Free learnership programme aims to curb unemployment
The artisan skills programme, which runs over 36 months, will empower 21 future artisans who have already passed matric maths and science, with qualifications as electricians, mechanical fitters, and instrument mechanics.
ONE HUNDRED unemployed South Durban Basin residents will benefit from Engen’s new skills development and learnership programme which is aimed at boosting job prospects in the community.
Residents from the Umlazi, Wentworth, Merebank and Lamontville attended the launch of the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP), held on April 6, at the Engen Refinery in Wentworth.
The 100 beneficiaries will benefit from artisan training, learnership opportunities, accredited qualifications and Adult Based Education and Training (ABET).
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Engen’s head of transformation and stakeholder engagement, Dr James Nyawera, said Engen was extremely excited to launch the EGCDP, which will provide skills development and competencies.
“The EGCDP, in partnership with the Community-Engen Joint Committee, is set to boost future job prospects for residents from the Umlazi, Wentworth, Lamontville and Merebank areas, by providing them with artisan training, learnership opportunities, accredited qualifications and Adult Based Education and Training (ABET),” comments Nyawera.
Mmalenyalo Galane, Engen’s skills development manager, said, “We are passionate about upskilling and empowering the youth and unemployed, and EGCDP provides a literal springboard towards a brighter future by teaching skills that can be used throughout people’s lives, either as employees or as entrepreneurs.”
According to Galane, ABET is designed for adults and youth who do not meet the Grade 12 requirement, but would like to venture into the various learning programmes on offer.
“ABET offers opportunities to those who have always wanted to complete their Grades 10, 11 and 12 certificate, but may not have had the financial means to do so. Through the Engen programme, 50 ABET beneficiaries will have the opportunity to obtain their high school grade certificate as well as move onto post matric programmes,” added Galane.
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The artisan skills programme, which runs over 36 months, will empower 21 future artisans who have already passed matric maths and science, with qualifications as electricians, mechanical fitters, and instrument mechanics.
Boosting youth unemployment, 29 beneficiaries with grade 11 or 12 certificates are set to embark on various learnerships, which run over 18 months and promise to provide invaluable work experience.
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