Orapa Training Programme for Apprentices
Brief history of the Orapa Training College
Since its establishment in 1971, the Orapa mine has made concerted efforts to develop and implement safer and more efficient ways of mining its valuable resource with as little impact to the environment as possible.
To this end it was clearly beneficial for the company to offer engineering training to its work force. The Orapa Training Centre was formed to provide this training, and enrolled its first nine apprentices in 1972. It became the Orapa Vocational Training Centre in 1987 when the government of Botswana implemented the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Act.
The centre grew rapidly: By 2008 136 trainees were enrolled, and to date 916 qualified artisans have graduated.
Currently, the centre is known as the Orapa Technical College and operates under the auspices of the Botswana Training Authority (BOTA) and the Vocational Training Act of 1998.
Current Activities
Orapa Technical College trains apprentices not only for Debswana mines but also for other organizations across the country.
Orapa Mine boasts a team of highly qualified and seasoned personnel who, with their vast experience in the mining field, can offer relevant and invaluable training to both prospective employees and relevant others. The basic forms of training offered on site are:
- On-the-job training: This form of training is designed to facilitate the incumbent with first-hand experience that will enable them to apply theoretical concepts learned in class and adapt them in practical scenarios.
- Refresher training: Refresher training aids the student or incumbent to familiarise themselves and adhere to new system upgrades; mining policies and practices as well as mandatory protocol procedures of the mine.
- Site simulation: This form of training is very important because it not only ensures the development of skills competencies within the workforce, but also helps the incumbent familiarise themselves with the actual mine environment while in the relative safety of a controlled environment.
- Multi-skill training: This training program is designed to give the worker a greater field of skill and competence through the technical ability to operate more than just one instrument or vehicle in the mine.
Semi-skilled training of company employees is also done at the institution, with “C” and “B” Madirelo Trade Testing Centre certificate courses provided to improve employee efficiency and productivity.
Technician training, and trades such as plumbing, refrigeration mechanics, auto electrical, painter/decorator, bricklaying and carpentry are not trained in-house, but are managed through external providers.
Orapa Technical College is a registered examination centre for:
- NCC Examinations
- UNISA Examinations
- Cambridge Examinations and
- City & Guilds International Examinations
TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR APPRENTICES
To enrol in the apprenticeship training programme an applicant must have five O-level subjects, including mathematics and science at grade 'C' level, and English at grade 'D' level. Consideration is also given to semi-skilled employees who have shown great potential and interest.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To enrol in the apprenticeship training programme an applicant must have five O-level subjects, including mathematics and science at grade 'C' level, and English at grade 'D' level. Consideration is also given to semi-skilled employees who have shown great potential and interest.