Skills Development Initiative (Pty) Ltd

The small industrial town of Estcourt on the Bushman River in KwaZulu-Natal

is not only one of KZN’s oldest towns dating back to 1838, but is known for its intensely cultivating farming activities, delicious Estcourt Bacon and processed timber, MASONITE.

MASONITE, in turn is known for its exceptional commitment to and focus, on skills development. In the last five years, since Dionysus has had the pleasure of working in the field of Skills Development with Masonite, this exceptional timber company has invested in about 130 youngsters per year from the region. 

For the 5th consecutive year we are facilitating Wood Products Level 1and Level 3 Learnerships, - year long qualifications that empower learners to assist in the Masonite Mill. Once a month, the groups of learners attend classroom learning on set dates during which they acquire the theoretical concepts of each workplace topic and skill. Thereafter, the learners are rotated through the various workplace departments, applying and practicing theoretical knowledge so that they develop true competence to complete the work, as well as understand the theory behind it. It’s a great formula, because these young people receive valuable training in generic and specialised workplace manufacturing skills and Masonite benefits from having a better trained, skilled team which results in greater productivity, less wastage, fewer accidents etc.
Learners are required to complete assignments and compile a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) which is assessed to determine their competence in each skill.
Learners experiencing problems with any aspect of their work are able to ask their workplace mentor or coach for help. A team of highly dedicated individuals volunteer their assistance to help the learners with their skills acquisition. 

With a great return of at least mid-nineties competence rates, the sustained success of this learnership has been due to superb management of the process by the Masonite training personnel, Asha Naidoo and Pranesh Sookhayi, and Dionysus Manager, Quentin James. Outstanding facilitators, Todd Clark and Matt MacKay, as well as a supportive team of mentors and coaches from Masonite completes the implementation team.

Masonite proudly employs many of these learners annually, and those who do not find employment within Masonite are readily absorbed by surrounding businesses who are delighted to find youngsters who have at least a year’s work experience in a manufacturing environment.

     The Masonite Team (Front – Asha, Theresa and Pranesh) with Dionysus Facilitators Todd Clark and Matt Mackay

      Wood Products Processing 1:  GROUP A – FACILITATOR TODD CLARK

        Wood Products Processing 1:  GROUP C – FACILITATOR TODD CLARK

         Wood Products Processing 1:  GROUP B – FACILITATOR MATTHEW MACKAY

        Wood Products Processing 1:  GROUP D – FACILITATOR MATTHEW MACKAY

       Wood Products Processing 3:  – FACILITATOR TODD CLARK

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