Supplier for grease lubrication systems Lincoln Lubrication South Africa reports it has pioneered the acceptance, recognition and registration of Lubrication Equipment occupation on the Organising Framework of Occupations (OFO). The OFO is an international coding system for all accepted occupations worldwide.

Lincoln Lubrication SA training manager Michael Mohahabe states that, in collaboration with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Train- ing Authority (Merseta), the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and industry stakeholders, the occupational qualification development of the ‘lubrication equipment mechanic’ occupation has been achieved.

The QCTO and the National Artisan Moder- ation Body have accepted the occupation and recommended that it be listed as a trade.

Engineers, foremen and managers will soon have access to trained and competent artisans that will correctly plan, install and maintain all lubrication systems on their plant and machinery, increasing equipment life span and reducing downtime.

Mohahabe says he is optimistic that the trade will be successful as many imported and locally manufactured machines are available with a lubrication system installed, but there are only a few competent individuals that can maintain, overhaul and repair the system.

This trade will, therefore, close the skills gap and ensure complete life-cycle management.

He notes that there is a lack of skills in the lubrication field as lubrication systems are often installed incorrectly, neglected or incorrectly set up.

He adds that companies previously relied on their artisans, qualified as fitters, to assist and, even in those instances, artisans required assistance to effectively maintain and repair those systems.

“Lincoln SA is committed to skills development in South Africa and acknow-ledges the importance of increasing knowledge and skills. All employees are given an equal opportunity to attend training to further their education. Lincoln SA is participating in the Merseta flagship accelerated artisan training project and has ten apprentices,” he says.

The company offers specialised lubrication systems training for all companies that use lubrication systems, and also trains its own apprentices.

Trainees will be trade-tested and certified as lubrication equipment mechanics and issued with a trade test certificate by the QCTO after successfully completing the test.