NTIP hosts Awards Ceremony for future Toolmakers’ in the WC
Recently, National Tooling Initiative Programme (NTIP) hosted the first of 10 awards ceremonies for students in the Western Cape who participated in the three year Apprenticeship Programme.
The NTI programme is a strategic growth stimulator for manufacturing and technical skills development initiative put together by government through the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and the Toolmaking Association of South Africa (TASA).
The programme powered by Tool Die Mouldmaking (TDM) is a competency-based model which focuses on both skilling and On-the-job training for the learners.
The objective of the Award Function is to celebrate the students’ achievements within the Tool, Die and Mouldmaking Programme. The students attended a three year Apprenticeship Programme which they have now concluded with the exception of their Trade Test.
This awards ceremony was a culmination of three years Apprenticeship Programme; now registered as the new Toolmaker (91796) qualification requires that a candidate successfully completes the following:
• Knowledge modules (trade theory subjects),
• Practical Skills modules, and
• Workplace Experience modules presented by an approved employer.
This curriculum was approved by Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and registered by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as the national standard for toolmaker training in South Africa on 07 November 2013; Toolmaker NQF Level 5 (SAQA Qual ID: 91796). Once a candidate complies with the above-mentioned he/she will be allowed access to an external integrated summative assessment (the trade test) conducted at any QCTO accredited Trade Test provider.
The programme started with 50 students in 2011. Today 33 of those will receive their certificates. The TDM Powered Skills Development Programme currently hosting a total of 57 students in the Foundation and Apprenticeship Programmes in the province. The partnership between the Northlink FET College and NTIP started in 2010 with the Western Cape’ first Foundation Level students, who were selected to do the Apprenticeship Programme
The CEO of NTIP, Dirk van Dyk took time to share inspirational words with the students and encouraged them to further improve their skills and always remember to “apply their skills with pride”. Van Dyk, further indicated that the National Tooling Initiative has succeeded in establishing strategic partnerships which have seen more industry members and employers within its scope coming on board to offer their workplaces for the TDM Powered Programme Students.
Ms. Rahima Loghdey, Director: Skills Development and Innovation at the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism indicated that the TDM Powered Programme is in line with the Western Cape Government’s aim to build skills in this sector. The plans involve focused initiatives to ensure that residents are appropriately skilled to be able to meet the demands of the job market within specific sector(s).
Mr. Bob Williamson, the chairman of Intsimbi concluded the day’s proceedings by urging the private sector to open up its doors to the NTI and support the initiative to up-skill South Africans and unlock the many possibilities and opportunities that come with vocational education and training.