Skills training for surface-mine qualifications remains popular among those seeking to gain basic and advanced knowledge and the ability to apply this safely and effectively in the industry, says training company Xtract Training Services.
“Every course we have offered this year has been completely booked and the demand for quality training is still high, as more companies understand this need and the benefit of having well-trained, competent people in their organisations,” Xtract Training Services director Lynne Montgomery tells Mining Weekly.
“There is also considerable demand from people wanting employment in the industry; however, because of the practical/experiential training requirement, work experience and on-the-job experience, it is difficult for people to enter the industry through this route,” she says.
Montgomery explains that the rock-breaking surface excavations courses at level-three are presented on a regular basis and are often fully booked before the registration closing dates.
She adds that Xtract Training Services also offers an explosives handlers short course for people not directly involved in setting up the blast, such as stemming assistants and general workers, who work under the supervision of the qualified blast assistant and/or blaster.
The Skills Development Act currently governs the delivery of training in South Africa; however, a shift towards the implementation of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) requirements is under way, which will move the delivery of training from the current outcomes-based system to occupational training.
“The ability to work safely, even in areas of significant risk, should be included in all training courses, while a bigger emphasis should be placed on the practical skills coaching and work experience, which should form 60% to 75% of the skills development interventions,” says Montgomery.
She notes that more dependence on line management – to mentor people and pass on experience, will also be required.
Training Demographic
“We are also providing level-four mining operations qualifications for several mining houses,” states Montgomery.
Most of the company’s training is done in South Africa and the majority of learners are South African citizens, although the company does have several learners from other countries who are residing in South Africa.
The number of students depends on the courses delivered, but is generally between 15 to 25 learners.
“We also have learners from outside the country attending our courses and the company presents training courses in other countries – some training has been done as far a field as Tanzania and St Helena Island,” she says.
Although the Xtract Training Services trainers are mainly South African, many can speak several languages.
“We are proud of our highly qualified and exceptionally experienced facilitators. The criteria for our facilitators, assessors and moderators, who in addition to having the required qualifications and experience, must also be able to communicate and present effectively, stimulate discussion, contribute to problem solving and handle anything that the multifaceted area of skills development will produce,” states Montgomery.
She admits that it is sometimes challenging to find trainers who meet the company’s specific criteria; however, through the company’s contacts in industry – particularly the surface industry – it can employ people who have the required skills to be highly effective trainers.
The company is one the few accredited training providers offering open courses to enable individuals working in the industry to develop their skills and obtain the relevant qualifications.
“In-house courses for the mines are also provided, as and when required,” she states.
“Xtract Training Services runs courses in accordance to Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) requirements using MQA standards as a base to work from. It also partners with well-respected companies in the industry to provide the highest level of skills development.
“We take great pride in knowing that our learning materials are of a high standard,” concludes Montgomery.