MQA NEWSLETTER

When asked what the recipe for their training success was, Mr Pretorius said, “We have genuine passion; if anyone within the team doesn’t share this passion, this is not a place for them to be. We believe in treating all individuals that are part of the team with the dignity and respect that they deserve”. Unique to their training approach, they have small attributes that liven up the training. Mr Pretorius shared that the group of learners on their training programmes are recruited from disadvantaged backgrounds. He emphasised that learners receive a stipend, free daily meals (three times a day), accommodation on the onsite campus and transport, as well as a 24-hour operated onsite company clinic with a registered nurse for any learners who get sick. He stated that inspite of his level within the company, he exercises an open door policy, wherein if a person has a problem they are welcome to report the matter directly to him and the problem is dealt with immediately. “When our learners complete their training programmes, we honour them with a formal graduation ceremony,” he said. The Murray & Roberts Training Academy is fundamentally a step ahead in terms of delivering a comprehensive, technologically altering mining and minerals training model to align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The training facility has hoisted mock-up structures to equip trainees with skills to work in a real mechanised underground mine. As the MQA team noted, this includes mining and minerals sector workspace mock-ups such a trackless, mechanised operation. Amid this impressive set-up were a simulated wall for drill rig operators to practice drilling on a parallel plane; a tunnel to virtually train learners on how to accurately mark off a development end with laser technology; and a board-and-pillar layout on a surface which allows for more effective, practical, and supervised training for most primary and secondary mechanised activities. The technical vehicles on site include load- haul-dumpers, a drill rig, a bolter, a telescopic boom handler, a mechanical scalar, and a mechanised

shotcrete machine. The MQA team was very impressed by the immaculate work that Murray & Roberts undertakes in terms of the mechanised training delivery to prepare young people to contribute their skills in the mining and minerals sector in the future. More companies in similar fields are encouraged to benchmark themselves to the Murray & Roberts Training Academy.

The MQA team being shown the Murray & Roberts Training Academy underground mining training area assimilated for mechanised mining skills training.

The Murray & Roberts staff and the visiting MQA team

M I N I N G Q U A L I F I C AT I O N S A U T H O R I T Y

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