Accountability demands create stronger pressure for skills training

CLIVE EMDON CUSTOMS LEGISLATION is making new accountability demands on the freight industry, says Henri Fisher, MD of Skills Development Specialists (SDS). Effective since October 1, it has been mandatory for freight staff framing customs declarations to register their own ID on the declaration form SAD 500. “The customs law is prescriptive,” says Fisher. “Not only is there a greater demand for training in the freight industry but legislation wants accountability from personnel.” Her company is currently training 400 to 500 new recruits a year, mainly young black people part-time, on evening courses, or by correspondence. Most are on 6 to 12 week courses, providing credits towards a national certificate. SDS courses constitute 60 of the credits towards the 120 needed and it generally takes three years to qualify. Fisher has been training freight personnel for the past nine years, initially through the Maritime Industry Training Board, but more recently through the Sectoral Education and Training Authority (Seta) system. She says 95% of her clientbase are clearing and forwarding or courier companies. “Companies select their own candidates, while we teach at three levels: pre-qualification courses, advanced courses and on account of new customs legislation, top-up training. “Although today there is a big emphasis on courses through the internet, we prefer a real interaction with students. The skills transfer is quicker and greater, and most students need a controlled environment.” With offices in seven cities, SDS has three permanent trainers and a range of part-time facilitators in industry, customs offices and in other government departments.