategy. Developing our employees enable us to improve our business and the solutions that we offer to our customers.”
The presenters were impressed with the learners’ thirst for knowledge on the different topics and commented that the standard of their questions was indicative of the learners’ interest and understanding of the socio-economic challenges facing South Africa.
‘Garsies’ learners all agreed that the day was extremely valuable and that the presentations were most informative. “It was great to see actual application of the legislation in a business instead of just learning theory without any practical examples,” comments Brandon Nel. Marlise Basson added, “The presentations were worthwhile because at school we only discuss theory so it was most interesting to see how it is practically applied by and within a company.” “We previously struggled with understanding this legislation and the presenters succeeded well in explaining it,” says Dylan Venter who plans to study BCom (Law) at Pretoria University next year.
In conclusion, ‘Garsies’ School Vice-Principal, Willie Vorster, says, “Following the informative sessions at Atlas Copco, the learners now understand numerous aspects much better. It was indeed a ‘wow-experience’ for the learners!”