Sparrow FET College hosted a graduation ceremony for the their students, who completed various courses over 12 months.
The ceremony was well attended by pupils, staff members, representatives and family members. Client Liaison for Sparrow FET College Mary Webber said that certificates were handed out to different programmes offered by the college, for graduates of 2014. The various programmes include Installation of Floor Coverings, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Assistant Chef, Fluid Power Hose Assembly, Furniture Making, Weilding Application and Practice.
“All the programmes are sponsored by various organisations, for example all the Assistant Chefs are placed in Spar Schools. The programme is divided into six months completed at the college and the other six months is dedicated to practical experience in the workplace. The students are also assessed in the workplace, which ties in with the overall programme,” said Webber.
One of the positive aspects of the programme, Webber says, is that many of the students get employed by the organisations they work for. She added that there is a process that students go through before being registered with the school.
“The educational psychologist assess learners before registration and places them in courses that are based on the findings of the assessment, where their strengths and interests lie,” explained Webber.
Service department specialist for Spar retail store Julian Humphres said that they work closely with the students and try to place them in their stores.
“We place students in our stores around Johannesburg, so that they do not struggle to come to work. We continue the programme after college and continue the training. During this process they also get the opportunity to prove themselves and work hard to be considered in higher positions,” said Humphres.
“Most of our students come from impoverished backgrounds, therefore this ceremony is an amazing achievement for them. We are proud to assist people who cannot afford to further their studies and also provide a stipend for their travelling costs when going to work,” concluded Webber.
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