RECRUITMENT
Calls for expanded high-quality training courses for LMIs As concerns over the shortage of Lifting Machinery Inspectors (LMIs) in South Africa persist, industry professionals and training institutions advocate for a broader range of high-quality training courses to meet the growing demand. Recognising the need for a well-rounded development process, experts suggest a three-pronged approach that includes mentorship, extensive practical experience, and attendance at formal training courses for LMI applicants. Industry experts, such as Roger Day of Phakamisa Safety Consultants, believe that offering a diverse selection of high-quality training courses is crucial to equip aspiring LMIs with the necessary skills and knowledge. These courses must cover various topics related to different categories of LMIs, enabling applicants to specialise in their desired field. The aim is to ensure that LMIs have comprehensive expertise in inspecting and certifying lifting equipment, enhancing industry safety standards. Most experts agree that the insufficiency of available training programmes is the primary cause of the shortage of upcoming LMIs in South Africa amongst the decrease in current LMIs. “Investment in training programmes will play an important role to secure sufficient training needs for upcoming LMIs,” says one expert Lifting Africa spoke to. “The lifting sector needs competent LMIs. Therefore, recruitment strategies will have to be a focal point in recruiting trained and newly registered LMIs.”
However, becoming a competent registered LMI can be challenging as it requires some significant time and effort from an individual. “Not only is there a lack of awareness around the job opportunities that are available for LMI’s, and the important role LMI’s play in the safety of lifting machinery, but also not much is being done to expose this as a career opportunity to young people,” says Surita Marx, managing director of Lifting Placements. The company provides a specialised recruitment service to the lifting equipment industry, nationally and in Africa. “Our integrated service is primarily focused on employment opportunities available to LMIs and Lifting Tackle Inspectors(LTIs) as well as other professions in lifting support,” explains Marx. Another challenge, says another source, is the high cost of training. “The cost of training to become an LMI can be expensive, and so doing making it difficult, unattractive, and unobtainable for individuals. Furthermore, there is a lack of access to training. Limited access to training programmes to obtain the necessary skills to become an LMI exacerbates the issues. Especially in remote areas, this is very true, and it becomes tough for individuals to pursue this career path.” According to Day, it is not just training that needs to be addressed but also the cumbersome process of registering LMIs via the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). “I regularly get asked by aspiring LMIs to help them understand the process of registering. The first challenge for many is that English is not their first language. The second challenge, in general, is that parts of the application form and the information required are difficult to understand. Many applicants are not at the engineering level but understand the respective lifting machinery they wish to register for. They are competent but excluded because they do not understand what is required.” He says the application process must be made simpler – from an understanding point of view and layout. “It needs to be more meaningful to the applicant, but making sure at the same time that the required level of competency is not lowered.
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Lifting Africa - Sep/Oct 2023