In a bid to precisely meet the needs of customers and tackle the problem of skills shortage, Rockwell Automation's annual training buyers group meetings focused on 'the needs of the customer'.
Meetings were held in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay, with discussions revolving around new training courses on offer, competence assessments, pricing and total training packages. "The forum gives the training buyers (customers and system integrators) an opportunity to play an active part in the delivery process and have input in how we structure and execute courses," says Brett Spindler, training and customer support manager (MEA), Rockwell Automation. It also means that Rockwell Automation can change or redevelop aspects of its training programme to better meet the customers' requirements.
Seen at the training buyers meeting: Brett Spindler (Rockwell), Terrence Harrison (manager – technical training, Iscor), Josh Chambers (commercial marketing manager - Rockwell UK), Antony Junius (branch manager - Rockwell), Rudolph Smith (education training and development facilitator - engineering, Unilever)
As a way of illustration, a number of customers presented their approaches to training and how they address training needs in their organisations. One training buyer, Cedric Michael of Quad Automation commented: "The session was very informative and provided insight into what other companies see as training-related issues and how they deal with these. It also highlighted the wide scope of training that Rockwell Automation offers."
"The South African engineering environment is coming under increasing strain regarding skilled individuals and, hence, the requirement for companies to develop internal skills is increasing. We aim to be part of the solution to this skills shortage crisis, and with our focus on quality and value, we are also acutely aware that companies need employees trained both effectively and rapidly," said Spindler.
To provide a global perspective, Josh Chambers, Rockwell Automation UK, shared some of the issues confronting training and training suppliers in the European Region. The next training buyers meeting will be held in April 2005.
For more information contact Brett Spindler, training and customer support manager - MEA, Rockwell Automation, 011 654 9700, bspindler@ra.rockwell.com
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