The impact of training and development programmes on artisan's performance: a case study of Umngeni water.

Abstract

Training is an ongoing method of enhancing employee excellence. A training programme is an employer's attempt to provide opportunities for workers to improve job-related talents, attitudes, and knowledge. The best combination of new technology used by skillful and talented people is required to resolve the increasingly competitive demands of the business market, update it and take it to the heights of global brilliance. This study was conducted at Umgeni Water sites in Durban. The main aim of the research was to ascertain whether Umgeni Water’s training and development policies and procedures of Umgeni Water are in line with the overall company strategy, to determine whether Umgeni Water’s artisan development programme is aligned with the overall company strategy, to identify challenges that artisans encounter with regards to training and development, and to recommend solutions for artisan training and development at Umgeni Water. The research used a positivist approach which favours a quantitative research technique. Research data were gathered using closed-ended research questionnaires, which consisted of 4 sections using a 5-point Likert scale. The research included a sample size of 110 artisans who all participated in the study. The collected data were compiled, presented, and analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 22. The study results show that training and development play a critical role in improving employee performance. Training enhances employees’ skills, attitudes, and knowledge. One of the recommendations that emerged from the research is that the organisation should establish a user-friendly artisan training quality assurance system and process in line with the National Artisan Moderations Body (NAMB) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.