ADVERTORIAL PPC
PPC – bridging the skills gap,
one brick at a time
Bricks and cement are basic requirements for any building project. They are also the unsung products that have opened opportunities for thousands of people, created employment, enabled entrepreneurs to create small businesses, earn a living and employ and upskill other people.
”T
he fact is that bricklayers are always in demand,” says Njombo Lekula, Managing Director of PPC. “Whether the
call is for someone to build a garden wall, braai area, do repairs or tackle a larger project, anyone who has skills, transport, some tools and a dash of determination can earn a living.”
Making a difference The result of PPC’s determination to make a difference is a two-week course in bricklaying, which PPC has launched that has the potential to change futures and provide a launching pad into the world of construction. The course has attracted individuals trying to break the
Various programmes Other courses that cover the theory and practice of
poverty cycle, as well as unemployed young engineering and
bricklaying, plastering and construction management
construction graduates looking for some practical experience
are also available across the country as PPC expands its
to help kick-start their careers. More than 50 students from
efforts to promote skills development in the construction
Gauteng have already attended a course at the PPC Cement
industry. Programmes include a 10-day plastering course
factory in Pretoria West. Within eight months, it is intended
covering wall plastering and the screeding of floors. A five-
that more than 200 bakkie builders will be given a chance to
day management programme includes construction team
improve their abilities.
management, health and safety, and the use and storage of
“PPC understands that many attending the course will not have the funds to buy the tools necessary for bricklaying
construction materials. All attendees completing the NQF level 3 (bricklaying
services after the course. In addition to the course, we are,
and plastering) and NQF level 4 (construction management)
therefore, assisting participants to buy the basic tools they
programme will receive South
require to start a bricklaying business,” says Lekula.
African Qualifications Authority
To ensure that access to the course is as easy as possible,
certificates.
PPC has partnered with private FET college Motheo Academy, an active participant in the built environment, to provide the training. People wishing to enroll in a course, which is offered free of charge, can either apply to join a course, or be nominated by a retailer.
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PPC T Toll Free +27 (0)800 236 368 E contactus@ppc.co.za W www.ppc.africa