Celebrations of yet another year of growth and perseverance

Thembisile Mvemve, Skills Development Officer in Multotec’s HR Department, reports back on the graduation of the company’s learners and apprentices. 

Our graduates started this journey at different times, yet we are celebrating them together. The group in which we have the greatest pride – those with disabilities – has proved that all disabled employees need to succeed is for the company to believe in them. They remind us that any opportunity is to be grabbed with both hands. 

We recently celebrated 12 graduates who completed the Business Admin L4 Learnership and 6 artisan apprentices who started the journey in 2019 are now qualified. Here are some of their stories:

Spartan Graduation 

Zondi Mashego, Millwright Apprentice
Graduate apprentices, whose journeys started in 2019, I wish you CONGRATULATIONS!!

When I started at Multotec in 2012, I was placed in the Sampling department, as an assembler. That is where my interest in becoming an artisan first grew and I met with the artisans who were deployed at that time to find out more. Luckily enough, on completion of my N2 course, I was assisted by my co-workers to enter an apprenticeship programme with Multotec, which was not an easy journey. I made sacrifices and overcame challenges to gain admittance to the programme in 2019. Now, I am a qualified Artisan – Millwright, and my greatest dream for my career has come true. I extend my thanks to everyone who assisted me on this long journey.

Juny Tladi, Fitter Apprentice – MPE Pumps
Women in Engineering
I started working at Multotec in April 2019 as an apprentice fitter and the company trained me as an artisan. I woke up every day looking forward to the challenges, because through these challenges, I learned a great deal. 

Many people think that doing fitting as a lady isn’t easy, but I’ve never had any difficulties because fitters don’t work hard; we work smart. We are asked if we’re able to lift heavy items, forgetting that we have mechanical and electrical lifting equipment like overhead cranes, forklifts, stackers and chain blocks. For lifting, we don’t use our own power. We’re also asked if we’re able to tighten bolts and nuts sufficiently. Again, there’s no need to use my own power: I have tools with electric and pneumatic power to tighten bolts for me. All I need to do is direct and guide these tools, applying the experience and know-how I gleaned during training. 

I wish to thank the training team, Thembisile and Janine, for believing in us artisan candidates. You were with us every single step of the way, and you were patient with us. We know it wasn’t easy but now we are here because of your support! 

Thank you to all Multotec employees, we appreciate your support, and we’ve learned a lot from you. We learn more every day and will continue learning.

MWL Pretoria Graduation

A beautiful journey celebrated
Multotec Wear Linings established the first class of in-house learnerships at its premises in Pretoria North. The learnership programme ran from 2020-2021, focusing on Production Technology L3. 

The first class consisted of 6 employed learners and 4 unemployed learners. They were eager, excited and dedicated to their programme. They started the learnerships during the difficult time of Covid-19 and lockdowns; however, they persevered. Today, of the 4 unemployed learners who participated, Zweli Mtshali is now employed at Multotec Wedge Wire on a full-time basis. The other 3 have been FTCs  since their programme ended.

On 25 November 2021, Multotec Wear Linings held a Graduation Ceremony for the learners. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of our South African CEO, Rikus Immink and Multotec Wear Linings Managing Director, Ernst Maritz, who both shared awesome wisdom through their stories. Well done to the class of 2020 – you’ve paved the way for many more learners who’ll follow in your footsteps. 

GRADUATE: David Nkosi
I started working at Multotec in March 2007. It has been a wonderful experience, especially since the company offers its staff members learning opportunities. I first participated in the Multotec skills development programme in 2018, when I completed the skills programme. 

My learnership commenced in April 2020 and has enhanced my knowledge. It has taught me leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team. In addition, the learnership helps us learners to run production smoothly as we follow the correct safety procedures. 

As former students, we encourage our colleagues to take part in the learnerships to enhance their production skills. I wish to thank Multotec for giving us this opportunity. Thank you, too, Mr Maritz, and especially, Thembisile.

GRADUATE: Nkateko Mhlongo
External learner
I joined MWL in Pretoria in April 2019 as a Production Technology learner. Covid-19 was a major concern at that time, but Multotec took me in and I knew a big change was coming my way. I was unemployed when I applied for this opportunity and I am privileged that I made it through.

The programme has provided me with a solid foundation by enlightening me with knowledge and skills in the operation of process equipment, maintenance activities, shop floor problem solving, production planning, scheduling and quality control.

I will never forget the time I spent in class, with all the goal setting, progression, assessments and the phenomenal feedback I received. It wasn’t easy managing the Covid-19 protocols, but we still enjoyed the best moments together. My message of encouragement for my colleagues: Nothing comes easy in this life; be smart and put your best foot forward.