38 artisans graduate in Pretoria
The selected participants demonstrated an interest in further learning and they met the minimum requirements for artisan training which is N2 or Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
Thirty-eight graduates majoring in trades such as plumbing, electrical, and bricklaying celebrated their completion of an artisan training programme.
The graduation ceremony was held in Pretoria Hotel last Friday.
The group of graduates were recruited through the Expanded Public Works Programme National Youth Service Programme (NYS).
The selected participants demonstrated an interest in further learning and they met the minimum requirements for training which is N2 or grade 12 with mathematics and science.
Bricklaying artisan Pretty Khumalo said she was happy that she made it.
“Thinking of the bricklaying part, it was not an easy thing to do,” Khumalo said.
“It might seem like an easy thing in the construction industry, but it’s not. You’ll be doing what the men outside are doing. If they say measure this you don’t say, ‘no, it’s not for me’.
“We are grateful to be part of this and we managed to conquer everything with the help we got from all the parties.”
Plumbing artisan Emmanuel Happy Kgori said they started in 2019 and it was a great journey.
“From the progress side, it was unbelievable. I saw it was an opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands.
“We were given a platform to explore the construction world,” Kgori said.
“Today I can measure current, I can take a multimeter and use it to test the flow of the current, test the continuity of a current.
“It really meant a lot to us on how well we were taken care of by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and it made each of us dedicated to the programme,” he said.
Public works and infrastructure deputy minister Noxolo Kiviet congratulated graduates for completing their qualifications.
“I am certain that each of you will be proud of the certificate you are about to receive: a reward of your effort that you will surely cherish and treasure for the rest of your life.
“I am strongly convinced that you will live up to your calling, rising in various fields of the building environment to the very best of your abilities.”
She thanked the graduates for their hard work and dedication to the programme.
“We are proud of your success.
“As you exit the programme today, I wish to encourage you to use the skills you have acquired from the training to look for employment in the formal sector.
“Most importantly, I wish for you to work together and establish co-operatives so that you can assist the country in the important task of creating work opportunities for other young people in your communities,” Kiviet concluded.
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