After a lot of behind the scenes work and much needed input from the industry itself, SAMFA is proud to announce the successful development of a three-day powder coating training course specifically tailored for powder coating operators. Two pilot runs were successfully conducted in Cape Town during February/March and October 2008.
Due to the nature of this training, the selection of a venue for the practical aspects poses some challenges. We originally used the False Bay FET college and for the second run we were able to secure facilities at SANS Fibres who have since closed down the operation. In 2009 we will be using a third venue for hands on training, which will be announced soon. However, the first lecture in the series, that deals with theoretical issues and demonstrates the components of powder coating equipment, will continue to be held at our standard training venue, Fairways, at the Bellville Golf Club.
Advice from industry has been heeded and we have put together an entry level, hands-on training course for actual gun-operators.  The supporting argument is that the professional handling of a powder coating gun is more of a "feel" that an experienced person can impart to the trainee by demonstration and live coaching.  Trainees also have to be able to observe the results of their activities and learn how to control those results with manipulation of the gun and settings on the control unit.
The basic theory of powder coating is dealt with and subjects are explained in simple and easy to understand manner and illustrated with the help of PowerPoint visual material.  Manuals, printed in plain English, are distributed to trainees to study during the training and are theirs to keep for future reference.
This training is delivered in English, Afrikaans, Zulu & Xhosa depending on the preferences of the attendees.  Participants are encouraged to question & comment in their own language as the day progresses, thereby gaining a better understanding of the training.
Trainees will be required to take part in a practical exam where they will be given a real-time job to do and complete a verbal test.  To maintain standards, the SAMFA executive committee has decided that the minimum pass mark is 60% and successful participants will receive an attractive certificate.
The course fee per participant is R1,800 (ex VAT) for SAMFA member companies & R2,250 (ex VAT) for non-member companies.  The balance is payable on or before registration at the first session.  The price includes a training booklet, lunch and tea.
We have been fortunate to secure suitable facilities in Johannesburg and we are still working on setting up a venue in Durban. This will happen during early 2009.