Pilot Crushtec International promotes accredited training to grow industry talent
Crushing and screening specialist Pilot Crushtec International and respected training provider Opsmin Training Services South Africa have announced a partnership that will add a new and professional dimension to the industry through the provision of accredited training.
The training, provided by Opsmin Training Services, is officially recognised by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) – a tripartite statutory body established by the Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996. Opsmin is an accredited skills development provider supplying training in crushing, screening and occupational health and safety activities, both for operators and supervisory staff.
By virtue of its acceptance by the MQA, the new course gives industry employees the opportunity to gain official acknowledgement for their knowledge and skills.
“Training has in the past been offered by original equipment manufacturers which, while useful from an operational perspective, has no professional standing. Within the structure in which we now operate, successful participants receive National Qualifications Framework credits which can contribute towards a national diploma or possibly a bachelor’s degree,” says Opsmin director Alan Fletcher.
Courses offered are flexible and based on the needs and operational pressures of companies and their employees, with practical aspects tailored to suit operators of Metso crushing and screening equipment marketed by Pilot Crushtec International. Generic content, however, teaches the basic theory of crushing and screening within the South African context.
Reactions from the first waves of attendees confirm that the syllabus delivers a realistic interpretation of the industry’s needs.
“We learned in detail about cone and vertical impact crushers and screens. What was most interesting was not only the technical aspects of the products but how they should be set up to deliver optimum performance and output,” said a new recruit to the industry.
Basic training includes maintenance with relevance to enhancing parts life cycle to reduce down time and replacement costs, Manuals explaining crushing, screening and systems are also supplied. This includes the processes and products best suited to a specific type of application.
Apart from the obvious operational advantages of this type of training, an additional benefit for employers is that as an MQA-recognised skills programme, the cost can be claimed via the work skills program and annual training register submitted to MQA SETA. These incentives offered are to promote the development of industry relevant skills.
Fletcher is uniquely qualified for his role, having served an engineering apprenticeship in the United Kingdom before emigrating to South Africa where he joined the mining industry. He subsequently obtained a National Higher Metallurgical diploma and then rose to the position of metallurgical manager at a leading gold producer before joining Metso to become General Manager, Construction and thereafter General Manager, Customer Training.
Announcing this new development, Pilot Crushtec International CEO Sandro Scherf said it fitted perfectly in line with the company’s commitment to placing customer needs first.
“This forms part of our policy to continually adapt and evolve to place customers’ needs first – beginning with a superior sales experience and continuing with legendary after sales support,” he said.