SASOL foundation gives youngsters vital skills
Over the years, it has expanded to include multiple specialisations, reflecting the diversity of vocational skills in demand.
Emphasising the importance of technical and vocational skills development alongside academic and professional streams in South Africa’s education is the primary objective of the Sasol Kagiso Trust Inter-provincial Technical Skills Competition.
The finals of this initiative took place this past week at the University of Johannesburg in partnership with Resolution Circle.
The competition saw 63 learners, who came out tops in the previous provincial rounds held in the Free State, Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, compete against each other in five specialisations, namely welding, construction, power systems, plumbing and woodwork.
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The Sasol Foundation Kagiso Trust Inter-provincial Skills Competition aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) by contributing to the target of producing 30 000 artisans annually.
Addressing the skills shortage in artisanal trades is also vital for economic growth and job creation.“For sustainable development to occur there is an urgent need for us to pay significant attention to training highly skilled human resources to serve as key drivers of the economy.
Skills competitions not only raise professional standards but also raises awareness and introduces the potential of a skilled career to a much wider audience,” says Noxolo Kahlana, Head of the Sasol Foundation.
This Inter-provincial Technical Skills Competition has evolved significantly since its inception in 2018 when it started as a learner-only competition in the Free State focused on the specialisation of welding only.
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Over the years, it has expanded to include multiple specialisations, reflecting the diversity of vocational skills in demand.
Last year, the Sasol Foundation in partnership with Kagiso Trust, introduced the teacher component, recognising the crucial role educators play in skills development. This year, 36 teachers competed against each other in the welding, power systems and construction categories.
“We believe that upskilling our youth with vocational training is the vehicle that can assist with the high unemployment rate, given the many opportunities that there are for young people skilled in a trade,” says Mankodi Moitse, CEO of the Kagiso Trust.
