In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to sustainable community development, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions recently celebrated the achievement of 39 community members who successfully completed its Foundational Learning Competence (FLC) programme - an essential steppingstone to skills training, employment and economic inclusion.

The milestone event, which brought together learners from five local communities, marks the culmination of months of learning focused on English communication and mathematical literacy: two key pillars for workplace readiness and further education.

“Our support for the FLC programme is grounded in our belief that education is the foundation of empowerment,” says Zandre de Witt, CSI Chairman, at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “Foundational literacy and numeracy remain critical barriers to entry into formal training and employment. This programme is helping to dismantle those barriers, giving individuals the confidence and competence to pursue greater opportunities.”

Implemented through an accredited training provider, the FLC forms part of Sandvik’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy which prioritises education, skills development and inclusive economic participation. In line with this, successful FLC graduates have been further supported through portable skills training including hand tools, safety, plumbing, bricklaying and welding, offered in partnership with AIH.

“We view the FLC not as the end, but the beginning of a journey,” he says. “Graduates are already progressing to portable skills certification and, ultimately, licences such as Code 8 and 10 driving permits and operator licences. This helps position them for real-world employability across the mining, construction and engineering sectors.”

Participants were selected based on clear inclusion criteria - residence in one of the five targeted communities, unemployment status, low formal education levels (below NQF Level 2) and a demonstrated interest in personal development. De Witt says that Sandvik worked closely with community leaders and local NGOs to ensure diverse inclusive representation.

“The programme’s impact has been far-reaching. On an individual level, learners report improved confidence, communication abilities and numeracy skills, all of which are critical assets in any work environment,” de Witt shares. “At a community level, the initiative is helping to foster a culture of aspiration, learning and self-empowerment.”

“What is most inspiring is seeing graduates become advocates within their communities, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps,” he adds.

With success firmly established, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is now exploring the expansion of the FLC initiative - both by scaling participant numbers and integrating it more deeply into the company’s broader learnership and enterprise development programmes.

Collaboration remains key to this journey. Through close partnerships with local stakeholders, educational institutions and training providers, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions ensures the programme maintains cultural relevance, educational rigour and long term impact.

“This is not just about education. It is about creating pathways to independence, dignity and sustained opportunity,” de Witt concludes.