Advanced contractor training and mentoring programme begins

Twenty Western Cape emerging construction contractor-owners have started participating in a three-year accredited training and mentoring programme offered by the Department of Transport and Public Works. The programme is part of the provincial Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and is free to participants. It aims to equip them with the skills they need to compete effectively in the building industry.

To be considered for admission, candidates must be managing businesses classified by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) as Grade 3, 4 or 5 General Building (GB)/ Civil Engineering (CE) enterprises. Training topics include construction management, surveying, and labour-intensive methods of construction. Professional mentors work with participants to assess their individual development needs and then provide targeted assistance, e.g. pre-tendering support, on- and off-site mentoring, and enterprise development advice.

Participants are required to attend all of the training sessions, and submit all the individual assignments and class projects. Those who successfully complete the programme are given a certificate of competency. They are made aware at the start that being chosen for the programme is no guarantee of future work, and that they will not receive any special treatment if they submit bids for departmental tenders or contracts. 

Every year, the programme adds value to the construction industry and plays a key role in the development of emerging building contractors in the province. As a direct result of the Department’s mentoring and training, a number of contractors have advanced to a higher level on the CIDB rating scale. A construction business with a higher CIDB rating can tender for larger and more complex contracts.

If you are interested in participating in the activities of the Contractor Development Programme, please contact Jo-Anne Brown on 021 483 8924.