Lucchini South Africa Welcomes 2024 Learners: A Commitment to Empowerment and Skills Development
In an enlightening interview with Oddette Engle, Human Resource Manager at Lucchini South Africa, we delve into the heart of the learnership programme offered by Lucchini SA – a pivotal initiative in nurturing future talent. Since its inception in 2017, the programme has consistently welcomed ten or more learners annually, conditional on financial capacity, introducing them to the multifaceted world of production technology at NQF level three.
The learnership, spanning twelve months, is more than a mere introduction to workplace fundamentals. It’s a comprehensive journey through production dynamics, emphasising the importance of health and safety, quality control and quality assurance processes. Learners receive an all-encompassing education, covering aspects from maintenance to finance, logistics, and the broader business environment.
Oddette Engle emphasises the programme’s commitment to employing unemployed individuals, focusing on fresh graduates from engineering fields or recent high school graduates with a background in maths and science. This diverse intake is exposed to various facets of production and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, including magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing, visual testing and CNC programming.
The structure of the programme involves two days of classroom training complemented by three days of practical, on-floor experience. This blend ensures that theoretical knowledge is seamlessly integrated into real-world applications. Moreover, learners undergo essential statutory training, including health and safety, forklift operation, crane handling, first aid, and firefighting, thereby equipping them comprehensively for the job market.
A notable aspect of the learnership programme is its accreditation and certification by MerSETA, granting learners an NQF level three qualification that is highly valued in any manufacturing environment. Lucchini SA doesn’t just stop at providing education, they offer real career opportunities.
“The training is intensive but invaluable, with learners receiving mentorship, career guidance, and on-the-job training. This process helps them discover their strengths and interests within the manufacturing sector, with many finding a particular affinity for non-destructive testing. Lucchini SA also supports further training for those permanently appointed, reflecting our significant investment in training and development,” says Oddette.
The programme targets individuals aged 18 to 24, many of whom are experiencing their first professional work environment. Hence, Lucchini SA also imparts crucial soft skills training, including ethics, communication, emotional intelligence, and time management. This holistic approach ensures that learners not only acquire technical skills but also develop personally and professionally.
Diversity is a key component of the learnership programme, which aims for a balanced gender ratio and a mix of backgrounds, fostering an environment where learners can benefit from each other’s experiences. This diversity extends to the shop floor, which is young and varied, with women often occupying roles traditionally held by men, challenging stereotypes and broadening horizons.
The Lucchini SA learnership programme is a testament to the company’s dedication to empowering the youth. Offering a robust foundation in the production and manufacturing sector.
