Timothy Mapheto’s determination to build a future in plumbing has already paid off, with new skills giving the Inyoni Creek maintenance assistant the confidence to tackle work he previously would not have attempted.
Timothy, who has worked at Rand Aid since March 2018, completed a plumbing diploma through the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre after years of trying to overcome various obstacles to obtaining a formal plumbing qualification.
Investing in his future
Timothy’s day-to-day maintenance work at Inyoni Creek had exposed him to a considerable amount of plumbing, sparking his desire to deepen his knowledge and invest in his future.
He had completed other courses over the years and repeatedly tried to pursue a plumbing qualification, but various stumbling blocks – including the Covid-19 pandemic – delayed his plans.
When the opportunity arose this year, he was determined not to let it pass.
The course ran from July 20 to September 2 and covered six modules. Although Timothy did not pass one module on his first attempt, he immediately enrolled to repeat it, taking additional leave to attend the training. He subsequently passed his final module and will receive his certificate in due course.
His commitment was evident even before the course began. While village manager Jenny Tonkin was seeking approval from head office for possible financial assistance, Timothy explained that he had already enrolled and paid the full course fee himself. When he was told he might not have enough leave available, he was prepared to take unpaid leave to complete the training.
“His response showed clear determination to complete the course and a commendable willingness to invest in his own growth,” Jenny says.
Putting his skills to work
Timothy’s new skills are already benefiting Inyoni Creek. After returning from his training, he assisted Burgess Plumbing with a major leak-detection project. His knowledge of the village layout helped the plumbers identify and isolate sections of the water supply while investigating the leak.
More recently, he replaced a bath mixer, breaking into the wall to remove the damaged fitting and install the new one.
“This is something he would not have had the confidence to do before his training,” Jenny says.
Timothy’s responsibilities at Inyoni Creek extend beyond plumbing to tiling, electrical work, general maintenance and assisting residents. The additional training gives him a stronger foundation from which to carry out these duties and develop his career.
Amanda Diener, Rand Aid GM of commercial and compliance, praised his ‘commitment, initiative and dedication to improve oneself’.
Timothy lives in Rand Aid staff housing with his wife and their two children. His decision to fund his own training is proving to be an investment not only in his career, but also in the skills he can bring to the Inyoni Creek community.
