Career Centre

Employees and learners may benefit from the following:

• A full battery of career assessments
• Bioss accredited CPA’s (Career Path Appreciation interviews)
• Various personality, interest and value assessments
• Worklife coaching

By effectively integrating institutional and workplace learning, the Ergo Business Development Academy’s apprenticeship and learnership opportunities prepare you for a rewarding career ahead in the industry of your choice. If you seek professional training in engineering, metallurgy and mining, we can help you in a real and meaningful way. EBDA has been serving the needs of aspiring trade apprentices, learners and job seekers successfully for some time now.

• An 80% pass rate for first time trade tests
• High-quality training in a pleasant learning environment
• Robust infrastructure and resources that support learning
• A strong network of host companies for excellent on-the-job training
• What can EBDA’s apprenticeship program do for you?

What can EBDA’s apprenticeship program do for you?

Did you know that the apprenticeship system of training has been acknowledged as the one of the best ways to learn, not just in South Africa but the world over? Apprenticeship training and development in engineering, trades and IT can give you a competitive edge in the job market and assure an attractive compensation package as well.

A majority of your time as an apprentice will be spent in learning and honing practical skills under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson. The rest will be devoted to gaining a better understanding of the technical and theoretical aspects of your chosen trade. At the end of your apprenticeship at EBDA (governed by the sections 13 – 29 of the Manpower Training Act 56 of 1981), you’ll benefit from a nationally-recognized qualification – National Certificate in Engineering at an NQF level 3 or 4.

Section 26d trade test: This applies to a full apprenticeship. It clubs a formal training experience with an on-the-job program at an approved host company.

Section 26d RPL trade test: This applies to learners wishing to leverage the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) methodology. If you have sufficient work experience in the relevant engineering field, you can undergo an assessment, challenge yourself and get the qualification you seek. A record of service or a letter from your employer attesting your work experience, is required.

What if you don’t qualify for an apprenticeship?

The minimum entry requirement for both learnership and apprenticeship in South Africa is Math and Science at Grade 12 level, while competence in these subjects at Grade 11 level is also accepted by some companies. If you don’t qualify to do an apprenticeship, the next step is to enroll in N-courses relevant to your particular field.

Enhance your resume with an EBDA learnership

Qualified for a South Africa apprenticeship? Then, a smart way to improve your professional profile would be to sign up for a learnership. Registered with the SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority), a learnership program at our accredited academy awards you with a qualification that is recognized nationally in the trade and commerce industries. It is a mark of your occupational competence and an excellent selling point when you’re seeking employment or even starting your own business.

Our learnership programs are offered at NQF levels 2 to 4, and conclude in section 26d trade tests in fabrication, electrical, millwrights, fitting and machining, motor mechanics and rigging and
ropemen. Sign up today, and pave the way for a bright professional future!

At EBDA we are fortunate to have access to a host of learners who have graduated from our various programmes and developmental initiatives. EBDA will, on request of these persons, endeavour to find them employment amongst our client base of companies. In the same way, companies may request EBDA’s services in sourcing suitable candidates for their employ. A fee of 15% the candidate’s annual package is charged for this service. Those companies that host engineering learners will be offered a discounted rate of 50% upon placement. All professional services pertaining to the sourcing of candidates such as reference checks and qualification verifications are part of the service provided. Candidates are also assisted in compiling effective CV’s and are groomed in interviewing techniques.

Phase 1: Entry phase

During this phase learners apply to enter the programme from any of the following sources:

• Graduates from the ABET programme
• Graduates from any of the technical courses run by the Academy
• Applicants that wish to enroll in their private capacity from the public
• Applicants who are being sponsored by other companies
• A preliminary screening process takes place on the basis of the application form. Applicants who meet the minimum and fundamental criteria as laid down by the Academy for the programme are then invited to attend phase 2.

Phase 2: Screening phase

During phase 2, all applicants will attend three sessions as follows:

An orientation workshop, lasting one day, during which the following topics are covered:

• What is entrepreneurship?
• What does it mean to run your own business?
• Advantages and disadvantages of self-employment
• Typical pitfalls of small businesses
• A battery of assessments and self discovery exercises
• A detailed and intensive interview with a New Venture Creation consultant.

Phase 3: New Venture Creation Learnership Input phase

During this phase the content areas as per Annexure A are covered.

Phase 4: Business Support

On graduating from phase 3, learners who wish to continue with the programme will be required to sign a contract with EBDA in which EBDA will provide business support to the learner in setting up his/her business for a nominal monthly fee for a period of 24 months that covers phases 4 and 5 of the programme. In particular, during phase 4 EBDA will provide the learner and entrepreneur with support in the following areas:

• Registering the company
• Opening of bank accounts and ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements
• Structuring and conducting the feasibility plan
• Formulating the business plan
• Securing finance
• Securing premises
• Securing market outlets
• Resourcing the business
• Developing appropriate business controls
• Designing and implementing operational action plans

Phase 5: SMME Business Support

As part of Ergo Business Development Academy’s (EBDA) business model, we are committed to the establishment of sustainable SMME’s in the SA economy. In this regard, we are not only committed to the training and development of entrepreneurs but also in providing them with business coaching and mentoring once they establish their businesses. The process followed is outlined below:

Our business support programme therefore consists of the following key steps:

• Graduates of the New Venture Creation Learnership may, on a voluntary basis, sign a two year support contract with EBDA.

This contract makes provision for the following:

• The entrepreneur will pay a flat registration fee which may be paid off in installments over an agreed period of time
• EBDA will facilitate a maximum of 8 meetings, each lasting 1 hour, between a business consultant and the entrepreneur over the duration of 12 months. All meetings will be held at EBDA unless alternate arrangements are made with EBDA for which additional travel costs may be charged, if necessary.

During these meetings the entrepreneur will be assisted with any or all of the following:

• Analysis of all Financial matters including financial performance, cash flow projections, investment options for the business, and analysis of all financial statements
• Review of business plans and short and medium term operational plans
• Securing of finance
• Preparation and monitoring of marketing and sales plans
• Preparation and resourcing of production plans
• Securing and maintenance of affordable business premises
• Asset management
• HR and labour matters including contracts of employment and payroll and conditions of employment matters
• All relevant statutory returns
• The focus on all of the above will be on formulating clear goals and implementation plans that will ensure the success of the business.
• All additional assistance that extends beyond the 1 hour meetings as agreed between the business consultant and the entrepreneur, will be charged at 50% of the normal EBDA consulting rate during the two year contractual period.

On completion of the two year programme, successful participants of the programme will be inducted into the EBDA SMME Alumni Club. They will qualify for entry onto our honours boards as well as being considered for the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Graduates of this programme will be asked to mentor new entrepreneurs that are entering the programme. Interested parties should contact the EBDA reception in order to arrange an appointment with the Academy Manager who will facilitate the implementation of the process.

Phase 6: Exit phase

The final phase consists of the following:

• Graduates are entered into an award scheme and the entrepreneur of the year is chosen
• Graduates are invited to join the alumni club in which it is expected that graduates of the programme will help and support new entrepreneurs