The Department of Public Works has invested R32 million in the development of essential skills for young people in the built environment sector.
Speaking to the first batch of 100 learners from the Northern Cape on their first day on the Northern Cape Artisan Development Programme at the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA), Public Works Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu reminded those gathered that: “It cost government R32 million to bring you into this programme.”
“My department expects nothing less than success from you. You will make or break this programme as our hopes rests on you to set the pace for many other youth who will follow in your footsteps,” she said on Monday.
Bogopane-Zulu also emphasised that through the Artisan Development Programme, her department was responding positively to ensuring that government succeed in its priorities of jobs creation and education through skills development.
The Northern Cape Artisan Development Programme is an intake of 100 identified learners from the Northern Cape for the 18 months Artisan Development Programme which is aimed at positively contributing to addressing the challenges posed by the high level of unemployment in South Africa, particularly among the youth thereby providing them with an opportunity to earn an income while acquiring technical skills that will enhance their chances of employment, entrepreneurship and overall development.
After extensive consultation with various stakeholders, the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA) was identified as the training provider for the programme which will comprise of 20 learners on each of the following learning areas: Boilermaking, Fitting and Turning, Mechanical, Electrical (in construction) and Welding.
The learners will also undergo a six-month theoretical training and then proceed to experiential learning for a minimum of 12 months on learnership programme.
Depending on availability of funds, a series of additional learnerships will be undertaken to complete the four year artisan development programme.
After the completion of the programme NECSA will be responsible for identifying at least 50 work place/ experiential learning opportunities.
The department will be responsible for identifying additional 50 work placement for experiential learning.
Additional training may be identified which will be pitched at N4 level. This training may be undertaken during experiential learning and will enable learners to exit with full artisan qualification.
The skills development programme covers:
* Accommodation and meals for 100 learners
* National Skills Fund will cover all training related costs such as training provider costs, assessment, moderation and certification
* Partial payment of Learners allowances at R660 pp p/m for theoretical part.
Other costs to be covered by the National Department of Public Works include:
* Logistical costs for learners screening and selection sessions
* Selection/promotional/ orientation material
* Top up Stipends (R660 pp/ pm for theoretical component
* Learners allowance (R1200 pp/pm for the practical component)
* Transport costs during assessments
* Transport costs to and from Pretoria
The training programme is co-funded by the NDPW and the National Skills Fund (NSF) of the Northern Cape Department of Education. This Artisan Development Programme will enable learners to exit with full artisan qualifications and advanced practical skills.
Article by BuaNews
