FOR 21 young people from the Durban South, a special graduation recently marked the conclusion of a three-year Engen apprenticeship programme that started in May 2023.

As South Africa observed Youth Month, these individuals stood as the latest group to transition from the uncertainty of unemployment into specialised technical roles.

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The students experienced a steady rotation of environments. For nine months of each year, they were on the ground at the Durban Marine Terminal in Island View industrial area. There, they dealt with the practicalities of the job. The other three months were spent in classrooms, focusing on the theoretical side in line with SETA requirements. 

The group was evenly split among three disciplines. Seven had focused on electrical work, another seven on mechanical fitting and the final seven on instrumentation. 

Women dominating a male industry

Notably out of the 21 graduates, 11 were women, breaking barriers for women in such a male-dominated industry.

Engen’s goals with the programme

Andiswa Mkhize, Engen talent and development manager, said she could only imagine what it felt like to walk across the graduation stage for the students. 

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“In a country facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals, we continue to witness the remarkable transformation of potential into expertise. These young graduates stand as beacons of hope and exemplify the true spirit of youth empowerment. By equipping them with world-class technical skills, we are making a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s efforts to combat high unemployment,” she said.

Riana Ohlson, Engen’s general manager for human resources, said the programme was designed to create a route toward sustainable employment. 

“At Engen, we believe that creating opportunities for young people through skills development is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in South Africa’s future. We are especially encouraged by the strong representation of women among this year’s graduates, reflecting our commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse technical workforce,” she said.

Engen’s three-year apprenticeship programme aimed to offer these graduates an alternative route to traditional university pathways, by including a practical side to the theory. 

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, Engen hopes that they can continue to help young people play a role in shaping the nation’s future.

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