Skills training benefits region’s youngsters
A skills programme has so far seen 450 of the province's youth equipped with essential skills, including construction
AIMING to fight poverty and inequality, Umfolozi TVET College has teamed up with the provincial Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Department of Human Settlement to provide 450 of the region’s youth with training in critical industrial areas.
About 100 of these youngsters, from uMkhanyakude, Zululand, Ugu and uMzinyathi districts last week graduated after six months of skills training under the EPWP incentive grant.
They received civil and construction certificates at a graduation ceremony at the uMhlabuyalingana Arts Centre.
During their six months’ training, the students did active practical work on a construction site.
This ‘on-the-job’ training furnished the students with not only the necessary practical skills, but business and entrepreneurial skills as well, ensuring they graduate with the ability to start their own businesses.
‘This marks the beginning a new life. This was indeed a life-changing opportunity and I hope you will be noticed by potential employers,’ said KZN MEC for Human Settlement, Ravi Pillay at the ceremony.
He encouraged the students to use their newly acquired skills to create job opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, uMhlabuyalingana Mayor, Councillor Mthethwa, commended the programme and the various entities involved.
‘When you give people skills, you are giving them something they can use for a lifetime. What excites me is that there are many females in this project and I have seen the houses they have built, which clearly shows they know what they are doing’.
The awards will continue today (Thursday) in Nongoma and Port Shepstone later in the month.
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