International consultancy and construction company Mace has formed a training partnership with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Africa, a first for the continent.

The partnership effectively extends the Institute’s training platform to Mace employees based on the African continent allowing access to internationally recognised practices and certification in construction excellence.

Eventually any individual who undertakes the training will become recognised chartered members of the CIOB.

“Our training partnership with the CIOB offers bespoke membership to our staff at any level, whether it’s a young professional or an individual that has years of experience but no formal qualification,” explains Craig Morrison, Operations Manager, sub-Saharan Africa for Mace.

“Through the CIOB training partnership, for example, they follow a path to attain their membership with the help of an assigned mentor.”

The CIOB is recognised throughout Africa and often, as Morrison remarks, potential international clients operating on the continent require professional membership.

“The CIOB gives our staff that level of training which also strengthening our continued professional development (CPD) practices, whether that is knowledge sharing sessions, site tours or formal training,” he says.

Creating crucial awareness

Liezl Botha, regional manager of the CIOB Africa says its partnership with Mace is a major step towards creating crucial awareness in South Africa and the rest of the continent around its training platform and internationally recognised membership.

“We are opening doors to companies and individuals to compete in the international construction marketplace; a crucial differentiator.”

The CIOB is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership.  The body’s Royal Charter promotes the science and practice of building and construction for the benefit of society, a mandate it has been following since 1834.

CIOB does not work on a “cookie cutter” principle – potential members send through their CVs and based on their experience and existing qualifications, the Institute defines a training path – whether it is a year or two years – to become professionally registered as a member.