SAISC profile
The SAISC School of Draughting :
Developing quality structural steel detailers By Denise Sherman , Marketing Manager , SAISC
“ Getting students to choose a career path in Steel Detailing is a challenge at the moment , because of the negative perception of job prospects in tough times . We need to get the message out that there are still big projects and opportunities in and for South Africa ” says Jaco Pretorius , Facilitator .
The School of Draughting , a division of the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction , was established in 2007 to address the need for well trained and skilled structural steel detailers . Currently based at Genrec Engineering in Wadeville Germiston , the school offers a National Diploma in Structural Steelwork Detailing through different pathways including Learnerships , Skills Programmes , Full Time and Part Time Training .
Aligning the needs of industry with the output of the school remains a key priority . “ Our goal is to exit good quality students who can add value to industry ” says Roelf Lizemore , Head of the SAISC School of Draughting . “ We ’ d like to develop a closer
ABOVE LEFT : Roelf Lizemore , Head of SAISC School of Draughting .
ABOVE RIGHT : 2nd year students collaborating on a task . relationship with Industry to ensure that we train to their expectations .”
Although structural steel detailing is an established and viable career option , communicating this to prospective students in a turbulent economy is proving difficult . “ Getting students to choose a career path in Steel Detailing is a challenge at the moment , because of the negative perception of job prospects in tough times . We need to get the message out that there are still big projects and opportunities in and for South Africa ” says Jaco Pretorius , Facilitator .
The school has an intensive multi province marketing drive that takes place from July to October , where they engage school students . “ We cover quite a broad area , and went as far as Mpumalanga to promote the school . There is a lot of interest generated in those visits ” says Jenny Claasens , Marketing Coordinator .
“ A big success factor is that our students do get placed in Industry . Of the 14 Students
that graduated in 2015 only 4 are still looking for placements . What I enjoy most is seeing how people develop over their time here . They arrive knowing very little and leave able to contribute to industry in a meaningful way .”
Because there are a number of students with aptitude and interest , who cannot afford tuition , the School of Draughting has put an appeal out to industry . “ We need industry to support by providing funding whether through Learnerships or Scholarships ” says Roelf .
South Africa has infrastructure challenges that the students were enthusiastic about being a part of solving . First year student at the School of Draughting , Odette Mahabeer , says “ To be a part of that is something special because you ’ re not just designing a building , you ’ re developing a country .
To view the video profile and find out more about the School of Draughting through students and facilitators visit http :// bit . ly / 1qv6ubW
6 Steel Construction Vol . 40 No . 2 2016