Thousands of individuals all over South Africa have attended workshops offered free of charge by Much Asphalt on best practice in the placement of hot mix asphalt by hand. Much launched its Best practice workshops on hand laid hot mix asphalt in 2006, facilitated by technical experts within the company and expert consultants. The programme continues to attract large numbers of delegates seven years later due to extraordinary demand by individuals looking for new skills, as well as SMMEs, emerging contractors, and local and provincial government departments wishing to educate their own staff or their contractors.

Delegates receive a handbook that provides guidance on the selection, use and application of asphalt products. It is a useful reference for specifications and quality of finished surfaces. Much Asphalt also caters to concerns of hand asphalt applicators through regional forums to discuss common issues.

“The aim is to establish a uniform, industry-wide standard for high quality hand laid hot mix asphalt,” says Much Asphalt marketing director John Onraët. “We would like to ensure that all contractors deliver durable and cost effective asphalt surfaces to their clients.

“At the end of the day, Much Asphalt and the contractor who is placing our product, no matter how big or small, have a joint responsibility for its quality.”

By transferring skills, the programme also helps to create essential job opportunities in the asphalt sector.