Creative Approches to Enterprise Development

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:05

Creative approaches to Enterprise Development  

Khuthaza’s Contractor Development Initiatives

 

I do not believe there is, or will ever be, one magic model for contractor development. Khuthaza’s Contractor Development Programmes have been growing and evolving over the past several years and serve as one contribution to the industry’s needs.

 

What started in 2002 as a series of seven workshops, has grown into a comprehensive offering of five formal programmes, three of which are 8-month certificate programmes. Three of the programmes have 20+ activities per year, and even more on an open registration basis. In fact, there are 80 contractors registered in the certificate programmes this year.

 

Our programmes aim to be as holistic as possible, targeting personal, professional business and technical skills development.  To be clear, we do not develop individuals or businesses, rather offerring participants programmes through which they are better able to develop themselves and their businesses.

 

Women owned companies represent approximately 40% of the contractors registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) in Grades 2-4. This is a significant percentage and is even higher when Grade 1 companies are added to the list. Though the vast majority of the Grade 1 and 2 companies are entry level enterprises, the entrepreneurs we work with show a great sense of pride in their businesses and are determined to develop successful, growing companies. We have found that when the women are provided with the necessary skills, experience, resources and support, they are able to thrive and contribute to the growth of the industry.

 

Our programmes are unique in that they are made up of 10 components, which offer entrepreneurs a comprehensive platform to develop their skills, knowledge, networks, experience and access to industry opportunities. Ongoing motivation and support complement these programme components as well.  

 

As a relatively small organisation and having allowed our programmes to grow organically over the years, we can be flexible and creative in our approach.

 

Key features of Khuthaza’s Contractor Development Programmes

 

The programmes are not based on accredited training. While we include components of accredited training, we also recognise the value of informal training and industry exposure.

 

Participants themselves need to have a very strong commitment to this development, as well as the ability to commit to the time and hard work required. We believe the character and determination of the participants we work with, support from many industry role-players, the components of the programmes and the spirit of the Khuthaza team all contribute to the success of the programmes.

 

• Contractors commit by applying for entrance into the programmes and paying a registration fee upfront.  An interview with a panel of industry representatives forms part of the application process for the ‘Re a abelana’ (higher level) programme.
• We attract participants who have a high level of commitment and are interested in the programmes for the right reasons.
• A wide range of industry role-players involve themselves in the programmes by speaking at seminars, hosting site visits, offering training, and sharing ideas and opportunities.
• The programmes support the development of both the individuals and their specific needs, as well as their businesses.

 

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