Group Artisan Development Specialist (2 Year Fixed Term Contract) at RCL Foods

We are seeking a Group Artisan Development Specialist to support our Baking & Groceries Division on a 24-month fixed-term contract. This role reports to the Learning & Development Executive and will be based in Pretoria (Gauteng).
The purpose of this role is to ensure the effective development, quality assurance, and progression of artisans, apprentices, and practical students within the RCL FOODS Baking and Groceries Operating Businesses.


The role works in close collaboration with Engineering Managers, Maintenance Teams, HR, SETAs, and Training Centres to ensure:


Artisan and student competency gap analyses are conducted
Training programmes are designed, implemented, monitored, and seamlessly executed
RCL artisans, apprentices, and apprentices' practical students and artisan mentors are fully trained and supported
Training delivery meets QCTO, SETA, and Occupational Curriculum requirements, creating a future skills pipeline


Minimum Requirements


Qualified Artisan in a recognised electrical or mechanical trade.
Higher Certificate in Education or equivalent adult education qualification/ A National Diploma in OD ETDP, HRD, or HRM will be an added advantage.
Minimum of 5 years' post-trade industry experience, with Subject Matter Expert (SME) capability; experience in a Foreman or relevant leadership capacity will be advantages.
Minimum 8 - 10 years' overall experience in industrial or manufacturing environments
Minimum 5 years' experience in technical training and development
Registered Assessor and Moderator
Experience in FMCG, food manufacturing, milling, or baking environments (Preferred)
Demonstrated experience working with training centres, SETAs, workplace mentors, and engineering leadership teams


Proven knowledge of:


Artisan Development and Trade test preparation
ARPL (Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning) processes
QCTO Occupational Qualifications curriculum
SETA operations, compliance, and stakeholder engagement
Workplace human resource development and training requirements


Duties & Responsibilities

Artisan, Apprentice & Student Development Monitoring


Monitor artisans, apprentices, practical students and artisan mentors across the Baking and Groceries sites.
Conduct site visits to evaluate student, artisan and mentor performance in the workplace.
Regularly engage with mentors to assess:
Technical competence
Behavioural and safety compliance
Workplace readiness
Review and verify:
Logbooks
Weekly journals
Workplace evidence portfolios
Any additional required documentation
Ensure all evidence meets QCTO requirements for the specific trade.


Gap Analysis & Skills Development Planning


Facilitate skills gap analyses for artisans, apprentices, and students in collaboration with Engineering Managers.
Develop individual and group action plans to close identified gaps.
Implement and track targeted close out training programmes.
Monitor progress until competencies are fully achieved and documented.


Quality Assurance of Training Delivery


Evaluate and monitor the quality of training provided internally and by external training centres.
Ensure training delivery:
Aligns with QCTO Occupational Qualifications
Complies with approved curriculum content per trade
Meets workplace and practical exposure requirements
Identify deviations or shortcomings and implement corrective actions with training providers.
Promote collaboration between training centres and Baking, Groceries and Milling sites.


Apprentice & Artisan Training Service Provider Programme Management


Coordinate and oversee RCL apprenticeships and experiential training of learners,
Ensure students are:
Appropriately placed at sites
Properly inducted and supervised
Assigned competent workplace mentors
Support pipeline development by identifying high-potential candidates for future apprenticeships and specialised artisan development
Ensure structured exposure to grocery, milling and bakery plant equipment.


Regulatory, Curriculum & SETA Compliance


Apply in depth knowledge of:
ARPL (Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning) process for trades
QCTO Occupational Qualifications curriculum
Human Resource Requirements (HR)
SETA operations, POE's /documentation, and audits
Liaise with SETAs and Learning & Development to ensure programme compliance.
Support internal and external audits related to skills development and training quality.


Reporting & Governance


Provide regular management reports to Learning & Development and the Engineering Excellence Community of Practice:
Student and artisan progress
Training quality findings
Action plan implementation
Maintain disciplined recordkeeping aligned to QCTO and RCL standards.