The online training South African Paint Manufacturing Association (SAPMA) offers for retail sales personnel is now more important than ever, says Tara Benn, executive director of SAPMA. The training culminates in the paint and hardware store staff becoming Certified Paint and Coatings Advisors.

Benn says pre-virus research had shown that the sales volumes of retailers are directly proportional to the technical and application expertise of sales staff and their ability to offer professional advice to DIY consumers and paint contractors. “Now, facing vastly increased competition caused by the Covid-19 lockdowns, retailers are operating in a new environment. They will need both expertise as well as products to survive,” Benn states.

SAPMA’s on-line training is open to all retailers, including non-SAPMA members, and can be downloaded from the SAPMA website www.sapma.org.za. After each module is studied, trainees must pass an on-line assessment of the lesson before being allowed to proceed to the next of a total of 10 modules.

“Once a trainee has successfully completed the 10 modules, he or she must pass an overall assessment of the modules studied before SAPMA issues a Certificate of Competence. The training videos acquired under licence are not transferable to other parties,” Benn explains.

She says the modules were formulated in collaboration with the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) and cover the use of correct painting systems, selecting materials and tools to be used, plus important health and safety advice.  

The modules offer training in the painting of:

• Gutters and downpipes;
• Internal and external plastered walls;
• Concrete roof tiles;
• Gypsum board ceilings;
• Window frames;
• Palisade fencing;
• Bathroom tiles;
• Metal roofs;
• Exterior walls; and
• The varnishing and sealing of external wood.