Training for a brighter future at LIV Village

Butter is melting and sparks are flying at LIV Village as skills are being infused into the lives of the unemployed, helping them cook and weld their way to a better future.

Witnessing the ever-growing unemployment rate, LIV Village near Verulam recently launched their second phase which focuses on skills development and currently offers cooking and welding courses.

Head of training and skills development Anne Meyer said they researched which jobs are in demand, because they wanted their qualified students to fill the gaps.

“We want to give back hope to the people in our community. When you see the prospective students come in for their first interview, they are often shy and droopy, but by the time they have completed their course they are confident and have hope for their future,” said Meyer.

“We have partnered with the International Hotel School (IHS) to form LIV Culinary School, which benefits the LIV children and students from our neighbouring community. The school is run under the guidance of IHS academic staff and is registered as a private higher education institution and TVET College,” said Meyer.

The one year national qualification in professional cookery includes basic first aid and fire fighting lessons, courses in knife skills and food safety.

This is followed by their formal training, which is split between school time – learning about the theory of culinary arts – and practical training working in kitchens in local hotels or restaurants.

Nearby is a modern container building which houses the LIV Welding Academy, in association with AFROX.

“This state of the art training facility will accommodate 12 students at a time in this three year welding programme which is accredited by the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA) and Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).”

She said the academy is funded through bursaries from local industry and has the latest equipment to ensure the highest standard of training.

“Not only will qualified students have the opportunity to move into jobs, as welding is at the top of the list of skills shortages in South Africa, but revenue generated by the LIV welding academy will feed back into LIV village.”

She said the training will start with pupils from LIV School, as well as children and unemployed locals who are not currently attending school, but are of school age. The minimum requirements for potential students will be a Grade 11, with a clear understanding of mathematics and engineering graphics and design.

“Students will leave the programme after three years as qualified artisan welders, ready to contribute to the South African Industry.”

One of the major issues slowing down phase two at the moment is funding.

“The culinary course costs about R70000 per student for the year and the welding course is about R120 000 per year. We are looking for companies within the respective industries to sponsor bursaries and provide work place experience during the courses. These companies would qualify to receive maximum points on their B-BBEE scorecard in CSI, enterprise development and skills training spend.”

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