CRA FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE SKILLS TRAINING WITH THE C3 ACADEMY
The subject of exactly where the collision repair trade will be able to upskill learners for the future has been a focus of the CRA since its inception, 2023.
The CRA have partnered with C3 Academy as they have an excellent track record and a passionate team. They truly care about each learner, have an exact knowledge about the collision repair industry and are as driven to see the industry succeed as we are. C3 Academy have a programme that is a forward-thinking alternative to the current CBMT programme. It combines existing best practices from the CBMT programme, the NQF leadership based programmes and assimilates up-to-date repair methods and techniques.
The team at Youth Employment Programme (YES) have stepped up to the plate and are very hands on. They are also helping to monitor learners in the shops. There is a monthly fee of R4 000 paid per learner and it includes UIF and the appropriate tax, so all legitimate and in order. This means a body shop only needs to contribute a further R2 000 to the student to complete their salary. The adds immediate value and great energy and is already skilled in the basics of panel preparation, stripping and understands their tools from the first minute they start. That’s far more benefit for a small amount of capital outlay.
C3 Academy is an accredited training centre and trade testing facility that have state-of-the-art equipment and sundries on hand, so the learner is right up to date with technical skills for repair.
C3 Academy have developed short training modules to upskill workers in tranches. By doing this, individuals receive intense six month training up front as to ensure immediate value is added on the shop floor from day one that the learner is placed.
The first intake of 50 students have completed this first module, with the second batch of 50 students to start at the beginning of March.
With accommodation supplied to apprentices in Bloemfontein while they train, candidates are also able to work with body shop partners in their own hometowns for job training for periods of around six months at a time after the initial module is complete.
It will take around 30 months before the student is a fully qualified artisan. They will return to C3 Academy for a couple of weeks training every six months to complete new modules. These completed modules mean that a learner can qualify under the ARPL – Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning.
This essential development for students is an excellent gateway to full employment. This will go a long way to reinforce artisan numbers that have become extremely depleted in recent years and is integral to the longevity of the collision repair industry.
The response to this programme has been fantastic to say the least and we have had learners apply from across South Africa.
The CRA member shops involved have been very happy with the standard of workmanship and enthusiasm that each student has brought to the table and feedback has been very positive, with some shops requesting more than just one placement.
The team at CRA know that our member’s shops are some of the best in South Africa. Therefore, we want these learners to receive practical experience in our body shops as we know that standards are adhered to as regards equipment, business ethics and much more.
For more information on how to get involved, call +27 (0)10 020 4499 or email info@crasa.org.za.
Story by: Steve Kessel
