Education & Training

TRAINING, SKILLS UPGRADING AND AWARENESS

Education, training and skills upgrading are without doubt three of the most important factors determining the successful growth of an industry.

Any industry, therefore, which aims to become competitive both locally and in world markets must have both the will and the means to ensure that its personnel, at all levels, are educated in every aspect of their job.

One of Sassda's aims is to ensure that the facility for this exists and the Association has, therefore, developed a comprehensive education, skills upgrading and awareness programme.

The programme has several facets:

Standard Courses

• Courses on the fabrication, application and use of stainless steel
• Customised stainless steel courses

Click here for more information of courses [Stainless Steel Courses]
Click here to view [ISSF's online courses]

Skills Upgrading

• Upgrading of Stainless Steel welding and fabrication skills

Stainless Steel Awareness

• Focused presentations
• Industry Orientation
• Tertiary institutions projects
• School projects

The Stainless Steel Courses are intentionally recognised and have formed the basis for similar courses in Australia, India, North America and the UK.

The Sassda education programme is continually reviewed and upgraded to incorporate the latest technology and methods of instruction.

Tertiary Institutions

Sassda works closely with the relevant departments at Universities and Technikons in sponsoring stainless steel education as well as running workshops and stainless steel design projects.

Students are encouraged to attend field trips to companies within Sassda's membership.

They are also entitled to attend the Basic Stainless Steel Course free of charge provided they register within two years of graduation.

Schools

Sassda works with various schools to encourage an awareness not only of the uses of stainless steel but the career opportunities which exist within this industry.

On the consumer side, inter school cooking competitions are held to underline the advantages of stainless steel products in household and catering applications.

In the market place, visits to workshops and factories can be arranged to introduce pupils to manufacturing procedures and employment opportunities.

Individual members are also encouraged to take an active part in these programmes as they offer an ideal opportunity to promote their range of products.

Education Availability

Sassda's education and training programme is an integral part of its market development strategy to increase knowledge of stainless steel and its applications.

The basis of all courses offered is Sassda's [Stainless Steel Information Series]which has received international recognition. Concise, easy to read brochures covering the major aspects of stainless steel, individual copies of this series are available on request.

Courses, workshops and seminars are offered to industry and professional bodies as well as university and Technikon faculties. The topics covered and level of presentation are tailored to suit the background and experience of the participants.

Companies wishing to improve shop floor expertise are catered for with technical and non technical welding and fabrication housekeeping workshops and demonstrations supported by the [South African Institute of Welding (SAIW)]