Plastics SA Training Division turning a challenge into an opportunity.

After all training courses were halted with immediate effect when the COVID-19 lockdown regulations were announced at the end of March, PlasticsSA’s Training Division turned the challenge into an opportunity!

Although we have never offered online training before, the Regional Managers  and Trainers together with the Training Administrators at Plastics|SA rose to the challenge of transforming all of the theoretical and classroom practical learning content that they usually offer for in-classroom learning, into an interactive, live online platform.

We’ve been overwhelmed  by the industry’s positive response to our online training offerings and excited that vital training continues in their organisations. 

Companies who have already enrolled learners for the online learning experience include Verigreen, Tropic Plastics, Fibre-Wound, Smiths Manufacturing, First National Battery, Mpact Plastics, Master Plastics, Chespak, Plaslantic, Gold Sun Industries, Lumotech Uitenhage and PlastiColors.

Many of our learners do not have access to their own computers, data or a stable Wi-Fi connection. However, thanks to careful planning and close working partnerships with their employers, our efforts have paid off and it’s happening! Because most learners are enrolled by their employers, the onus rests on the company to provide a conducive learning environment and a reliable computer and internet connection to ensure the success of the learning programme.

We are proud of our team of trainers and the students who embraced this new way of life.  They have gone out of their way to be creative and ensure that the practical components of training are satisfied through the use of material samples and examples of quality defects in the training sessions. A specially designed virtual classroom has been created for the online training, using the same format as the classroom-based training. The learning content continues to be very interactive, with many classroom activities and exercises interspersed throughout the course.

Engaged and focused learners, throughout the learning process, is essential and all of the necessary steps are in place to make the online experience as rewarding, interactive and seamless as possible. The practical aspects of the training that require hands-on experience, are scheduled for when the companies are able to arrange safe transportation of the learners to one of Plastics|SA’s three training facilities located in Midrand (Gauteng), Maitland (Western Cape) and Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal).

We have put all of the necessary safety measures and protocols  in place to accommodate the learners for practicals, but it is up to the employer companies to determine when their employees can complete their training offsite.

Learning programmes already on offer online include:

• Skills Programmes and Learnerships viz. Principles of Quality
• Apply study and learning techniques
• Read and Interpret Engineering Drawings
• Understand and Deal with HIV Aids
• Apply SHEQ Processes and Procedures
• Maintain and Monitor SHEQ Systems & Procedures
• Process Machine Construction
• Understand Production Process and Quality Principles in Plastics Manufacturing
• Basic Raw Materials and Generic Management.

Download an illustration of how the process works.

For more information please contact the branch in your region.

Western Cape and Port Elizabeth:  Kim.Arendse@plasticssa.co.za

KwaZulu Natal and East London: Desiree.Reddy@plasticssa.co.za

Gauteng: Fhatu@plasticssa.co.za