Interest Group:
Building Construction Professionals
Trade Union Solidarity has announced the completion of its new Sol-Tech Occupational Training College campus in Gauteng. The campus was built within a year – on time and under budget. Clay brick is an integral part of the innovative design, and suppliers like Rosema Bricks in Pretoria had to ensure consistent, scheduled deliveries for their Redwood Travertine FBS face brick.

Project name: Sol-Tech (Beroepsopleiding Kollege)
Architect: Jeremie Malan Architects – Interiors
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Bricks used: Redwood Travertine FBS and Redwood Travertine Solids
Contractor: JC van der Linde & Venter Projects
Construction of the campus is the first major project that forms part of education and employment projects the Solidarity Network will embark on over the next five years. Funded entirely by community investments, the campus is part of a R300 million project which consists of the education campus and a student residential complex, development of which is currently underway. Established in 2007, the Afrikaans-language college does not receive any government subsidy or contributions from major companies.

Sol-Tech provides artisan training based on values that were the norm 50 years ago, but they use modern equipment as well as the latest technology to get the best results. This equipment and the good qualifications that Sol-Tech offers makes Sol-Tech’s students highly sought after in the labour market for jobs like electricians, welders, millwrights and diesel mechanics.

Sol-Tech’s main campus is located in Pretoria. Housing is currently offered by private organisations and other members of the public in the vicinity of Sol-Tech. Student housing is one of the priority projects the Solidarity Network will embark on over the next five years.