A big responsibility
“A Little Neglect May Breed Great Mischief” (Benjamin Franklin)
The awarding of certificates, by Sasol Mining to ten candidates to participate in an apprenticeship learnership is certainly an undertaking that requires the support of all concerned. Not only the principal partners, the apprentices, but specifically all the persons that are involved in the guidance of these young persons.
The axiom by Benjamin Franklin is prudent as the neglecting of anything will leave it to do as it pleases – probably mischief. It is applicable about either raising children, running a business, maintaining an automobile, or anything where you must pay attention to day to day chores or maintenance. “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop.” (Prov. 16:27)
This proverb has a powerful meaning in today’s mechanized world. Where it is of utmost importance to consistently safe deliver highly valued goods or services. This would certainly not be conceivable without reliable well educated and skilled qualified personnel.
The apprentice represents a dedicated, young, eager, and able student—the assistant and trainee. The educator represents a skilled journeyman who maintains the shop as a well- organized and stocked workplace. Then the mission statement: “on time, high quality, low cost producer” chaperons us in the struggle for apprentices that can turn around this neglected component of our education system.
Let us be clinically honest with ourselves that we have neglected to encourage the present day younger generation to an active and purposeful pursuit of applied skills. The pursuit in the obtaining of the knowledge required in industrial maintenance and reliability. In reality, most parents, and learners have no idea of how satisfying and financially rewarding careers as a journeyman can be.
Since she or he was an apprentice, the journeyman was highly skilled.
Since the journeyman, the shop was also efficient, well-organized and stocked.
Since of the efficient, well-organized and stocked shop, the tools and parts were available.
Since the tools and parts, the bolts were torqued by the highly skilled mechanic.
As a result of the torqued bolts, the motor was aligned accurately.
Because of the aligned motor, the equipment remained in service.
Because of the dependable equipment, the production process was cost effective.
Because of the shared commitment to the mission, the customer deliveries were on time.
Because of the on-time customer deliveries, market share was won.
Because of the added market share, the business of the company was victorious.
All because of the apprentices.
It is consequently our duty to assist our youth, executives, leaders, educators, politicians, and our governmental agencies to appreciate and acknowledge the dead-end road that our nation is travelling. With regards to the appropriate guidance of our youth. Substantiating that a commencement as an apprentice is one of the cornerstones necessary for dependable equipment. Determined by on our people—their applied skills and knowledge—through apprenticeship education.