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Skills Mecca

10 April 2025 NQF Level 4, Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (97542) – 100 Training Opportunities for Unemployed

Health and Welfare SETA Training Opportunities 

Programme: NQF Level 4, Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (97542) x 100

Another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative!

The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route district municipal area, to apply for training opportunities within the Local Government sphere for a qualification as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities. Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 60.

Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas within the Garden Route district: George x 15, Mossel Bay x 15, Knysna x 14, Ladismith x 14, Bitou x 14, Hessequa x 14 and Oudtshoorn x 14.

Apply here:

Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (red button) found at:               https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.

Programme and Entry Requirements:

Applications need to have the following entry requirements:

  • NQF Level 3 qualification, equivalent to Grade 11

Exit Level Outcomes

  • Plan and prepare broad-phase learning environment and stimulating activities that meet the holistic needs of all children in centre-based or non-centre-based settings.
  • Facilitate and mediate all aspects of the daily programme in a centre-based or non-centre based setting.
  • Observe, assess and record each child’s progress according to the age and stage.
  • Compile a report of each child’s progress.
  • Maintain and promote the well-being, health, nutrition, safety and protection of children.

Please note that no stipends will be paid for this training.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED (NB: The system only recognises PDF format documents):

  • A copy of a South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
  • A copy of your highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
  • An updated copy of your CV.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Dineo Ramasesane at 044 803 1447 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345, during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within one month of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Download the notice here:

Join the Garden Route WhatsApp Channel for Skills, Jobs and Tenders, by clicking here with your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va92oJoJpe8eiTvq3q33

Closing date: 17 April 2025     
Notice number: 35/2025

10 April 2025 Drivers License (Code C) 140 Training Opportunities for Unemployed

Drivers License (Code C) 140 Training opportunities for unemployed

Another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative!

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code C as part of a  Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative. Opportunities are currently available within all the seven (7) municipal areas of the Garden Route district:

Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

 The total number of opportunities available for each municipal area is 20 each.

Applicants must register and apply using the online UNEMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS (RED BUTTON) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk

 Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must have Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent as a minimum requirement.
  • Persons must be between ages of 18 to 40 .
  • Men and women must reside within the boundaries of the Garden Route district.

Scope of Qualification

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Demonstrate attitudes related to drivers to reduce driving risks and maintain safety on the roads.
  • Demonstrate techniques to improve driving skills and apply the system of vehicle control.
  • Drive a motor vehicle in accordance with the system of vehicle control requirements with specific reference to the applicable K53 tests.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED: 

  • An updated CV
  • Certified South African ID Copy (ID Card both sides must be copied).
  • Certified copy of highest educational qualifications

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 during office hours only.  

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Download the notice here

Join the Garden Route WhatsApp Channel for Skills, Jobs and Tenders, by clicking here with your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va92oJoJpe8eiTvq3q33

Closing date:  25/04/2025
Notice number: 37/2025

10 April 2024 Drivers License (Code B) 140 Training opportunities for unemployed

Drivers License (Code B) 140 Training opportunities for unemployed

Another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative!

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route district municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code B as part of a  Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative. Opportunities are currently available within all seven (7) municipal areas within the Garden Route District: Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

 The total number of opportunities available for each municipal area is 20 each.

 Applicants must register and apply using the online UNEMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS (RED BUTTON) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Website at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk

 Programme and Entry Requirements

  • Applicants need to have Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent as a minimum requirement.
  • Persons must be between ages of 18 to 40.
  • Men and women are invited, but they must reside within the boundaries of the Garden Route district.

 Scope of Qualification

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Demonstrate attitudes related to drivers to reduce driving risks and maintain safety on the roads.
  • Demonstrate techniques to improve driving skills and apply the system of vehicle control.
  • Drive a motor vehicle in accordance with the system of vehicle control requirements with specific reference to the applicable K53 tests.

 The GRDM will only consider applications completed in full and if the following documents have been uploaded on the system: 

An up to date-

  • Certified South African ID Copy (ID Card both sides must be copied).
  • Certified copy of highest educational qualifications.

 For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 during office hours only.  

 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Download the notice here

Join the Garden Route WhatsApp Channel for Skills, Jobs and Tenders, by clicking here with your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va92oJoJpe8eiTvq3q33

Closing date:  25/04/2025
Notice number: 36/2025

02 December 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

For immediate release
02 December 2024

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has invested significantly in training and skills development programs across the district’s local municipal areas over the past three years.

Earlier this year, a group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts to gain workplace experience at the GRDM, through the GRSM initiative.

Through these programmes, the GRSM continuously aims to collaborate, cooperate and integrate skills development activities across all GRSM roleplayers, ever-increasing its numbers of partnerships in support of Skills Development, as well as continue expanding its network of industry-based occupationally based programmes designed to meet the region’s needs.

The skills development programs implemented through GRSM include diverse fields such as cellphone repairs, construction, and more. These efforts highlight a steady increase in skills development initiatives within the Garden Route, contributing to noticeable growth in the region.

Since 2022, nearly R124.4 million has been invested across local municipalities, creating opportunities for more than 2191 individuals in the Garden Route district. An additional R114.26 million worth of projects are currently in the implementation phase. These efforts, made possible by the GRSM initiative, have included training in areas such as Training for Skills Mecca Technicians through the Expanded Public Works Programme, Project Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Small & Media Enterprise training and business support, Digital skills, Water and Sanitation, Firefighting and artisan development programmes such as plumbing, electrician training to name a few.

The breakdown of investment and programme rollout in local municipal areas includes:

  • Bitou: Programmes implemented in the area amounts to more than R12 million.
  • Knysna: An investment of nearly R35.5 million was made.
  • George: Approximately R23 million was invested in skills and training initiatives in the area.
  • Mossel Bay: Almost R13 million was allocated for the implementation of programmes.
  • Oudtshoorn: Received close to R14 million for the roll-out programmes.
  • Hessequa: Benefited from R8 million for skills development and training programmes.
  • Kannaland: Skills development investment amounted to almost R5.9 million.
  • Additionally, the GRSM furthermore invested approximately R5.3 million in the developing interns placed at various departments of the GRDM. These interns are placed at various departments of the municipality.

More Skills Development Programmes are in the pipeline to be implemented which include: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills, Maritime Training, Rural Development, cell phone repairs training etc. The establishment of training academies are also in the process to the completed and established.

The success of the GRSM can be attributed to key milestones achieved since its inception, including:

  • The hosting of three Skills Summits in various areas within the district.
  • Local skills Indabas also took place across all local municipal areas during this period.
  • A website was furthermore developed that serves as central information hub for training providers and stakeholders;
  • The municipality established an online recruitment system for all projects and programmes.
  • R36 million received from the National Skills Fund to the GRSM.
  • Skills Mecca technicians placed at each municipality to coordinate activities of the GRSM at local level thus ensuring a more coordinated approach that contributes towards the smooth operations of the broader GRSM initiative.

Although the GRSM continues to create possibilities for both employed and unemployed persons within the Garden Route to drive its vision which is the “the preferred destination for developing and honing specific skills and expertise that leads to employability,” it cannot exist without valued partnerships that involves local municipalities, the various SETAs, training providers and the private sector.

Feature Image: Fire Services participants who graduated after completing an Occupational Firefighting training programme through the GRSM, with their families at the event earlier this year.

ENDS

22 November 2024 Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opening Date of Funding Window: 14 November 2024
Closing Date of Funding Window: 14 December 2024

Are you a South African matric graduate seeking international study opportunities?
The Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), invites matric graduates who completed matric prior to 2024 to apply for an exciting opportunity to study towards a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in China.

This initiative aligns with the LGSETA and INSETA Annual Performance Plan targets, contributing to South African youth skills development and employability.

Who can apply?

To qualify for this incredible opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. South African citizens.
  2. Must have completed matric prior to 2024 (no restrictions on the number of years post-matric).
  3. Unemployed at the time of application.
  4. Aged 18 to 25 years.
  5. Willingness to commit to the full programme duration in China.
  6. Ability to adapt to a new cultural and academic environment.
  7. No criminal record.
  8. Medically fit for international travel (HIV, TB and Syphilis negative) according to the rules of the People’s
    Republic of China. A medical exam will take place before departure to China.

Click here to download the Official Advert

09 October 2024 Opportunities: Work Experience Placement -Tourism and/or Hospitality

Work Experience Placement Opportunities: Tourism and/or Hospitality  – another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality related organisation for an 18-month work experience opportunity as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Young people from rural areas are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are currently available in all areas of the garden route district.

Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an 18-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality related organisation in the Garden Route.

Applicants will be selected based on the following sequentially prioritised criteria:
• 1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
• 2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had no work experience.
• 3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had less than six months work experience.

In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all Municipal Wards in the District.

Scope of Work and Duties
• This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation but could include administration, reception, room services, bar services, restaurant services, food services, customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
• All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview with the host employer.
Stipends will be paid for 18-months by GRDM. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation and travel costs.

The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer. Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (red button) found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
• A copy of a South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
• A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
• An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
• A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Service.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Ms. Kayakazi Klaas 044 803 1434 during office hours (Monday to Thursday between 07:30 and 16:30 and Friday between 07:30 and 13:30) only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted 2 months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert

Closing date: 21 October 2024

Notice number: 125/202

04 September 2024 Media Release: Garden Routers to benefit from LGSeta awarded Local Economic Development Programme – Students inducted

Media Release: Garden Routers to benefit from LGSeta awarded Local Economic Development Programme – Students inducted

For immediate release
04 September 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality has been awarded a LGSETA Discretionary Grant to fund the National Certificate in Local Economic Development (SAQA 36436) for the training of 50 employed individuals from the district. On 27 August 2024, participants attended an Induction Session held at the GRDM’s Council Chambers.

The session was conducted by the GRDM Human Resource Unit, in collaboration with the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). During the session, officials thoroughly reviewed all necessary documents and outlined the operational aspects of the program.

This 18-month qualification serves as an entry-level credential in Local Economic Development (LED), marking the first step in a qualifications framework that culminates in a Level 6 qualification. This NQF Level 4 qualification thus serves as a stepping stone towards the National Diploma in Local Economic Development at Level 5.

Participants who complete the program will gain essential knowledge and understanding of LED, including the critical role that Local Government plays in it. This qualification lays the foundation for developing practical competence in LED, enabling learners to identify key values and frameworks necessary for effective governance of local economic initiatives.

The qualification will equip future LED Officers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to operate professionally in their roles. It will also enhance their career prospects by providing them with the expertise required to implement policies and procedures effectively in their field.

The Garden Route District Municipality is proud to coordinate and facilitate this programme for the seven Local Municipalities within the region.

To read more about this qualification, browse here: https://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=36436

ENDS

02 September 2024 Media Release: GRDM’s Skills Mecca continues commitment to Skills Development – Occupational Electrician Programme learners inducted

Media Release: GRSM’s continues commitment to Skills Development – Occupational Electrician Programme learners inducted

For immediate release
02 September 2024

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to implement life-changing skills development and training initiatives in the district.  These initiatives are designed to empower the unemployed by equipping them with the necessary skills to enter the job market, while also providing employed individuals with opportunities to enhance their career portfolios. These skills not only open doors to better employment but also inspire many to pursue entrepreneurship.

On Friday, 16 August 2024, an Induction Session for students of the Occupational Electrician Programme that will be rolled out by the GRDM’s Skills Mecca, in collaboration with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), was conducted at the Africa Skills Tech (formerly known as Africa Skills Private College). This program once again proof that the GRSM initiative is thriving, as the programme will equip yet another group of Garden Routers with essential skills needed in the district.

The three-year program is fully funded by LGSETA, with an investment of R55,000 per student, enabling them to complete this comprehensive course. Willie Matthiae, Chief Operational Officer at Africa Skills George Tech, articulated the importance of apprenticeship in all aspects of life. He shared the institution’s vision, stating:  “All things you can think about, and all things people do, are linked to apprenticeship. In explaining the vision of the institution, he said: “Our vision is to be George Tech, the specialists in training artisans, an institution that has vast knowledge, skills and background to train the best artisans for this country – being about the skills gab and economy growth”. In addition, he emphasised what the group may accept being part of the programme: “This programme is going to be hard work, commitment, a few blisters, but that is the reality, that is why you want to become artisans. We believe, we as Africa Skills George Tech is the ticket for you to start with the apprenticeship that will lead you into your career,” he added.

Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager for Corporate Services, welcomed the participants with words of encouragement: “You are the chosen ones, fortunate to have this opportunity. Seize it and make the most of it. This is your chance to grow, improve, and move forward”. Holtzhausen further inspired the group by saying: “Be diligent in your efforts and enjoy the journey. Your success is our success—remember, nothing worthwhile comes easy, so it’s essential to work hard”.

Addressing the significance of the program, Michelle Smith, Human Resources Manager at GRDM responsible for Skills Development, highlighted the vital role electricity plays in our daily lives. She said: “Electricity connects us in our everyday lives and how we do business”. Smith made an example regarding “cellphones that you see here cannot be charged without electricity”. Smith further elaborated on the various types of electricity and their importance in maintaining a safe and reliable network. “The network requires a safe and reliable access to electricity to continue with what we do every day”. In closing off her remarks, Smith said: “There are so many innovations and technology that happens in this field that advances every day and for that we need to be adaptable and take those initiatives and transform it into something that we can use. So as the technology and innovation grow, our societies grow, if society grow, our needs grow”. In addition, Smith highlighted to the group that by choosing this career “you are helping to develop these skills in our area and also making a difference in your own lives and in your own communities”.

In her closing remarks, Smith expressed gratitude to all program partners—GRDM, LGSETA, and Africa Skills George Tech—stating, “Thank you for making dreams come true through this initiative.” She ended with a motivational note to the learners, saying, “Embrace this opportunity fully and live it to the fullest.”

ENDS

26 August 2024 Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa

Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa

For immediate release
26 August 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.

Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated  Summative Assessment.

The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.

Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.

Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.

In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.

The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.

This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.

It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.

Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.

The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.

The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.

Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.

It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.

Did you know?

  • The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
  •  The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.

Feature Image:  A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.

ENDS

29 February 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches Occupational Certificate: Electrician Program

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches Occupational Certificate: Electrician Program

For Immediate Release
29 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with B-Municipalities in the district, has rolled out an apprenticeship and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) program for 37 people. Funding was applied for and received from the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). Sourcing of funding for skills that are aligned to the need of business in the Garden Route is central to why the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), exists.

Reginald Salmons, Coordinator of Skills Development at the GRDM, previously at an induction shed light on the significance of this initiative within the Garden Route Skills Mecca Program. The collaborative effort with George-, Mossel Bay-, Oudtshoorn-, Kannaland-, Knysna, and Bitou Municipalities secured funding to address the identified need for qualified electricians outlined in various Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs).

The program encompasses 17 employed officials and 20 unemployed individuals, spanning 18 months for the employed and 3 years for the unemployed. Upon completion, participants will receive a Red Seal qualification, officially recognised as Electricians.

LGSETA Representatives, Ms Jacobs (Provincial Manager) and Ms September (Provincial Coordinator), have pledged their commitment from LGSETA, who contributed an nearly R5 million to fund this critical project. Ms Jacobs has previously encouraged learners to seize this opportunity, underscoring the importance of dedication and responsibility.

LGSETA utilises a remote tracking system to manage payments for unemployed learners. Apprentices log their workplace locations and theoretical class attendance on the system, ensuring accountability and transparency in program participation.

The program commenced on Monday, 19 February 2024, and will run over a three-year period until 2027. The GRDM looks forward to empowering individuals in the region, creating a skilled workforce for the future.

Featured Image Caption: The occasion was attended by an array of stakeholders, including students enrolled in the program, marking a collaborative effort to address the growing need for skilled electricians.

-End-