Purpose of the sub-programme
The Linkages Project aimed to develop a practical
system for EPWP workers to access training opportunities.
Work undertaken
A key component of the first phase of the EPWP was
to provide a training benefit to each worker in addition to their work
opportunity. However since inception the EPWP consistently failed to
meet its training targets. Accordingly this sub-programme aimed to
develop a practical system for EPWP workers to access their training
benefit in the Infrastructure sector.
In 2007 a pilot project commenced with the eThekwini Metro, the KZN
Department of Transport, the National EPWP Unit and the KZN Department
of Labour to test how EPWP municipal projects could more effectively
access and use the Department of Labour (DoL) and SETA allocations for
training. The intention was to develop a set of procedures by which
training needs are identified and funding secured. This process led to
a greater understanding of the difficulties faced in accessing
training using current procedures.
By the end of 2007 the pilot concluded that the model of requiring
public bodies to engage with the DoL funding application was
unrealistic and virtually impossible. A set of recommendations were
developed and presented to DPW, DoL and EPWP Provincial Officials. A
number of these recommendations were implemented. In addition partly
as a result of these findings training as an objective of the EPWP was
not carried through to the second phase of the EPWP.
Achievements
This project led to a greater understanding of the difficulties
faced in accessing training using current procedures and resulted in a
revised approach to training. In particular the issue of training was
recognized to be a project specific requirement to ensure that workers
could perform their tasks effectively in a manner that did not
undermine their health or safety. This revised approach to training
was incorporated into the design of the second phase of the EPWP.
Lessons learnt
The benefit of this programme was that it allowed a
number of different stakeholders to work collectively to try and
resolve a problem. A team of highly skilled consultants worked with
and reported to a team that comprised representatives from the:
- eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
- National EPWP
- Provincial EPWP
- Department of Labour
The pilot was able to demonstrate that the reason
municipal infrastructure projects were unable to achieve the training
targets was not because of a lack of will or capacity, but because the
institutional arrangements on which the programme was premised were
inadequate. Being able to demonstrate this to all relevant parties,
all of whom had engaged in trying to resolve the problems, took much
of the heat and tendencies to “blame” different parties out of the
training debate at the national EPWP Unit. It also suggested very
clearly that public bodies should only be responsible for delivering
activities that were clearly within their own mandate.
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