Computer school continues to upskill job seekers

ANOTHER group of job-seeking South Durban residents have had their chances of securing employment boosted.

After completing a free computer skills training offered by the Engen Computer School, the group of 60, who enrolled in June and graduated in late October.

“We believe that continuous community upskilling will ensure resilience and readiness in today’s everchanging and demanding new digital world,” said general manager at the refinery, Sykry Hassim.

According to the petroleum company, since the onset of the pandemic, the computer school has put stringent safety protocols in place. These include reducing the class from 80 to 60 students to allow for social distancing.

The group of 60 students was further split into two, with regular equipment sanitisation, mask-wearing at all times, social distancing and the installation of Perspex screens.

“The direct impact of Covid-19 has unfortunately broadened the inequality and digital skills gap in South Africa. Our role in helping to bridge the digital divide and help facilitate the sustainable development of our communities is now more important than ever,” he added.

He said over the past decade, the school has transformed many lives in South Durban. Approximately 2 260 graduates to date have had their prospects of finding employment enhanced following their basic computer skills training.

“We are proud of all our graduates who have had to endure through these challenging times and look forward to welcoming the next group,” said course convener and training director, Sheryl Casalis.

The school offers South Durban residents introductory-level computer skills training, covering eight-unit standards of the National Certificate: Information Technology, End-User Computing qualification.

It is well known in the community and frequently has a waiting list. Course applicants wanting to upskill themselves must be unemployed school-leavers and reside in South Durban.

While matric and age criteria are not prescribed, most students who attend the school are aged from 20 to 40. The school’s third course for the year started on Thursday, October 21.

“The school has a proud history of giving graduates the knowledge and confidence to go out and seek jobs that would otherwise have been beyond their reach.

“As a caring and responsible company, Engen is proud and humbled to play a small role in positively changing the lives of community members who reside in an area close to the refinery.

“As such, we are committed to stepping up and doing the right thing, starting with paying special attention to the people in the communities in which we operate,” said Hassim.