5 minute read
Books: Penguin Random House South Africa
Bricks for Chicks
If you want to start investing in property but feel overwhelmed by the terminology, the expense and the inherent risk, this book is going to change your life. In Bricks for Chicks, seasoned and savvy property investor Tanya Haffern introduces budding investors to property investment, demystifies industry lingo and outlines the basic strategies investors can employ to maximise returns.
Millionaire in the Making
Author, educator and property expert Laurens Boel sets out every step of the wealthgeneration process, including how the rich think differently from the poor, how the economy works and how to earn passive income through side hustles. He offers his own set of insider insights on how to grow and protect your wealth.
To 100 & Beyond
Magda: My Journey
The founder of multibillionrand financial services empire Sygnia Limited, Magda Wierzycka is South Africa’s most successful businesswoman. In this engaging and insightful book, she tells the story of her life, from her childhood in communist Poland, her family’s escape and relocation to South Africa, her early struggles in the male-dominated financial services industry, and the formation and growth of her own company, Sygnia. To 100 & Beyond provides sound, tried-and-tested advice on how to approach living a longer, financially secure life, including how to invest wisely, generate alternative income streams, handle your tax affairs and plan your estate. Practical, real-life examples make this book an easy-to-understand, highly accessible tool that can help you to achieve financial freedom so that you, too, can live your best life now and into retirement.
You Can Own Your Own Home
The Wise Investor Owning a home is not reserved for a select few, and The stock market is the ‘golden although everyone wants goose’ that the rich rely on to to own their own property, stay rich. That’s why so many too many are unaware people believe that the stock that this possibility exists market is an exclusive club, for everyone. Without the or that only professionals necessary information, the understand it well enough to process seems overwhelming. succeed. But those days are If your dream is to own your long gone, and investing is own home for generations to more accessible than ever, as come, this book will help you The Wise Investor every step of the way. proves.
Available at select bookstores & online.
www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za
AA Technical College –
getting the right tools for the future
Trained and skilled artisans are often the unseen heroes of many organisations although they are the cogs that keep companies on the road.
Without their skills many companies would not be able to keep their vehicles operational and their contribution to the bottom line is therefore immense. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of skilled artisans in the automotive industry with fewer people entering the profession than is needed.
To address this, the Automobile Association of South Africa NPC (AA) launched its Technical College which was awarded accreditation as a training provider on 21 June 2006, for the facilitation of the full learnership qualifications of Autotronics and Maintaining Vehicles as well as apprentice training in the trades of: Automotive Electrician, Automotive Engine Fitter, Diesel Fitter, Diesel Fuel Injection Technician, Diesel Mechanic and Motor Mechanic (accreditation number: 17-QA/ACC/0023/06).
“Skilled artisans play a crucial role in any company as they reduce down time and maintenance costs for businesses with big fleets. And, they are employable across a wide variety of industries from mining and agriculture to construction and transport. Many government departments also rely heavily on automotive artisans to keep their vehicles on the road,” says Werner Wandrey, National Technical Training Manager at the AA Technical College (AATC).
Since its inception in 2006, around 1 200 students a year have passed through the AATC’s learning centre, qualifying in a range of different disciplines.
“We train people to become automotive electricians, diesel mechanics, diesel fuel injection technicians, motor mechanics (petrol), diesel fitters and automotive engine fitters. When these students leave us, they leave with a nationally accepted and useful qualification, with which they will be a scarce resource in a competitive economy,” says Wandrey.
Two main streams of learning
There are two main streams of learning offered at the AATC: Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT) and learnerships that are NQF aligned. There are different courses within each of these streams.
“There are huge benefits to companies sending staff on these courses. The error ratio is reduced and the quality of work of the artisans who have been through our doors is markedly improved. There is great value in people attending these courses – not only for themselves personally but also for the companies who send them to us,” explains Wandrey.
AATC is an accredited training facility
Importantly the AATC is an accredited training facility and trade test centre. Accreditation has been awarded by the Department of Higher Education and The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). As such AATC can provide training for companies no matter which Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) skills levies are paid to.
Each of the courses offered at the ranges from between 18 months and four years with the artisans then leaving with a formal qualification.
“I think we understand the market extremely well and are teaching quality artisans here; after all, when they leave, they will say the AATC trained them, so we work hard to keep the highest standards,” he says.
And this hard work is paying off judging by the quality of clients who send their learners to the AATC for training. Among these are, OEM’s, Dealers, Groups and even the SME aftermarket.
AATC can be contacted on 086 133 3668 or email: aatrainingjhb@aasa.co.za
The competitive advantage your business needs
