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Competence Centre Education, Training and CSR

The competence centre's primary focus is designing and implementing the dual vocational training programmes in collaboration with the industry and instilling commitment to education and learning across the various communities through impactful CSR projects and initiatives. Working with industry, business partners, learning institutions, government departments, and society remains instrumental in contributing to the mission of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Since 1985, partnerships with businesses and training institutions have enabled our vision of creating sustainable learning and employment opportunities for South African youth. Various training interventions, including the Office and Business Administration Programme (formerly known as the “Commercial Advancement Training Scheme”), have been at the centre of our training activities, directed by the Education and Training Committee. In 2019, we introduced a successful Freight Forwarding, Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programme. Over 5,000 graduates and alumni have progressed into various careers after participating in these activities.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives funded by business partners are implemented to promote commitment to education by collaborating with community organisations and schools. These engagements also enable the team to attract recruits from local communities, offer workshops for high school learners, and share learner profiles with member companies that may wish to recruit youth into learnerships and other skills programmes.

History of the AHK Training

1984 - THE FUNDA CENTRE: SCIENCE EDUCATION

Science Education, Adult Education, and Advanced Teachers Training
Funded by: German Federal Government, SAGCC & member companies

1985 - COMMERCIAL ADVANCEMENT TRAINING SCHEME (CATS)

Continues to train Commercial Administrators and Office Administrators

1991 - BUILDER TRAINING CENTRE (BTC) – SOWETO

A training project that provided construction and building skills

2008 - SOUTH AFRICAN GERMAN TRAINING SERVICES (SAGTS)

Strategic marketing and management training divisions for CATS and BTC

2017 - ADVISORY COMMITTEE: TRAINING & EDUCATION

Established to coordinate, expand, develop, and integrate training activities

2019 - MECHATRONICS TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP

A pilot programme funded by member companies

2020 - LOGISTICS & FREIGHT FORWARDING PROGRAMME

A successful programme funded by the German Skills Expert Programme, member companies, and partly by the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA).

AdA International Vocational Trainer Course

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    AdA International Vocational Trainer Course

    The course focuses on the fundamental vocational and occupational pedagogy principles for in-company trainers, specialists and mentors, enabling them to elevate their approach to integrating and effectively training apprentices and interns within their organisations.

New dual vocational training programmes in 2025

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    Chemical Operations Programme (COP): Project Asambe

    The 12-month programme signifies a new approach to designing short programmes and courses that respond to immediate and long-term skills needs by training and retaining young talent. The project has attracted youth who are already paving the way for sustainable careers in the chemicals manufacturing sector through their dedication and workplace performance.

Dual vocational training programmes being phased out in 2025

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Office Administration – FASSET Accredited

This legacy programme is generally known as Commercial Advancement Training Scheme (CATS), a name introduced when the programme started in 1985; it continues to offer commercial training skills to the South African Youth.
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Freight Forwarding & Logistics

QCTO Accredited Cars from Germany, bananas from Costa Rica, and laptops from China – these goods are all available thanks to Freight Forwarding and Logistics.
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Mechatronics Technician

QCTO Accredited A Mechatronics Technician repairs and maintains integrated industrial Systems based on mechanical, electrical, electronic and information technology and advanced technology components.

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