Nedbank Insurance, through the Nedbank Group Enterprise Development Programme, is funding aspiring, young plumbing entrepreneurs to develop black-owned enterprises that focus on adding relevant value to clients’ needs.
Email us for more information: debbie@youareworthit.co.za
In addition to the plumbing qualification and enterprise development training in progress, Nedbank Insurance has facilitated the support of specialist insight into electricity and water conservation to ensure artisans’ work is grounded in sustainability.
As a bank committed to doing good in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Nedbank realises that climate resilience is underpinned by the need to conserve water and natural resources. Educating plumbers and training them in saving water and energy is crucial.
With its longstanding history and extensive footprint in South Africa, Builders has access to the innovation, products and knowledge that support water- and energy-saving as well as components required by plumbers. Therefore, it augments the Nedbank Group Enterprise Development’s bespoke ED 360° Plumber Programme – a programme that aims for impactful outcomes by supporting plumbers working in small, medium, and macro enterprises (SMMEs) and start-ups.
Back row left to right : Giovanni Cantamessa (Builders Warehouse), Goodenough Mthembu, Pabalelo Chuene and Igsaan Hugo (LIXIL Africa). Front row left to right : Mackdonald Nthelebovu, Veronica Ntho, Hector Ramano, Thabiso Thabane, Lindsay Smit (LIXIL Africa) and Thandolwenkosi Mtshali. Photo by Youareworthit
This partnership enables access to valuable knowledge sharing and prepares candidates to offer sustainable plumbing services to both homeowners and businesses. It makes sense, given consumers’ increasing demand for reduced energy consumption and reliance on inconsistent electricity and water supply.
This initiative also aligns with Nedbank’s walking the talk when it comes to creating positive economic, societal and environmental impact through sustainable finance. The first nine candidates are currently 18 months into the 36-month programme and have completed a specialised two-day training session in Gauteng in February 2023. The training was provided by a multinational home appliance and geyser manufacturer.
The first day focused on knowledge transfer relating to energy-saving tools and resources while a leading manufacturer of water and housing products trained candidates in water-saving on the second day. Candidates received a starter toolbox with basic plumbing tools and a discount Builders card, which they can use to build their tool collection. Because YOU’RE worth it, the programme designer and facilitator of the Nedbank ED 360° Plumber Programme welcomes the value of this partnership in increasing professionalism in SMMEs.
Builders works closely with the Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) and offers all IOPSA members a 5% global discount on their Builders trade card.
As Southern Africa’s number one construction and building material retailer, Builders plays a significant role in the sustainability of these small plumbing businesses. Their services include expert product advice and guidance together with conveniently located outlets, which support the ‘as and when’ purchase of materials. Being able to pop into a local Builders assists SMMEs with better cash flow management, since they can purchase stock as needed and at a discount with their trade card.
‘Mindful of growing unemployment and a rising interest rate cycle, such initiatives can help grow the entrepreneur pool, enabling entrepreneurs to contribute to the economy and their communities while uplifting themselves, says Nirmala Reddy, Nedbank Group Enterprise development manager.
Email us for more information: debbie@youareworthit.co.za
