Young adults are pursuing careers as construction Health and Safety (H&S) Officers. They are being drawn to the profession because they want to make a large positive impact on site operations, employee well-being and the overall success of construction projects.

These professionals also hold a Quality Council of Trades and Occupation (QCTO) occupational qualification in the field. This signals to employers that they have the extensive knowledge needed to ensure high H&S levels on construction sites.

This quality H&S training is being facilitated by Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC). To ensure that learners are equipped with the correct theoretical knowledge and workplace training experience, MBAWC has engaged the services of Tjeka Training Matters. This private technical and vocational education and training college specialises in building and civil construction training. For more than two decades, the company has equipped many individuals with employable construction skills. These include the proficiencies required to succeed as a construction H&S representative.

MBAWC has been running the programme for about six years to help supply a high demand for these professionals who also ensure that construction sites comply with H&S regulations. Construction Regulation 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the need to ensure safe construction practices. Furthermore, the act requires employers to designate H&S representatives for workplaces with more than 20 employees.

Over the past two-and-a-half years, the programme has been administered by Benjamin Zantsi, a seasoned Training Facilitator at MBAWC. Under Zantsi’s watch, more than 20 young adults have already successfully attained an occupational qualification in the field at a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

Current learners are working towards attaining an occupational qualification in H&S at a NQF Level 5. This is in line with the QCTO’s reclassification of qualifications to better reflect the required skills and knowledge for specific professions.

“They will write examinations in November 2025 and will, therefore, be the first cohort to attain a NQF 5 qualification in H&S via the association,” he says. “I am confident that they will excel considering that we have managed to maintain a very high output since we launched the programme. This can be attributed to the quality of the theoretical and practical training of this programme.”

As part of the experiential learning component, learners also have the opportunity to “shadow” seasoned H&S Officers on MBAWC member construction sites. WBHO, Stefanutti Stocks and Isipani Construction are among the companies providing experiential learning opportunities to learners. This is complemented by robust mentorship provided by both Tjeka Training Matters and MBAWC, which also has psychosocial programme for learners.

Zantsi says that individuals who enter the 15-month programme are usually between 18 and 35 years in age and hold a National Senior Certificate. The course is also mainly attracting young women, many of whom have experience working in construction or as H&S representatives for member companies. Completing the programme enables them to either formalise their working experience or be promoted to a H&S practitioner. However, the programme is also open to young adults who have no prior experience working in the construction industry. They see this as an ideal entry point to an industry that offers potential for career and individual growth and development.

He encourages more young South Africans to pursue construction H&S as a profession.

“It is an ideal career for someone who has an eye for detail and is willing to always stay abreast of the latest H&S codes, standards and regulations,” Zantsi says.

He adds that there are further important traits that any good H&S practitioner must possess, but these can be learnt and developed over time, hence the strong “soft” skills focus of MBAWC’s H&S skills training programme.

They include resilience to speak up when necessary and to always do so in a diplomatic manner. These young professionals are appointed to keep worksites healthy and safe for all employees. This may sometimes entail correcting the actions of more seasoned employees who are reluctant to accept instructions from younger team members.

H&S representatives must also be able to foster teamwork to promote a positive safety culture.

Furthermore, they need to possess emotional intelligence. By effectively managing their own emotions and that of others, H&S representatives can better understand and empathise with team members.

Gawie Burger, Regional Manager of Tjeka Training Matters, says, “One of the single biggest causes of accidents on construction sites is a lack of training. A H&S representative position comes with immense responsibility that entails executing duties that have a serious consequence on the wellbeing of others and the overall success of a construction project. Executing these correctly requires proper training that drills down into the details. This is exactly what MBAWC is providing. Therefore, individuals who have completed this occupational skills programme, are ready to make a positive impact!”