The Standard for Developing Skills Through Infrastructure Contracts
Regulation 22B now requires all government departments to comply with the Standard for Developing Skills Through Infrastructure Contracts. The Standard applies to all government construction projects with a contract or an order issued in terms of a framework agreement that has a duration of 12 months or more, and a contract amount exceeding:
- R5 million in the case of a professional service or service contract or an order issued in terms of such a contract.
- R60 million in the case of an engineering and construction works, or design and build contract or an order issued in terms of such a contract
Improving skills through and for infrastructure projects
There is an urgent need to improve infrastructure delivery capacity and address unemployment. One way of improving improving capacity in the sector is to integrate skills programmes into infrastructure projects. Appropriate infrastructure projects and contracting arrangements can be used to provide learners with excellent opportunities to be mentored by highly experienced professionals and artisans within the building and construction industry. Work experience of this nature is highly valued by future employers and is a requirement of built environment professional registrations
Enhancing effiency and efficiency of the construction industry
The Standard for Developing Skills Through Infrastructure Contracts has been designed to support infrastructure skills development. It was developed by the Construction Industry Development Board to increase capacity, improve its efficiency and effectiveness, achieve greater value for money and develop new jobs and enterprises in the sector
What types of capacity development is supported by the Standard?
The Contract Skills Development Goal (CSDG) set by the Standard can be used to support the achievement of the following:
- A part or full occupational qualification registered on the National Qualification Framework.
- A trade qualification leading to a listed trade (GG No. 35625, 31 August 2012).
- A national diploma registered on the National Qualification Framework.
- Registration in a professional category by a statutory council.
How is the Standard applied?
The Standard works by requiring contractors tendering for a project to set aside a budget for capacity development. This funding is used to pay for accredited training for construction workers and professionals working on the project. The standard defines a contract skills development goal (CSDG) relating to the structured workplace learning that must be achieved.
It differentiates between engineering and construction works and professional services contracts and sets different goals for these. The methodology for calculating goals is also different as indicated below.
Thus, a large social housing building project of over R100 million should set aside at least 0.375% of the construction contract for skills development.
Gauge has been assisting government departments apply the Standard. Further information on the Standard can be found through the links below.
CIDB Standard for Developing Skills through Infrastructure Contracts