The first tool, die and mould (TDM) preapprentice orientation programme, which formed part of measures to deal with the “drastic” skills shortage in the TDM sector – a key support sector for South Africa’s manufacturing industry – would be launched at seven pilot sites across the country in January.

The programme was being run by the National Tooling Initiative (NTI), the Toolmaking Association of South Africa and the Department of Trade and Industry and formed part of a turnaround strategy to ensure that enough people were trained to sustain and boost local manufacturing, as well as ensure South Africa’s competitiveness, in the years to come.

Assessments were under way to select the 25 participants for the pilot programme, which would comprise a formal curriculum of mathematics, science, technical English, computer and life skills courses, as well as a formal manufacturing element incorporating safety in manufacturing, how to read engineering drawings, measurement techniques and basic manufacturing processes.

This would be supplemented with a workshop training phase where participants would learn basic hand and machining skills, which would earn them credits towards a competency-based apprenticeship.

A further element of the programme would be to ensure that all participants gained exposure to various businesses in the TDM sector and got practical knowledge of die-casting, injection moulding, blow moulding and metal pressing, among others.

“This intensive programme will help candidates determine whether they want to continue in the TDM sector and will provide them with an excellent foundation for the competency-based apprenticeship programme, which is due to be launched in 2011,” NTI CEO Dirk van Dyk said in a statement on Monday.

The pilot programme would be held at the Ekurhuleni East College and the Missouri Secondary School, in Gauteng, the Nkangala further education and training (FET) College, in Mpumalanga province, the Umgungundlovu FET College, in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Lephalale FET College, in Limpopo province, the Northlink FET College, in the Western Cape, and at the Coega Skills Centre in the Eastern Cape.

Prior to the launch, the NTI had conducted a three-step process to identify suitable candidates for the pilot programme, the first of which involved awareness sessions informing the youth about the pilot programme and why they should get involved.

Matriculants who expressed an interest in the manufacturing industry, as well as people who were currently working in the TDM sector who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in this field, were the focus of the first phase, said Van Dyk.

“The second phase of the process comprised follow-up sessions with school principals with a view to getting their assistance in mobilising the right type of young people for the programme. We went through the same process with industry players to identify possible candidates already in the industry, who would benefit from the programme,” he added.

The third phase of the selection process involved a more detailed presentation for the applicants, which provided them with a deeper insight into the role of toolmakers, where tooling fits into the manufacturing process and career opportunities in the industry.