The role of merSETA is critical in making sure that the national skills development strategy is fulfilled and SKF is proud to achieve full merSETA Accreditation on 6th December 2012. In addition to accrediting education and training providers, merSETA, which stands for manufacturing, engineering, related services and Sector Education and Training Authority) also monitors the provision of the training, registers assessors, collaborates with other education and training quality assurance bodies and  reports to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). ”Skill shortage is a constant challenge in our industry and this accreditation is therefore of the utmost importance for SKF as it makes us part of the national skills development strategy,” explains SKF Application Engineering Manager, Darren Chetty.

“The full day Audit took place on 22nd November 2012 and assessed SKF’s RMI centre, Quality processes, Document controls, Record keeping and Qualifications and experience of trainers,” continues Chetty. SKF achieved merSeta in all four applied unit standards:

• NLRD243769 – SKF WE202/203:  Demonstrate knowledge of lubrication
• NLRD243780 – SKF WE201: Monitor bearing performance and conduct routine bearing maintenance
• NLRD243781 – SKF WE100: Identify, select and examine different types of bearings
• NLRD13303 – SKF WE240: Align machines and equipment using laser technology  
                                     
Chetty discusses some of the benefits of merSETA: “The accredited institution provides assurance to learners that the training provided is recognised by the SETA, SAQA and QCTO. SETA also quality assures both the training institution and the training programme. The learners have the opportunity to carry the achieved credits for a lifetime subject to choosing to complete a SETA moderated portfolio of evidence.” Chetty adds that on successful completion, they will be awarded a statement of results from the SETA. “The accredited institution will form part of the training provider forum and will be able to get firsthand information on all changes on skills development in the country.”  According to Chetty, merSETA accreditation will also be accepted and recognised by other African countries, “as merSETA is currently in partnership with a number of African countries on skills development.” SKF recognises the importance of investing in people, training, training programmes and training facilities

“We hold quality training of our customers and distributors in as high regard as the quality of our business relationships, our products and our services and this accreditation is a massive achievement for SKF South Africa,” states Chetty. “We developed the RMI Centre four years ago to create opportunities and provide skill sets for personnel and customers. We have specialist knowledge in the following core technologies bearings and units, seals, lubrication, power transmission and all related engineering services and it is the SKF Group vision to ‘Equip the world with SKF knowledge’.  Our state-of-the-art RMI Centre is the SKF vehicle to put this knowledge into our customers’ hands. In this way we assist them in improving their maintenance skills and maintenance programmes and in so doing, enhance their plant productivity and asset efficiency."

Being accredited by a reputable institution provides SKF South Africa’s RMI centre the opportunity to be awarded the provider of choice when it involves training of our customers and distributors. In closing Chetty says that organisations can utilise SKF South Africa’s training courses with the knowledge and guarantee that they are receiving training of the highest calibre.