About
The South African Pioneers of Transformation (SAPOT) Training program is a registered Non-profit Organization (NPO) which was founded in 2017 to build capacity in the South African construction industry, predominantly in road construction sector. The main objective of the program is to create opportunities for graduates and interns to learn and gain experience from a technical base, through exposure in civil and construction projects. Since 2017 over 700 interns are trained and mentored from both TVET colleges and University of Technology.
SAPOT Training program was formalized as a Non-Profit Organization in March 2019 after successful pilot projects for socio-economic and skills development in the past years since its inception through various community development projects, being the pioneers onsite manufacturing of pre-cast products using the local inhabitants through a learnership program. Over 400 unemployed youth received NQF learnerships training to upskill them with necessary skills that will increase their employability with few being absorbed by contractors and SAPOT for long term employment opportunity.
Aligned with the National Development Plan objectives to alleviate poverty and youth unemployment in our country, SAPOT has taken an initiative to develop a pool of civil engineering graduates who will add value to the ultimate infrastructural development nationally. The program also has a mandate to develop Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME’s), new entrant suppliers and communities through up skilling activities, courses, workshops, mentoring and coaching on current SANRAL projects. The program has a greater socio-economic impact as it has through its initiative developed models that increased the inclusivity of SMME’s to participate on projects, thus allowing on average over 30 SMMEs to execute all auxiliary works packages on projects.
To date over 300 SMMEs has benefited from the program and upgraded their CIDB grading from grade 1CEPE to 2CEPE and 3CEPE respectively, with few of the first group of SMMEs who are now grade 5CEPE.SMME development is not only limited to those on SANRAL projects, but the program also grooms SMMEs on black Industrialization where they are taught skills such as sewing Personal Protective Equipment, manufacturing of block pavers and kerbs so that they can be suppliers.
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Services
Key Focus Areas
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Vision
To be recognized as one of the models that work in building capacity and improving communities.
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Mission
Preparing graduates and students through training, mentoring and development program, who become as asset to the country.
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Core Value Proposition
Integrity
Excellence
Commitment
Accountability
Pro-activeness
Innovation.
The program's purpose is to protect the interest of the clients ,engineers(consultant),and contractors by ensuring that the project adheres to the government's requirements as stated in the project documents.
SAPOT promotes and assists graduates in finding work as Engineer's Representative for Targeted Enterprise (ERTEs).
The ERTEs role comprises of the supervision of TEs through ensuring that they are aware of their obligations, contract, site well-being, readiness, self-sufficiency development and recognition by contractors and consultants through technical assistance provision.
Academies
The Academies department is dedicated to the training and development of professionals within SAPOT and the community. It is structured into several specialized units, each focused on producing competent individuals in their respective fields. The Entrepreneurship Academy equips entrepreneurs with the necessary business education to ensure the sustainability of their ventures within SAPOT and local communities. The TA&SHE Academy develops competent TSO and SHE officers, contributing significantly to industry standards and SAPOT capacity building. The Lab Personnel Academy is responsible for training Material Technicians and Lab Managers, enhancing their skills for both the industry and SAPOT. Lastly, the Site Personnel Academy prepares Site Agents, Foremen, and Supervisors for industry roles, ensuring their training is recognized by professional bodies, thereby increasing their capacity, sustainability, competence, quality, and performance in the industry.
Community Development (CD)
The Community Development Department is focused on promoting empowerment and self-reliance within communities through various initiatives. It supports job seekers in affected areas by providing skills development and job creation opportunities. This department plays a crucial role in economic improvement and poverty eradication. By enhancing safe access and mobility within communities, the CD department ensures the provision of necessary infrastructure and facilities, which in turn, improve living standards. The department’s efforts reflect a shift from a 'needs satisfying' state to a 'facilitating state,' emphasizing democratic and participatory outcomes of collective change, inclusion, and equality.
Conventional Projects
Conventional Projects within SAPOT are identified by SANRAL Consultants and PMs during the design phase of road projects. These projects address safety concerns, mobility, and socio-economic challenges within targeted communities where SANRAL operates. The primary objective is to improve the grades of Targeted Enterprises (TEs) and provide necessary training for community members, preparing them for participation in both current and future projects. Conventional Projects vary in their models, including Labour Based projects in rural areas with fewer TEs available, TE-based projects where TEs and labourers are trained to specific NQF levels, and Outcomes Based projects that provide previously trained TEs the opportunity to work on new projects.
