Lesedi students look towards a bright future
A total of 47 students from the Peermont Education Trust Lesedi Programme graduates were acknowledged for the completion of their respective courses during a graduation ceremony held at Emperors Palace on Thursday, May 15.
Special guests who attended the event were the CEO of the Gauteng Gambling Board, Edward Lalumbe, members of Ekurhuleni Council, Emperors Palace management, representatives from the Department of Education, representatives from the Department of Social Development and training providers.
The Lesedi programme has been running for several years now and has equipped hundreds of young people with essential skills to source valuable employment.
Every year Emperors Palace gives local youth an opportunity to take part in a learnership as part of the PET programme.
Learners are given an opportunity to work while they learn at one of Africa’s premium resorts.
“The learners have a wonderful opportunity to learn the essential skills that will give them an advantage in the workplace. In this way they can start at the bottom and learn the nuts and bolts of the business before broadening their career opportunities,” said trust manager, Jenny Findlay.
This year, the Trust recognised 47 learners in the following categories:
* Nine received a food and beverage certificate.
* Ten received a professional cookery certificate.
* Seven received a front reception certificate.
*Eight qualified as a NQF Level One electrician (Group One – June 2013).
* Six qualified as a NQF Level Two electrician (Group Two – December 2013).
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Seven qualified as a NQF Level Two electrician (Group Three – March 2014).
Boksburg resident, Keenan Losch, was awarded the top chef title and is now a chef at Johannesburg Country Club.
General Manager of hotels and resorts operations at Emperors Palace, Wayne Hill, delivered an inspiring keynote address.
Hill himself is passionate about training and the hotel industry and has recently returned to the books.
This year for the first time, the Trust sponsored six deserving students to attend the Hotel Management Block release programme at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
Speaking at the ceremony, UJ lecturer, Peter van der Westhuizen, told the guests more about this programme.
The Trust also sponsors young people to study a wide variety of fields and this year it is sponsoring a student that is studying Musical Drama.
To showcase her talent, Senzo Radebe entertained the guests with a song.
Nick du Plessis from P and T Technology delivered an interesting speech about the future of electricians, saying there definitely is a future in this profession.
Findlay mentioned in her speech that this year they have a 100 per cent employment and pass rate from electricians.
Trust chairperson, Tshidi Madima, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to use their qualification as a base and improve on their current education.
