By Own Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Workers Union (ZCATWU) recently conferred yellow training certificates to ten young workers upon successful completion of training on the operation of earthmoving machines.

The workers group contends that such training programmes equips the sector's workers with modern skills and helps in membership retention through the reduction of the sector's redundancy levels.

"A total of 10 young union members who were selected to undergo a two-week yellow machines training course successfully completed the programme. The beneficiaries were awarded with certificates which are recognised locally, regionally and internationally and can use them to be upgraded at their respective companies if opportunities arise," said ZCATWU in a statement.

The training programme is in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution which is now focusing on the global thrust of automation of the world of work across industry and commerce.

The participants who were composed of 4 females and 6 males received training in the operation of excavators, bulldozers and frontend loaders.

"Resources permitting the union will look at embarking on such programmes targeting other trades in our sector," the union said.

Ten youths from the union 's five regions have been selected to undergo a skills development programme through  Masimba Holdings, Bitumen World, Tensor System, J. R. Goddard and Midlands State University Projects.

The two weeks long high impact initiative was  coordinated by the union's project department in partnership with 3F a Danish Workers Federation.

Both oral and practical lessons in the operation of such machines as the backhole job, tower crane, front end loader, excavator among others were dispensed.

"This initiative by the union was done in efforts to ensure that the beneficiaries will be upgraded at work and will be rewarded better salaries that will ultimately improve their welfare," added ZCATWU.