Carpentry graduates grow into entrepreneurs
The Soutpan Solar Power Carpentry Graduate Programme supports carpentry interns with a monthly stipend and a 12-month work contract.
A youth development programme to prepare carpentry graduates for the workplace, has grown into so much more.
The Soutpan Solar Power Carpentry Graduate Programme started in January 2019 and was inspired by the need to help provide work opportunities for graduates, coupled with the need for better school furniture.
The programme supports carpentry interns with a monthly stipend and a 12-month work contract. The thinking behind the annual intake of graduates is to help them prepare for future careers, build their self-esteem and stimulate a culture of entrepreneurship.
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Thabo Modjadji from Ga-Modjadji in Limpopo, a carpenter and programme graduate, shares how he has been helped by this development initiative that incorporates the transfer of skills and business training.
“This programme taught me the fundamentals about the daily running of a company and how to engage with clients. I am motivated to achieve, as most of the activities were hands-on exercises; and best of all, I received assistance to find employment at one of the largest producers of timber in Tzaneen where I am currently employed.”
“This graduate programme has been brewing in our minds since 2015, when we became aware of the very high rate of unemployment among the youth in local communities,” said Harrisinah Theka, economic development officer of Soutpan Solar Power.
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The carpenters are graduates from Capricorn and Waterberg TVET Colleges (Seshego Campus and Mokopane College) and are currently refurbishing furniture for nearly fifteen local schools.
“With the vast knowledge and skills that I have acquired, it has paved a way for me to enter any business terrain in the field of carpentry. My dream is to own one of the biggest carpentry companies that supply school furniture in South Africa. I hope to reduce unemployment by creating employment for at least 50 people,” concluded Thabo.
