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MFA-SA provides training and consultancy services to the metal finishing industry. Originally  we specialised in electroplating processes but today we work with associates in the anodising, powder coating and e-coating industries.

 

If you need an independent opinion on any issue related to metal finishing issues, or if you are in need of training at management or operator level, we provide tailor made services.

 

Our plating specialist, Tony van der Spuy, has been involved in the industry for the greater part of his career, and has been providing consultancy services since 1986. All our associates are respected industry figures with extensive experience over many years.

 

MFA-SA provides administration and management services to the South African Metal Finishing Association and works closely with this body. The association is our most important client.

 

The South African Metal Finishing Association had sponsored the development of training programmes for electroplaters with the use of funds from a DANIDA sponsored assistance programme that commenced in 2000.  Training for electroplaters was put into action in 2003 and has continued since then under the auspices of the association.  Visit their website here.

 

MFA-SA, was established in 2009 as a division of SpectraPage cc.  It was launched as a  vehicle to assist the South African Metal Finishing Association in its efforts to create a pathway for workers in the electroplating and anodising industries to achieve qualifications registered with SAQA. [ South African Qualifications Authority] 

 

The National Certificate Metals Processing – SAQA ID 58718 was developed with intense input from experts representing the South African Metal Finishing Association along with other interested parties.

 

These endeavours resulted in the qualification being successfully registered on the SAQA database during 2018. For various reasons, the efforts on behalf of the South African Metal Finishing Association to engage a FET* college willing to invest in setting up to provide this training did not meet with success.

 

It also became apparent that, at the time, this QCTO** initiative did not enjoy the anticipated support of the industry at large.  Ultimately the registration for this qualification lapsed but it was re-registered with modifications in 2023.  To date no FET college has advertised an intention to offer this programme.

 

Support for the short dedicated courses which the association had championed for electroplaters, anodisers and powder coaters  continues to be strong, meeting the needs of the average operator.

 

The Role of MFA-SA Today

 

Against this backdrop, MFA-SA was tasked by the South African Metal Finishing Association to continue the development and delivery of custom training programmes favoured by the industry.

 

These would be selected based on feedback from the association’s website, samfa.org.za, and input from regional executive committees. In the quest to fine tune course content we work with associates who are industry experts, usually business owners, senior managers and consultants within the industry.  

 

Current Status of Training Programmes

 

By the time  Covid 19 emerged in early March 2020, 487 trainees had attended live classroom based electroplating training and 151 attended powder coating sessions. These successes  motivated the implementation of online training to minimise the risks posed by exposure to the virus.  The first online series was launched during July 2020. We are pleased to report that the project has gone from strength to strength. All training is now delivered via the online medium except for sessions where a physical site visit is essential. We offer the following courses:

 

Electroplating Basics | Anodising Basics | Powder Coating Basics | Effluent Management & Compliance | Health, Safety & Enviro-Legal Compliance

 

Uniqueness of Training

 

Our training courses are specifically designed to resonate with trainees from diverse educational backgrounds. We take into account that classes usually include trainees who have no tertiary education along with others who do have qualifications from universities, colleges or technical training institutions.  Our challenge is to keep attendees at every level interested and engaged. Most importantly, on completion of the course every candidate should leave with requisite knowledge that applies directly to the work in which he or she is engaged. We have many referees who will substantiate this claim.

 

Recognition of Programmes

 

Our programmes are structured primarily for the benefit of individuals working on metal finishing process lines on the shop floor.  They seek to equip the worker with knowledge of basic principles of chemistry and physics that apply specifically to these processes. More often than not these workers have little or no understanding of this foundational theory.

 

Even workers who do have high school or tertiary training in chemistry need guidance on connecting theory to shop floor practice.

 

A certificate from the South African Metal Finishing Association is issued to trainees who successfully complete these courses.  As with apprenticeships in all hands-on technical occupations the certificate demonstrates only that the trainee has learned about the theory underpinning the practical aspects of the relevant processes. It is not a trade test and its possession does not imply that the holder is a qualified technician in the field described.  However, when presented to prospective future employers together with a reference detailing the trainees specific experience in the metal finishing industry, such a certificate does add value to a CV.

 

These courses are short programmes targeting specific aspects of various metal finishing operations. They do not purport to supplant any qualification registered with SAQA.   

 

Certificates issued are recognised by members and supporters of the association.

 

Key Personnel

 

MFASA operates as a division of Spectrapage, a business specialising in small business admin and marketing support services. It is registered as a  close corporation whose sole member is Felicity van der Spuy. She manages the admin and reception.

 

Tony van der Spuy* is engaged by the business in the role of technical consultant. He has been  advising customers in the metal finishing industry since 1986 when he launched a business supplying plant and chemistry into the industry. Tony is eminently qualified to present these subjects. He has served as a subject matter expert on the Standards Generating Body for MERSETA involved in the development of unit standards for industry training. [2005] 

 

During 2015 he served on the MERSETA Community of Expert Practitioners, a group compiling an electroplating and anodising qualification with the guidance of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations [QCTO]. The qualification was styled as the National Certificate Metals Processing. This necessitated additional work with the National Artisan Moderation Forum who had to devise trade tests for individuals who registered for this programme.

 

Between 2013 and 2015 he assisted with the revision of the WRC Natsurv 2 report titled "Water and Wastewater Management in the Metal Finishing Industry".  The publication was released in January 2016..

 

Details:  Report No: TT 644/15

ISBN No: 978-1-4312-0726-8

Authors: Ally SH; Kamish W; van der Spuy EA

CONTACT FORM
 

During December 2016 Tony was presented with the Connie Sieff award  for meritorious service to the Metal Finishing Industry internationally from the Institute of Materials  Finishing UK.

 

* Edward Anthony van der Spuy

Linkedin: Page Link

 

Please make use of the response form below to message us if you have any questions about our services or phone us on 021 761 8537.