INAUGURAL GRADUATION FOR JOINT PROJECT BETWEEN HOLLARD INSURANCE AND C3 AUTO BODY REPAIR ACADEMY APPRENTICES
The first graduation from a joint pilot project between Hollard Insurance and C3 Auto Body Repair Academy has taken place. Twenty-two learners have excelled on this journey and 68% of them already have permanent employment, and the sponsors are confident the rest will find placement soon.
The pilot project for training was developed by Hollard and C3 Auto Body Repair Academy, who worked around the training parameters that currently exist in the industry. They knew they had to focus on real time industry needs and to develop a programme that would lead to a full qualification at the end of the day.
“Our focus was to lay a solid foundation for candidates who would be workplace ready and be an asset from day one in the shop they were placed in,” says Busisiwe Maile, Director of C3 Auto Body Repair Academy.
Hollard is a pivotal part of the Motor Body Repair Ecosystem with hundreds of shops on their panel throughout the country. It is important that a skilled and professional pipeline is continuously developed in order to ensure that expert capabilities to fix customer cars are always available. Furthermore, skills development speaks directly to addressing socio-economic issues that face South Africa, especially youth unemployment. The C3 programme is aligned with Hollard’s organisational purpose of enabling more people to create and secure a better future.
The team at Hollard have already walked a path in various training development programmes and have learnt a great deal along the way. They realised that a full qualification was first prize to ensure learner retention and full-time employment and an 80% success rate on this pilot project is a fantastic result! The collaborative effort in developing the training programme indicates a shared commitment to maintaining industry standards and ensuring that candidates are well-equipped with the necessary skills.
The fact that the pilot programme was developed jointly by Hollard and C3 Auto Body Repairs suggests that both parties are actively involved in shaping the curriculum. This involvement ensures that the training programme aligns with industry standards and addresses real-time needs, laying a solid foundation for candidates.
The emphasis on developing a programme leading to full qualification implies that Hollard recognises the importance of having qualified professionals in the automotive repair industry. Hollard partners with approved repairers across South Africa, whose reputation and skills directly contribute to the maintenance of quality standards.
Hollard’s commitment to skills development, as mentioned in the context of addressing socio-economic issues such as youth unemployment, indicates a broader perspective on quality control. By investing in the training of candidates, Hollard is contributing to the creation of a skilled and professional workforce, indirectly influencing the overall quality of service in the industry and addresses the issue of unemployment in the country.
Neo Motshabela , C3 Head of Training and Operations says “C3 Training has implemented a comprehensive approach to ensure the sustainability of its training programmes and to assess the success and effectiveness of candidates’ journeys to full qualification. It has done so by utilising accredited training mechanisms approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB), and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MerSETA). This adherence to recognised accreditation bodies ensures that the training programmes meet industry standards.
“It has also incorporated relevant and up-to-date training material into its programmes. This approach ensures that candidates receive training that aligns with industry requirements and prepares them for the challenges and advancements in the automotive repair field.
“By designing programmes that specifically address industry needs, C3 Training ensures that candidates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the workforce. This alignment with industry demands enhances the relevance and sustainability of the training programmes.
C3’s participation in trade testing underscores its commitment to ensuring that assessment mechanisms are in place to verify the full qualification of candidates. This involvement in the development process suggests a proactive approach to maintaining high standards and facilitating successful outcomes for candidates.
It has taken measures to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of its training programmes by adhering to accreditation standards, incorporating relevant material, addressing industry needs, providing ROI for workshops, and actively participating in the development of assessment mechanisms for full qualification. These initiatives collectively contribute to the sustainability and ongoing success of C3 Training’s courses.
An excellent result in a great initiative. Long may this success continue.