BUILDING A SEAMLESS PATH
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN THE GRADUATE TRANSITION FROM UNIVERSITY TO INDUSTRY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
BACKGROUND
The transition from graduation in the Built Environment, particularly in Construction Studies and Management, to securing employment presents a significant challenge for students. Graduates are required to register with statutory councils, which often mandate a certain number of years of post-qualification experience based on individual qualifications. Furthermore, the high unemployment rate in South Africa adds to the complexity of finding suitable employment opportunities.
The ACPM plays a crucial role in supporting the Skills Pipeline and Massification Programme in the Built Environment by offering registration opportunities for graduates, employed or unemployed. Through collaboration, employees can register with the ACPM, which provides recognition and professional development opportunities.
Qualifying Criteria for registration
A construction and project management graduate must possess qualifications in any of the following categories: Built Environment Qualifications or Construction Studies
| BUILT ENVIRONMENT APPROVED QUALIFICATION | CONSTRUCTION STUDIES | |
| Approved qualification as accredited by various Built Environment Councils. Approved for registration for PCM and CM by the SACPCMP | NON-SACPCMP-Accredited Qualifications Which Are Recognised For The Purpose Of Registration Are Listed Below: | List Of Recognised Qualification Aligned To The SACPCMP Amended Registration Policy |
| 1. An accredited Honours Degree in the Built Environment field of study with specialisation in construction and project management
2. An accredited B-Tech qualification in the Built Environment field of study with specialisation in construction and project management 3. An accredited National Higher Diploma in the Built Environment field of study with specialisation in construction and project management 4. An accredited National Diploma in the Built Environment field of study with specialisation in construction and project management |
NB if there is some post relevant experience in construction and project management and the graduate does not yet qualify to register as a candidate with SACPCMP
1. Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) 2. Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) 3. Advanced Diploma (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) 4. BTech Engineering 5. Bachelor of Architecture 6. Bachelor of Science in Architecture 7. Advanced Diploma in Architecture 8. BTech Architecture 9. Advanced Diploma Quantity Surveying 10. BTech Quantity Surveying 11. Bachelor of Construction Quantity Surveying 12. Bachelor of Science Quantity Surveying 13. Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Development in Construction Management 14. Bachelor of Land and Property Development Management Honours: Housing (obtained before 2022-12-31) |
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PROGRESSION ROUTE
TRANSITION FROM GRADUATE TO PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
The ACPM has established a structured Progression Route designed to guide graduate members employed and unemployed through the transition from initial graduate registration to professional registration . This structured graduate progression route consists of the steps detailed below, with a duration of between one year to four years depending on initial qualification exit level qualification and experience and qualifications acquired during this period:
Graduate Membership:
Duration: One year if unemployed, followed by six months if employed.
Individuals can initiate their journey by registering as Graduate Members. After the first year (or six months if employed), they have the option to progress to the next level.
Graduate Membership to Affiliate Membership:
Criteria: Six months of post-relevant qualification experience.
Upon meeting the experience requirement, individuals can advance to Affiliate Membership. For a seamless transition, the Affiliate Membership application fee is waived. Additionally, during the remaining six months of annual membership, the difference between Graduate and Affiliate Membership fees is paid to complete the transition, provided the individual has been active and fulfilled the annual fees for Graduate Membership.
Affiliate Membership to Associate Membership:
Options for Upgrade:
- After two years of Affiliate Membership and accumulating two years of professional experience, individuals are eligible to progress to the Associate level of registration, enhancing their expertise in the field.
- Alternatively, upon registering as a candidate with the SACPCMP, individuals can upgrade from Affiliate Member to Associate. Similar to the Affiliate transition, the Affiliate Membership application fee is waived. The annual membership fee is adjusted, paying the difference between Affiliate and Associate fees upon a successful upgrade, provided the individual has been active and fulfilled the annual fees for Affiliate Membership.
Associate Membership to Full Membership:
Upon successfully upgrading from candidate to professional with the SACPCMP, individuals holding Associate Membership can further elevate their status to Full Membership. The membership application fee is waived, and the annual membership fee adjustment involves paying the difference between Associate and Full Member fees upon a successful upgrade, provided the individual has been active and fulfilled the annual fees for Associate Membership.
This progression route offers a clear and structured pathway for graduates, ensuring a smooth transition to professional registration while recognizing and rewarding their evolving expertise and commitment to the field.
BENEFITS OF GRADUATE PROGRAMME
Key Features:
CPD Validated Programs: The skills development program comprises CPD (Continuing Professional Development) validated courses and initiatives. These offerings ensure that participants receive relevant and up-to-date training in their respective fields.
Acquiring Experience: The program focuses on providing participants with the necessary experience required for professional growth. Through practical exercises, real-world projects, and industry-specific simulations, participants will gain relevant technical knowledge and enhance their practical skills.
Soft Skills Development: The importance of soft skills in today’s professional landscape. The program places equal emphasis on developing essential soft skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, to empower participants with a well-rounded skill set.
Alignment with Professionalization Requirements: The programme is designed to align with the identified skills required for the professionalization of the state in the built environment sector. By participating in our program, individuals can enhance their capabilities in line with industry standards and requirements.
Other Developmental Programmes
This programme is suitable for growing the skills pipeline in the built environment, catering to those with experience, those who have just started working, and the unemployed. Additionally, it highlights that the program is a combination of CPD validated programs, focusing on acquiring necessary experience and soft skills aligned with the identified professionalization requirements of the state.
This comprehensive skills development program aimed at fostering growth in the built environment sector. This program caters to individuals with varying levels of experience, including those already employed, those who have recently started working, and those currently unemployed. Our program, developed in collaboration with CUT, is part of our commitment to community outreach.
BECOME A GRADUATE MEMBER
Application Fee: R300.00 Plus a Fixed Annual Membership Fee: R655.00
Click here to start your registration process: REGISTER