Fighting the skills shortage

2nd Quarter 2015 News & events

Sparrow FET College, together with its industry partners, is championing the fight against the skills shortages which plague South Africa. Most recently, Sparrow partnered with global hydraulics company, Pirtek to launch a new mining skills programme called at NQF level 2 to 3.

The skills programme equips students with skills to make up hydraulic hose assemblies, identify and select the correct fittings, read and interpret basic fluid power engineering drawings and maintain safe working procedures. The pilot programme, fully funded by Pirtek, has produced a 100% pass rate, with all 16 of the students who were enrolled in the programme successfully completing it. Nine of the 16 students have been employed in various Pirtek branches.

With over 20 years experience in the hydraulics industry, programme facilitator, Parker Shamiel played a crucial role in the programme’s success. “It is through partnerships such as the one between Pirtek and Sparrow that more youth will emerge equipped with the critical skills that enable them to be self-reliant and obtain a place in the labour market. Such partnerships help eliminate our high levels of unemployment and alleviate poverty in our country,” he said.

The next NQF 3 Fluid Power Hose Assemblies programme will be starting in July 2015.

For more information contact Pearl Nkosi, Sparrow FET College, +27 (0)11 482 1015, [email protected], www.sparrowschools.co.za

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