Free technical skills for hand-LAID asphalt contractors

AECI Much Asphalt has presented free workshops to government departments, contractors and consultants, SMMEs and new entrants into the asphalt sector for nearly 15 years. The aim is to promote the sustainability of asphalt paving on South Africa’s roads and help emerging contractors gain the skills to grow their businesses. 

“First and foremost, we hope to facilitate the establishment of small enterprises and provide employment opportunities in the construction sector through skills transfer,” said Bennie Greyling, Managing Director: AECI Much Asphalt. “At the same time, it is essential to establish a uniform, industry-wide standard for high quality hand-laid hot mix asphalt. All contractors should be able to deliver durable and cost-effective asphalt surfaces to their customers.” 

AECI Much Asphalt’s Best Practice Workshop on Hand-Laid Hot Mix Asphalt provides practical instruction on techniques for the placement of hot mix asphalt by hand on small projects. Each delegate also receives a manual on the selection, use and application of AECI Much Asphalt’s products and a certificate on completion of the course. 

Last updated in 2018, the Best Practice Guide on Hand-Laid Hot Mix Asphalt provides step-by-step guidance and is a useful reference for the specifications and quality of finished asphalt surfaces. Hundreds of individuals have attended the training across South Africa since the workshops were launched in 2006. The COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a pause, but the workshop schedule will resume once it is safe to do so. 

As an example, a course for SMME contractors was hosted near the company’s Pomona branch in Kempton Park on a road where potholes needed repairing. Workshops have also been hosted in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal for the National African Federation for the Building Industry’s mentorship programme where the Construction Industry Development Board-registered contractors were trained on asphalt patching, paving and mix type applications. Pictures from these learning interventions are below and on the next page.

“In the end, AECI Much Asphalt and the contractor placing our product have a joint responsibility for its quality,” said Bennie. “We need to work together for the best outcomes and deliver Better Chemistry.”