My life unchained

Scaw’s Chain Products has recruited 13 female trainee operators for its chain making production lines since 2004. In each case, the appointment followed assessments equal to their male colleagues.

So far eleven have qualified as fully-fledged chain operators. All the ladies live near the Chain factory in Vereeniging. One of the operators, Tsidi Mthimkhulu, has been found competent to produce higher grade chains and is currently producing 8 mm safety critical hoist chain. She says, “I am enjoying myself even though the task is challenging.” She has Matric and N6 Mechanical Engineering (Fitter) certificates.

Another operator, Memeng Ramaele, has gone on to complete her overhead crane training. She is the first woman in the factory to operate an overhead crane pendant. She says, “Sometimes people try to discourage me by saying that this is a man’s job, however, I find this encouraging because it gives me a sense that I am breaking new ground.” She added a comment similar to one that Tsidi made: “Before coming here I was unemployed and now I am able to put bread on the table for my family.” Memeng has Matric and N3 Electrical Engineering certificates.

AltaSteel instructor certified a master

Duane Lang, the industrial trainer at Scaw’s AltaSteel operation in Canada, has completed all three levels of the Master Instructor program offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). He received certification recently. Duane worked long and hard to achieve this distinction, attending night lessons at NAIT for over a year. Duane’s level of skill in this field is of great value to AltaSteel. He conducts skills courses that touch every employee at AltaSteel and are critical to the successful performance of the business. Congratulations Duane!