Laying a good foundation
SOPHIATOWN – A former student is empowered by the school he used to study at.
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Itumeleng Letoane has come a long way since he was a student at Sparrow FET College in Sophiatown.
The former student continues to climb the entrepreneurial ladder of success with the opportunities he has been given. The former security guard pursued other opportunities after being in his profession for eight years. He then decided to search for institutions which offered learnerships he could qualify for.
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Letoane said when he initially decided to apply at the college, he knew nothing about floor laying until he did research on the course and industry. His passion for flooring was ignited from there onwards.
In 2015 he completed a one-year course in Installation of Floor Coverings at the college and also graduated in the same year.
“The course was divided into six months of theory, then six months of practical work. This course has opened a number of doors – I now have my own business,” said Letoane.
“The college’s operations manager Melanie Malema was my first mentor and gave me my first job to install flooring at a children’s home. She is the one who believed in me throughout the process.”
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He added that all the opportunities and the support of staff members at the college were made possible through his mentor.
Since the beginning of his journey, he’s completed a number of projects around Johannesburg. Letoane’s most notable project was the opportunity to install flooring at the college and at Sparrow Schools head office.
“I installed laminated wood in the staff rooms at the college and at the head office. I also installed flooring in some of the classrooms,” said Letoane.
Sparrow Schools general manager, Jackie Gallagher said she has been mentoring Itumeleng since he started growing his business.
“He’s got commitment, passion and drive. When he is mentored, he takes what you say seriously and puts it into practice. We all want him to succeed and be successful.”
The talented floor layer encourages readers to support students like himself and give them an opportunity to grow.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/08/IMG_50902_80771-520x390.jpg)
ALSO READ: Sparrow FET College honours graduates
Details: Itumeleng Letoane 071 918 6932; ituway@yahoo.com