Those who have never been formally employed have been given a new lease on life thanks to an initiative in the rural Elandskraal area.
Kristie Paine of Elandsheim Retreat, together with Human Capital Investments, are running learnership programmes in the area aimed at passing on new skills and confidence to especially young underprivileged and unemployed people.
Kristie, who facilitates the programme, said the one-year courses are Sector Education And Training Authority (SETA) accredited.
Students get one year’s work experience and a stipend each month. Of the 21 learners who have undertaken the learnership, eight of them have been offered full-time employment by their host companies.
The project started last year with the first learnership in Business Practices an NQF level one. “I teach 21 students of which five are from Dundee and the rest are from Elandskraal (one of whom is disabled),” said Kristie. “The challenge that I face is mainly the language barrier and placing disabled students in a workplace. Unfortunately, most companies are not disabled-friendly.”
Some of the eager students have never worked before and therefore they are not familiar with the work environment.
Nokulunga Mnchunu (38) told the Courier that she has never worked in her life.
“Being part of this learnership is opening doors for me as I am learning new things and going for job interviews as well.”
Those wanting to apply can do so. All they need is a curriculum vitae with a matric certificate. Companies who are interested in hosting this learnership or sponsoring this initiative are welcome to do so by contacting info@elandsheim.co.za. Community members who would like to study can apply for bursaries by emailing their cvs to gapyear@elandsheim.co.za. Should you meet the requirements Elandsheim Resort will contact you.