SAIF NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2012
GENERAL OUTLOOK FOR THE CASTING INDUSTRY
With the commencement of the dti initiative to designate products for local procurement by state agencies, the outlook for the jobbing foundry sector looks very encouraging for the year 2012. The joint statement by the Ministers of Economic Development, Finance and Trade and Industry on the 7th December 2011, announced that the following would be designated with a stipulated local content percentage: Power Pylons, Rolling Stock, Buses, Canned Vegetables, Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Products and Set Top boxes. The SAIF is engaging with the valve manufacturers to facilitate the designation of these products.
Foundries supplying castings to the automotive industry may have challenges in achieving growth given the continued slow growth in the European and North American economies.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING
LEARNERSHIPS/ APPRENTICESHIPS
The learnership training pilot started in 2010 is continuing at Atlantis Foundries, Scaw Foundries and Arcelor Mittal. The learners at Atlantis Foundries completed the NQF level 2 qualification in December last year and the others will follow shortly. The learnerships are for MOULDERS, MELTERS, and PATTERNMAKERS, with a total of 18 undergoing training, on completion of which, they will be placed into the industry at large.
The new QUALITY COUNCIL FOR TRADES AND OCCUPATIONS curricula for the occupations MOULDER, MELTER and ENGINEERING PATTERNMAKER, are nearing finality, and these will form the basis for all future training for these trades and occupations. Our thanks to those industry experts that have contributed so much to this project
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
The SKILLS COURSES continue to be held in GAUTENG, and are well supported by industry. Most recently courses are being held at the VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AUTOCAST in BRITS and courses will start in February at the UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG and in the WESTERN CAPE. More information can be obtained by calling (011) 559 6455.
GAUTENG FOUNDRY TRAINING CENTRE
The feasibility study has been completed and favourably received by the GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC PLANNING. Further Announcements are expected shortly
INTERNSHIPS
The DEPAETMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY recently announced the support of 25 interns at Diploma, B Tech and M Tech levels for training in the foundry sector. Initially the interns will be placed with foundries participating in the TAPS programme started in 2011.
SPECIALISED TECHNICAL TRAINING
Mr FRANK GOODWIN, a specialist in ZINC Casting and Metallurgy will be the guest of the SAIF and other Stakeholders to present a series of lectures of workshops from the 13th to the 16th of FEBRUARY 2012.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Following the 10 year FOUNDRY PLANNING WORKSHOP, held late last year, seven WORKING GROUPS have been formed, covering ENERGY, COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, METAL SCRAP, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT and TRAINING, MARKET DEVELOPMENT and LOCALISATION and FUNDING for CAPITAL PROJECTS. There are industry participants in all of these groups and other interested parties would be welcome. Outcomes from the GROUPS will be communicated soon.