Sandvik and IFTA invest in state of the art Computer-based Training and Assessment Centre

Sandvik, the global, high-technology, engineering company, has invested R400 000 towards a Computer-Based Training and Assessment Centre (CBA/CBT) at the Roodepoort, Johannesburg, training centre of Ikhaya Fundisa Techniskills Academy (Pty) Ltd (IFTA), the black-owned artisan training company.

The total cost of the system is expected to be R1 million. This was confirmed by Sean Jones, a director of IFTA, who said the new Microsoft-based training and assessment solution – which boasts 20 workstations – would increase the “overall efficiency of training, especially from a trainer-learner point perspective.”

“In terms of the process, each learner will register on the system via the workstation – assisted by a moderator. This will ensure that the learners are familiarised with the PC and its workings.

“Each artisan will then go through an induction module and will, thereafter, be assessed by the system to fathom their understanding and retention.

“After this their workshop training staff will book them for regular sessions with the CBT/CBA Centre -at which stage each module concluded in the workshop (practical) will be tested on a theoretical level.

“The assessment of each module,” said Jones, “will be done via random questions presented to the learner from a raft of questions. After each assessment the learner is presented with a score and a message indicating ‘competent’ if the required score is achieved, or ‘not yet competent’ if unsuccessful.”

Jones said the long term view is also to utilise the centre for computer skills training of people in the neighbouring community.

The new computer-based training system is expected to go live during August.