In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the innovative partnership between DGC AFRICA and UXi Artisan Development is setting a new standard for industrial growth and workforce empowerment.
This strategic alliance showcases the transformative potential of combining hands-on artisan training with profound industry knowledge to foster systemic change and empower the workforce.
DGC AFRICA: Pioneers in Industrial Solutions
As an integral part of the renowned Dickinson Group of Companies, DGC AFRICA has become a linchpin of asset integrity management and industrial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa.
With a century-long legacy of innovation, DGC AFRICA enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability across various industries, including mining, metals smelting, and mineral processing.
The company’s deep-rooted expertise in these sectors provides a strong foundation for the impactful training programs designed in collaboration with UXi Artisan Development.
The DRC is a land of immense potential, blessed with abundant natural resources. Despite this, the country has yet to fully capitalize on its wealth due to a significant skills gap that hinders local participation in the booming industrial sectors.
This gap has led to high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, creating a paradox in a nation rich in resources but struggling to empower its workforce.
DGC UXi Artisan Development envisions a different future for the DRC - one where the country’s natural wealth translates into prosperity for all, fuelled by a skilled and empowered local workforce.
The collaboration goes beyond merely bridging the skills gap in the DRC’s labour market. It weaves together UXi’s educational expertise with DGC AFRICA’s deep industry insights to uplift communities, particularly in Kolwezi and Lubumbashi.
This initiative is poised to instil essential skills, drive innovation, and promote self-reliance, thereby nurturing a new generation of professionals expected to lead the nation’s economic resurgence.
Three Pillars of Transformation:
Industry-Specific Training: We offer internationally recognized training programs meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of the expanding industrial sector. This ensures graduates possess the exact skillsets demanded by employers, maximizing their employability.
Investing in a Well-Rounded Workforce: Our programs extend beyond technical skills to include training in crucial areas such as supply chain management and business management. This holistic approach creates a versatile workforce, adaptable to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.
Empowering Women for Success: We actively dismantle social and cultural barriers that hinder women’s participation in the workforce, offering mentorship opportunities and developing programs specifically designed to equip women with the skills they need to thrive in high-paying industrial jobs.
In addition to these core pillars, we are leading the effort to establish a national certification program aligned with QCTO international standards.
Developed in collaboration with local and national institutions, this program will set a globally recognized standard for Congolese workers, opening doors to international career opportunities.
Early results from these programs are promising, showing high employment rates among graduates and positive responses from local businesses.
The initiative maintains a continuous dialogue with the communities it serves, ensuring that the programs meet local needs and that there is substantial community involvement in their planning and execution.
With support and cooperation from local governments, the partnership has ambitious plans for the future. It aims to expand its successful programs to other regions and sectors within the DRC, scaling up its impact and investing in training infrastructure to support sustainable growth.
Despite facing logistical and cultural challenges, DGC AFRICA and UXi are proactively adapting their strategies to ensure the initiative’s long-term viability.
This includes forging alliances with other NGOs, international bodies, and private sector entities to enhance the resources and opportunities available to participants.
Importantly, the initiative champions inclusivity, actively promoting the participation of women and marginalized groups in its programs. This not only enriches the talent pool but also strengthens the socio-economic fabric of the DRC.
Looking to the future, DGC UXi Artisan Development envisions expanding the provision of artisanal skills training beyond the Katanga region, reaching into key locations throughout the DRC.
Following this, there are plans to broaden their impact into Francophone Africa and select countries in sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to set a benchmark for development initiatives worldwide.
This comprehensive strategy represents a robust commitment to fostering sustainable industrial growth and societal advancement across the region.
Published 28 May 2024, Copperbelt Katanga Mining
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Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) was founded in 1910. For comprehensive information about Our Company – History, Vision & Values, Strategy, Global Alliances, Africa Footprint, Commitment to Safety, Anti-Corruption Policy, References, and Industrial Solutions, please visit our website.
