From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Occupational technical skills and safety training facility Murray & Roberts Training Academy has made some upgrades that embrace the Industry 4.0 mindset. Darren Parker tells us more.

Darren Parker:

The Murray & Roberts Training Academy has invested in converting its entire training management system to be paperless. Murray & Roberts Cementation education, training and development executive Tony Pretorius says that this makes the learning experience more efficient and minimises the risk of administrative errors.

Murray & Roberts Cementation education, training and development executive Tony Pretorius:

Darren Parker:

The new paperless training management system will enhance the blended learning experience offered by the academy, which incorporates computer-based e-learning, clicker-based training workshops, instructional videos, virtual reality, simulations and interactive practical training on mock-ups.

Murray & Roberts Cementation education, training and development executive Tony Pretorius:

Darren Parker:

The academy has also added a mechanised equipment training workshop where learners can become familiar with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for the operation, maintenance and repair of mechanised mining machinery.

Murray & Roberts Cementation education, training and development executive Tony Pretorius:

Darren Parker:

Pretorius notes that many artisans, operators and supervisors throughout the South African mining industry have not been adequately trained and accredited to work with mechanised equipment. He believes the new mechanised equipment training workshop will address this.

Murray & Roberts Cementation education, training and development executive Tony Pretorius:

Darren Parker:

In addition to the Industry 4.0 upgrades, the Murray & Roberts Training Academy trains a number of unemployed youths, thereby contributing to creating employment opportunities among the disadvantaged.

Murray & Roberts Cementation education, training and development executive Tony Pretorius:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.