Skills development captures international attention
Saint-Gobain YouthBuild Academy skills development captures the attention of French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Germiston-based Saint-Gobain South Africa recently opened its doors to French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Le Drian visited the company to see how it has managed to position itself as a leader in the sustainable construction sector while developing skills through its Saint-Gobain YouthBuild Academy.
The academy, which was established in 2003, was born out of the need to tackle the national ever-growing unemployment rate.
“Our aim over the past 16 years has been to bridge the artisan skills gaps and create a pathway into the labour market for disadvantaged youngsters,” said Jean-Claude Lasserre, Saint-Gobain CEO for sub-Saharan Africa.
“Since its inception the academy has seen more than a 1 000 learners graduate from the programme, with 80 per cent of the 2018 graduates finding employment.
“In addition 30 deaf learners have been empowered through this programme.”
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Learners are taught the theory, practice and installation of environmentally compliant systems for new and renovated buildings.
“Practical activities aim to uplift the communities from which these young men and women come, and learners practice their skills by repairing and fixing crèches, schools and community halls in need,” said Lasserre.
Once learners have been selected by the academy, they are required to achieve competency in 132 credits.
These credits are clustered into four subjects, which include drywall and ceiling installation (safety, tools and assembly of components), written and oral communication skills, applied mathematics (calculating quantities and costings), and workplace skills like understanding HIV/Aids, first-aid basics and business plans.
The programme runs for 12 months.
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“Through the Saint-Gobain YouthBuild Academy we aim to make a real difference and to empower the disadvantaged youth of South Africans,” said Lasserre.
Le Drian was impressed following his visit.
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