AN overwhelming sense of gratitude was in the air at the Jump Start Production Programme recent graduation at Eagle Wind Manor Guesthouse in the Valley of a 1000 Hills.
Eighteen young people celebrated jump-starting their careers as qualified machinists.
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During the six-month programme, they learnt sewing skills for bulk manufacturing and gained valuable work experience
Twelve of the 18 production graduates found employment in local manufacturing firms with others upskilled to start their own business at home
Many of the ‘Jump Starters’ were unemployed before joining the work-readiness course that was run in partnership with local Durban manufacturer, Upway Trading.
For the past six months, these young people learnt foundational concepts in basic production and manufacturing as well as gained work experience in sewing. Sewing is a valuable skill as it boosts confidence, exercises creativity and offers individuals the ability to mend and sew textile products for themselves or others.
For graduate, Nokuthula Zuma, the rain outside signalled a sign of blessing. The 29-year-old was also unemployed before joining the Production Course and couldn’t find work to support herself and her family.
“I gained experience and learnt handiwork and how to work for myself. I work at home and am trying to run a business. Thank you to MRP Foundation for this opportunity to learn how to use a machine and thank you Upway Trading for giving us a place to learn. This course is also good opportunity for others,” said Zuma.
Karen Wells, head of MRP Foundation, congratulated the 18 young people for sticking with the course and encouraged them to continue building on the knowledge they had just learnt.
“As a youth development organisation, MRP Foundation connects young people to the working world,” she said.
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