SDS courses earn their stripes

Nation-wide courses on full-time, part-time, correspondence basis “WHEN SKILLS Development Specialists (SDS) registered as a training provider to the Clearing and Forwarding industry in 1997, I was told in no uncertain terms that many had tried and failed before us,” says SDS managing member Henri Fisher. “In fact the diagnosis was that we would not last 6 months! “The phenomenal support from the clearing and forwarding industry therefore took us completely by surprise! As the “new kids on the block” we had to prove our worth and I believe that we have done just that.” Certain modules were accredited in 2002 by the Transport SETA: Forwarding and Clearing Chamber, says Fisher. SDS’s courses have historically focused on practical skills in the clearing field. During 2002, the company extended its range to include an introduction to international forwarding, while 2003 sees the launch of part two of the forwarding training project. “In addition all courses provided in 2003 will be linked to the National Certificate in Customs Clearing NQF 3, enabling learners to work towards a nationally recognised qualification in the business, commerce and management studies field,” she added. SDS offers nation-wide part time, full time and correspondence training. All courses comprise practical combinations of the unit standards required for the NQF 3 National Certificate in Customs Clearing. They include South African Customs Clearing (Part I) which provides in-depth studies of pertinent legislation, clearing documentation, import prohibitions / restrictions, and intermediate Customs calculations. South African Customs Clearing (Part II) offers skills training in all aspects of framing and presentation of multi-lined bills of entry, including rebate, bond and export entries. Refunds, tariff classification, Customs valuation and other complex topics are also dealt with in detail. The SAAFF Customs Affairs Course (correspondence) offers comprehensive cover of the Customs and Excise Act, bill of entry and VOC completion. The International Forwarder Part I and II introduces the student to the international freight forwarding arena and provides an in depth study of air and surface freight forwarding procedures and practice.