Gqeberha, South Africa, 27 July 2023 – To mark their entry to the labour market, today, the Coega Skills Development Centre’s (SDC) intake of electrical engineering students celebrated their National Trade Test results with a certificate handover ceremony at the Coega Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre.
Their achievement is the result of a partnership between Coega and the Construction Education Training Authority (CETA) to train 100 learners across different apprenticeship trades to become qualified artisans over the course of three years.
The SDC, which facilitates skills development initiatives for employability and entrepreneurship among its graduates, has to date enrolled a total of 100 learners, with 60 learners successfully trained and qualified as part of the CETA Programme. Mr. Siyanda Sihlahla, Coega SDC Electrical Training Facilitator expressed that the SDC is working diligently to develop the high-calibre artisans needed to sustainably reduce youth unemployment.
“I’m extremely grateful that I got the opportunity to do an apprenticeship programme throughCoega.Eventhoughitwasdifficult,theoutcomewastomyadvantage. Iwant to encourage young people to seize any opportunity of this kind with both hands and be fully committed. Possessing a skill is an honour and a key to success. I appreciate CETA and Coega,” shared graduate, Mr. Sandiso Nohayi, who has ambitions to start his own business after gaining further work experience.
According to Ms. Siphindile Ndlovu, CETA Client Services and Projects Officer for the Eastern Cape region, who proudly handed over the certificates said: “CETA worked with Coega to aid in artisanal skills development because there were not enough skilled artisans in the Eastern Cape. We are aware of the difference that this makes in the lives of the alumni and their families, which is ultimately our goal.”
Ms. Zikhona Mkundlu, who also graduated on the day, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity: “This will open many doors for job opportunities and entrepreneurial endeavours in the future. I want to acknowledge Coega for giving me the confidence to become an artisan. I look forward to showcasing my abilities and opening my own company one day.”
Mr. David Lambaatjeen, Coega SDC Training Manager, concluded with words of encouragement: “It has been a long, maybe exhausting, and not always fun journey, but it has been fruitful and rewarding. You all deserve your congratulations!”
The Coega SDC, which is also a certified Trade Test Centre, operates under the Coega Development Corporation Human Capital Solutions division and exists to contribute to the alleviation of socio-economic challenges through skills development and ancillary services. The SDC has mobile capacity to provide services throughout rural and urban South Africa, offering short courses, learnerships, traditional apprenticeships and national occupational certificates.
Funding is a key enabler for the Coega SDC. Currently, the SDC solicits funding from the various Sector Education and Training Authorities to implement training. When funding is approved, suitable candidates are scouted on the Gateway2Opportunity database.
Alan Straton
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