Student Q&A – Mbiri Tsabola, Zimbabwe Spinners & Weavers t/a Kadoma Textiles

Highlighting what it’s like to work in the dyeing industry whilst also undertaking professional qualifications with the SDC, our student Q&A series delves into training with us.

Find out more about how our courses can fit around your current working life, and the potential boost it can offer to your career prospects.

Student name: Mbiri Tsabola
Employer: Kadoma Textiles – Zimbabwe
Role: Dyehouse Manager
SDC course: FTCC

Can you tell us what got you into the industry?

When I completed my A-level studies, I did not have enough financial resources to go to university or college. I then decided to seek employment so that I could raise income and further my education. The MD of the company saw my application and was impressed with me, but he could not offer a suitable job, hence I got employed as jig operator for the time being.

With time as new opportunities arose within the organisation, I was the first to be considered — starting off working within quality control and then later becoming quality assurance manager, and then finally holding the position of dyehouse manager.

I have taken courses in quality assurance with City & Guilds, quality management system implementation and system auditing, and TQM, as well as a BCom degree in management.

So, how did you find out about the qualifications on offer with the SDC?

In 2016 I worked with an SDC graduate Dave Archibald, and he noticed how much well versed I was with dyehouse processes. As a consultant during that time, he recommended that I could run the dyehouse. I have been in that position for three years and it was during this period that I was tasked to find a course that I could take to enhance my skills.

I got to know about the course via an internet search.

And how long have you been studying with the SDC now?

I have taken the first course with SDC — the FTCC — for a year now.

What would say the learning environment is like?

The learning environment is so friendly for one that you can cope with both your study requirements and work demands.

My employer has been very supportive in ensuring that I have all the necessary resources and time required for me to meet my academic demands.

Although certain times I would experience power cuts and internet disruptions during certain lectures, I always had support and assurance from the lecturer, Sue Hulbert, and I was able to make up for the lost sessions.

Would you say that the course content has been applicable to your role?

Textiles is diverse, ranging from cotton to synthetic fibres and related processes. One needs the foundation in this field of study. There were certain specific topics which I could directly link with what we make, 100% cotton fabrics and those which I did not have knowledge about.

And have you been able to implement your learnings straight away?

I had the practical experience and but did not have the theoretical background. I feel better equipped now that I have both of these in place. I am getting to appreciate the processes more than I did and come up with better solutions to problems that we encounter in production processes.

Understanding the raw material chemistry and related applied chemistry is interesting.

What’s your favourite thing that you’ve learned with the SDC?

I had not enjoyed chemistry at school more than I did this time, especially organic chemistry. It’s fascinating. I never thought one day I will master some of the topics I had thought will ever understand in as far as chemistry is concerned.

How has earning while learning benefited you?

As mentioned, I lacked the finance to proceed with education after secondary school. This time around I had to worry more about mastering the course than where to get the money to do it. Although as a family man and father of two, I would say the benefits achieved far outweigh the little time spent on studying than when they could have needed my time during the period.

Do you feel that your qualifications have advanced your career?

Very much so and I think this is also a steppingstone to new and better opportunities that might arise. I do believe this also enhances my career growth within the organisation.

I also need to mention that locally, we are the only textile company left in the country, and are we going to survive? No one knows. Thinking beyond this possibility, there is still chance to survive outside if the industry fails locally.

Finally, what are your ambitions for the future?

Getting a good qualification from a renowned institution is something to be proud of.

If there are better opportunities I can take within the field, that would be a lifelong achievement of my working career.