African Petrochemicals Edition_16.2

NEW HEAD OF THYSSENKRUPP TECHNICAL TRAINING ACADEMY SPEARHEADS
TRAINING CENTRE EXCELLENCE
Employee development remains a core focus for thyssenkrupp Industrial
Solutions South Africa, a company that continues to raise the bar in
technical proficiencies, digital technologies and industry standards not
only in South Africa but throughout the African continent. Central to this
drive is the Technical Training Academy which opened its doors in Q4
2018 at the thyssenkrupp Service Centre in Chloorkop, Johannesburg.
New head of thyssenkrupp Technical Training Academy spearheads training centre excellence.
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Steve Parkinson who was recently appointed
Head of the Technical Training Academy, is
committed to creating a centre of training
excellence that can be replicated at every
thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions office in
Africa. “I am eager to use my new position to
make a difference on the continent through
the Training Academy,” states Parkinson who
brings to the table notable qualifications
in manufacturing and operations as well
as vast industry experience. His extensive
job portfolio includes training delivery and
development, compliance as well as sales.
The technical skills-centric Academy boasts
unparalleled success with its first-class,
in-house developed technical training and
development programmes. “We are extremely
proud of the third-year apprentices from
the training facility who, without exception,
achieved a 100% pass rate on the first
attempt of their trade tests!” says Parkinson.
“This achievement has set a high standard
which we most certainly aim to maintain.”
To ensure its students of a best-practice
training, the Academy adopts a proactive
approach and also included a collaboration
between thyssenkrupp and the German
Chamber of Commerce in the development
of a Mechatronics trade qualification. This is
the first artisan qualification in South Africa
whereby qualifying learners not only obtain a
South African qualification but also a German
qualification. Currently two students are
undergoing the Mechatronic pilot project
which is set to expand to eight students in
2020. The Academy has also applied for the
inclusion of this new mechatronics trade in
its accreditation, which is expected to be
obtained before the end of 2019.
Keeping in line with strategic objectives, the
Academy develops and maintains MERSETA
/ Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
(QCTO) approved apprentice training
programmes. “We received accreditation
from the QCTO for both the Metal Machinist
and Mechanical Fitter trades in July 2019, ”
adds Parkinson.
He also reveals that the popular
Commercial Apprentice Training Scheme
(CATS) programme will be expanding
to accommodate two annual intakes of
students over the next few years. “These
various accreditations and accomplishments
are indicative of the high quality of training
we offer apprentices. On the back of these
achievements, the Academy is perfectly
positioned to further grow its in-depth
capabilities and footprint into Africa.”
The Academy forms part of thyssenkrupp’s
Industry 4.0 transition in order to provide
innovative, effective and efficient customercentric
solutions. Parkinson points out that
the development and introduction of the
new Mechatronics apprenticeship was also
part of the move towards Industry 4.0, as
this qualification includes learning about
PLC’s and robotics; an essential component.
“The latest digital technologies incorporated
into the automation of thyssenkrupp
equipment makes it imperative that
customers, operators, as well as technical and
maintenance staff undergo training prior to
hand-over.”
Echoing thyssenkrupp’s strive to reduce
its carbon footprint, the Academy plans to
develop several e-learning programmes
which will be made accessible to all
employees. “We will also be looking at
converting a number of existing customer
training courses into e-learning,“ says
Parkinson. “This will allow us to further
sell the Training Academy capabilities and
programmes to customers and to offer them
a cheaper alternative for the continuous
training of their operators and staff.” The
Academy also plans to provide training
participants with tablets with pre-loaded
programmes, eliminating the use of paper to
print training manuals.
Customers are essential in thyssenkrupp’s
drive to develop exceptional skills in Africa
for Africa. With a focus on getting closer
to customers, thyssenkrupp’s account and
regional managers maintain open lines of
communication and conduct regular visits
to existing customers. So when a training
need arises, the Academy is informed and,
together with the customer, specialised
training is developed. “A prime example
of this seamless collaboration is an online
e-learning platform developed by the
Academy which enabled the employees
of a customer in Madagascar to access the
required operator and maintenance training
round the clock.”
thyssenkrupp is passionate about
uplifting and developing underprivileged
communities. The Academy holds a key role
in this objective and is working on creating
community development initiatives in which
unemployed youth from local communities
are equipped with an entrepreneurial skills
course as well as basic skills such as welding
which includes the provision of welding
equipment.
A central driving force behind thyssenkrupp’s
decision to establish the Academy was
to train and upskill young people on
thyssenkrupp equipment in line with
company standards to the ultimate benefit
of its customers. “I am extremely proud to be
a part of this game-changing company and
endeavour to help the Academy reach its full