Barloworld Equipment uses simulators as part of its operator
training programme.
“The curriculum is very structured, and has three basic
programme levels: foundational, intermediate, and advanced,
and the idea is for technicians to progress up this career ladder
and become experts in classes of machines. This requires a
lot of skill and experience, typically 15 to 20 years working
with a particular machine class, and the skill is highly valued.
Caterpillar is actually driving targets for dealers to have a certain
percentage of their technician population at expert level. We
have trainers at the Academy who are experts in particular
classes of machines, and it is something that generates a
great deal of pride. We also have some of our experienced
technicians going out into Africa as expats for periods of time
to share their knowledge and experience,” she adds.
Barloworld Equipment also offers training to other
Caterpillar dealers in Africa who do not have the training
equipment themselves. “The Caterpillar dealers have a very
cordial relationship — each dealer has a specified area that they
work in, so we don’t encroach on each other’s business, but we
share best practices, knowledge, and information that are non-
proprietary,” Mentor says.
“Barloworld Equipment has always been about seeing the
opportunities in supplying what people and South African
business need,” says Barloworld Equipment Southern Africa
CEO, Emmy Leeka. “The wealth of expertise accrued through
our longstanding partnership with Cat is passed on through
several joint training projects, such as Technicians for Africa,
which aims to address the continent’s shortage of technicians.”
Technicians for Africa
Operator trainer John Kuwabo using the simulator. In the background is the
area used to prepare the technicians for their trade tests.
Among the company’s offerings is the abovementioned
Technicians for Africa programme, a free online training
course at foundational level that was developed by Caterpillar.
The programme comprises 18 one-hour modules, and covers
topics such as the basics of safety, as well as the fundamentals
of engines and of electrical and hydraulic systems. Everyone
who successfully completes the programme, which is
accessible via smartphone, tablet or desktop computer,
receives a foundational certification as Cat Certified
Technicians, approved by the South African Qualifications
Authority (SAQA).
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