Local skills centre leads youngsters to a brighter future

Matriculating is a stepping stone to higher education and fulfilling career aspirations for many young people.

However, not everyone follows a smooth path to university.

Some face challenges that force them to explore other opportunities.

Lethabo Matsepane’s journey took an unexpected but life-changing turn.

Originally from Limpopo and raised in Kempton Park, Matsepane matriculated in 2019 with dreams of becoming a medical doctor.

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However, she did not meet the minimum university requirements for a medical degree, shattering her aspirations and leaving her uncertain about her future.

In 2022, hope was restored when Matsepane came across an advertisement for the Xilembeni Skills Development Centre, a training facility in Bapsfontein, Ekurhuleni, funded by the Department of Social Development.

The centre does technical skills training for unemployed youth, particularly those recovering from substance abuse, helping them get jobs and break the cycles of poverty and crime.

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The courses offered include plumbing, electrical engineering and welding.

Determined to secure her future, Matsepane enrolled in a plumbing course – traditionally a male-dominated area.

She saw it as a chance to become employable and possibly start a plumbing business, so she completed the six-month programme.

Matsepane initially worried about finding a job after the course, but fate intervened when she was offered a receptionist and administrator position at the training centre.

“When I came here, I thought I would have to look for a job elsewhere after getting my certificate, but I was fortunate to find employment right here,” Matsepane said.

This opportunity transformed her life. It provided financial stability and allowed her to support her family, including helping her younger brother with school expenses.

Matsepane encourages other young people to embrace alternative learning opportunities, including skills development programmes, instead of feeling discouraged about not attending university.

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“I want young people to take full advantage of such opportunities and not look down on skills centres because they truly change lives. This place has transformed my life in ways I never imagined,” Matsepane added.

Today, Matsepane still works as a receptionist at the Xilembeni Skills Development, guiding other young people in accessing training opportunities.

Her journey doesn’t stop there. She has enrolled at UNISA for a higher certificate in law, a qualification she hopes will advance her career and personal growth.