Mentorship Program

The mentorship model includes providing guidance to and facilitating the incubatees, who are selected through clear criteria for inclusion into the programme, to achieve financial and operational efficiency and success.

MENTORSHIP STAGES The program was developed around specific processes that can be found in any construction business: TENDER STAGE When the contractor wishes to acquire work in the form of contracts they need to be priced correctly, with clear profit margins, and all expenses to be recoverable ensuring a profitable business and clear financial formula for success. PRE-CONSTRUCTION After securing or being awarded the contract, there is a contractual period in which the contractor has to prepare for occupation or possession of the site. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Processes that are specifically the domain of the company directorship or management need to be properly and professionally managed.These necessary administrative functions are sometimes used as a measurement of capability by the attending professional consultant on the project. Correct, clear and concise understanding can ensure a pathway to recommendation for future and current projects. SITE SUPERVISION Interaction with the Site Foreman is essential in ensuring that the information and skill requirements are thoroughly understood by all role players in the transfer process. Stronger Site Supervision allows the contractor’s management team a certain amount of independence and autonomy, thereby creating opportunities

Training and Development

NCI recognises that from a business perspective, construction needs may include a range of services such as providing access to technology and to business development support services such as venture capital. The technical training that we provide ensures that incubatees are skilled enough to complete projects in the open market. Clients are coached in a range of skills in order to complete a SAQA qualification which is in line with a NQF Level 5 qualification and approved by the Construction CETA. The areas of training include the transfer of skills in General Building skills, Electrical Engineering skills and Civil Engineering Construction.

Outreach Program

The outreach programme is aimed at level 1 and 2 CIDB contractors. The programme was introduced three years ago and has resulted in more than 8- contractors being supported in Dundee, INK area and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The outreach programme has been included in the long and short term objectives of the next three years. The idea is to introduce an outreach programme in all branches of the Seda Construction Incubator. It has proven the impact of the programme in terms of job creation and poverty. .

Centre of Excellence

We have a dedicated and committed team of staff who together make up the skills and services of the National Construction Incubator (NCI). We pride ourselves on the quality and excellence of the Business Mentors, Business Development Managers and the training offered. NCI has been nominated for four years in a row as the top achiever in the Incubation category by the DTI, an achievement which reflects our passion and commitment to attaining Centres of Excellence. NCI is a well resourced organisation which is managed by a CEO and is accountable to it’s own Board of Trustees, with head office situated in Durban.

ADDRESSING A NEED
There has been political will and administrative support for the NCIs Contractor Development Programme. This is demonstrated by the fact that all incubator centres are implemented in partnership with a municipality. Administrative support from DTI and the municipalities ensures the continuous support of the programme over a period of time.

WE FOCUS ON DEVELOPING:

Women in construction

Youth in construction

Civil engineering contractors

General building contractors

Electrical engineering contractors

Mechanical engineering as well as specialised construction contractors registered with the CIDB