GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Centre for Technical Development in Graaff-Reinet equips young trainees with technical skills that will not only make it easier for them to get employment, but will see them becoming job creators themselves.
The first intake was in 2022 and these students were contracted as diesel mechanics and welders for a term of 18 months.
After that, their contract expired, and the Department of Public Works contracted them again under the Accelerated Professional and Trade Competency Development Programme (APTCOD) in July this year.
"We then had to contract them again in September under NYS, and the ten students began their 18-month contract on 1 October," says Noluxolo Siko, Project Coordinator for Innovation and Empowerment under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Siko is responsible for the National Youth Service (NYS), the APTCOD and the Integrated Contractor Development Programme (ICDP) in the Nelson Mandela Bay and Sarah Baartman districts.
The Department of Transport assists with plumbing, diesel mechanical and welding training so the youth can gain on-the-job experience to become skilled artisans.
Students are recruited through the Amathuba Job Portal database. Applications are advertised at the start of the financial year and close on 15 December.
The Department of Public Works appoints the technicians while the Centre for Technical Development is responsible for the training.
Assistant Director of the centre in Graaff-Reinet, André Claasen, says it is with pleasure that he observes many students from the Graaff-Reinet area coming forward to apply.
Students who master a trade can make a future for themselves.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
