Contractor Development Programme

The Contractor Development Programme (CDP) is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and aims to develop skills and promote business sustainability for emerging contractors in the construction industry. Beneficiaries include contractors with a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Grading of 1-5 particularly youth and women.

Potential beneficiaries are identified per region from the CIDB listing and local municipalities. They are chosen on the expected activity in the local area.

The CDP includes 2 training programmes:

• Foundation phase training
• Advanced training and mentoring

Read more:

• Contractor Development Programme application form
• Contractor Development Programme brochure

Foundation phase training

The Contractor Development Programme: foundation phase is a skills programme offered to Western Cape contractors who are registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in Grades 1-2.  We aim to empower contractors with knowledge and skills through training resulting in individual empowerment and sustainable businesses.

• Construction Information Session – EXPO (CIS - EXPO)
• Structured Training

Construction Information Session – EXPO (CIS - EXPO)

The construction information session is a one day programme. We provide information on compliance to government regulations and procedures on the first day.  The contractor will know how to check if he/she is registered with all entities in order to compete in the open market. The second day focuses on costing and pricing of tenders.  

The Stakeholders include:

• South African Revenue Services (SARS)
• Department of Infrastructure
• Department of Economic Development and Tourism
• Construction Industry Development Board (cidb)
• Building Bargaining Council (BIBC)
• Construction Industry Bargaining Council (CIBC)
• Municipality Supply Chain
• Expanded Public Works Programme (Compliance Monitoring)
• National Public Works
• National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)
• National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

Structured Training

This programme is offered to contractors on CIDB Grade 2. However,  CIDB Grade 1 contractors who have registered construction business and have been active in the industry for at least two years can apply. The structured training programme is 8 weeks (extended over 8 months). One 5 day block week per month.

It is also accredited and contractors who complete the programme will receive a certificate of competence.

We also offer a 3 month mentoring programme for contractors who successfully complete the 8 month programme in full.

These shorter interventions are necessary so that the candidates do not spend too many sequential days away from their businesses.

Contractors will be assessed by writing tests on a monthly basis.

They must complete and hand in a Portfolio of Evidence (POE) at the end of the course. This teaches contractors to structure and file their documents properly and in an orderly manner, and forms part of their final assessment.

Advanced training and mentoring

The Advanced training and mentoring programme enables the advancement of contractors to the next CIDB grade, through mentoring and accredited training.

We pair CIDB Grade 3 – 5 GB/CE contracting enterprises with experienced mentors, and identify accredited training needs to be fulfilled during this course.

If you would like to participate in one of our programmes please complete the application form and submit via email.

Directorate: EPWP Construction Industry, Innovation and Empowerment Programmes