Training targets staff at every level

CLIVE EMDON
TRAINING ITS black staff – young and old – is top priority at Cargocare Freight Services where 35 (75%) of its 47 staff are currently in training. Courses are outsourced to more than 20 different training providers. “We have to focus on many levels in our programme,” says operations manager Sue Wood. “Youth development is of great importance as we have identified the goal of retention in the under-35 age group as part of our strategy going forward. “However, we cater especially for those over 35 years of age who have had limited access to the benefits of tertiary, secondary or some even primary education in their past.” Cargocare has launched a broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) trust controlled by 25 staff stakeholders who are prime candidates for training within the company. Learnerships, bridging courses, logistics studies and other industry-related subjects, management training and computer technology training are all part of the mix. The company is currently running two full learnerships in the National Certificate in Freight Handling (NQF level 3). “We also have eight staff in adult basic education and training (ABET) who are laying the foundations for further study in years to come.” Quality training providers are a crucial element, says Wood. “We work with probably 20 different training providers. Each new one is sought out and investigated prior to being used.”