Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Training and Development

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

30 August 2024 Re-Advertisement: Work Experience Placement Opportunities – Tourism and/or Hospitality

Re-Advertisement: Tourism and/or Hospitality Work Experience placement opportunities – A 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 an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality Organisation for an eighteen (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. Opportunities are currently available within the Kannaland Municipal Area.

Programme and Entry Requirements

This is an eighteen (18) month work experience placement programme at a Tourism / Hospitality organisation in the Garden Route.

Applicants will be selected based 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 with no work experience .
  • 3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality Qualification with less than six months work experience.
  • 4th Criteria: Persons with at least a NQF 1 Qualification with a desire to work in the Tourism / Hospitality Sector.
  • Persons with a disability supported by a medical certificate are encouraged to apply and will be exempt from any of the above criteria.

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 a pre-assessment to assist with correct career development.

Stipends will be paid for eighteen months by the Garden Route District Municipality. 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 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 Services.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Nolwando Sambokwa at 044 803 1344 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert

Closing date: 13 September 2024          
Notice number: 106/2024

30 August 2024 – 25 x Training Opportunities – Occupational Certificate: Cook

Training Opportunities – Occupational Certificate: Cook x 25 Opportunities

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons between the ages of 18 to 35, male or female residing within the Kannaland Local Municipal area of the Garden Route District, to apply for the opportunity to be trained on the Occupational Qualifications programme as a Cook. This forms part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative (skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za).

Programme and Entry Requirements

This is a twelve (12) month training programme in the Garden Route only.

Applicants need to have as a minimum, an NQF Level 1 Qualification (Grade 9) with Mathematics.

  • Pure Academic Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy will all qualify.

Applicants will undergo a formal psychometric assessment for selection and those selected will undergo a medical assessment.

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 Qualification

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Prepare for food production, associated areas, commodities, staff and cooking environment.
  • Communicate with and assist other kitchen personnel.
  • Prepare, cook and assemble specific food items using the correct method and techniques to meet customer and organisational requirements.
  • Assist kitchen and service staff to prepare and serve food.
  • Hygienically prepare and assemble food, and clean food preparation areas.

Applicants must apply using the online UNEMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS (RED BUTTON) on the Skills Mecca website 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 South African ID Document certified within the last three months.
  • A copy of the highest educational qualifications certified within the last three months.
  • An affidavit certified within the last three months that confirms previous work experience.

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

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

Click here to download the Official Advert

Closing date: 13 September 2024   
Notice number: 103/2024

01 August 2024 Media Release: GRDM Skills Mecca programme launches its first ever RPL Firefighter Programme with LGSETA Funding

Media Release: GRDM Skills Mecca programme launches its first ever RPL Firefighter Programme with LGSETA Funding

1 August 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Skills Mecca programme is coordinating and facilitating skills development projects in collaboration with all seven Garden Route district Local Municipalities (LM) and the Central Karoo District Municipality.

During October 2023, a Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) Discretionary Grant funding window application period opened. GRDM, with the support of other Local Government stakeholders, applied for R1.75 million in funding to offer recognition of prior learning (RPL) to 50 employed municipal officials  for an Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter. The application was subsequently approved, and the funding was approved for GRDM.

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Occupational Certificate for Fire Fighters qualification is a process that results in an opportunity for recognizing and validating existing skills, knowledge, and experience of persons who have been working in the firefighting environment for many years but without formal certification.

The GRDM is an accredited provider and assessment centre with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), specifically for the Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter NQF Level 4 qualification. This means the GRDM can roll out training and RPL programs related to firefighting.

Yesterday, 31 July 2024, the induction for the program took place for learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM. The RPL programme will officially commence in August 2024.  At the end of the programme, the learners that comply with all the necessary evidence will write an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) exam, and successful candidates will receive a national certificate.

Feature image caption: Learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM who form part of the RPL programme.

A couple of mood shots captured during the induction session.

-END-

 

Western Cape Government Notice: Exciting Training Opportunities for Unemployed Youth who want to make a difference

WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT: EXCITING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE

The Western Cape Government (WCG) Department of Infrastructure is inviting suitably qualified applicants residing in the Garden Route District to apply for Training opportunities in the Construction Sector.

Closing date: 5 July 2024 at 15:00

The Training programme entails:
– Undergoing theoretical and practical training at a public or private TVET college;
– working on a building site; applying health and safety regulations;
– maintaining work areas;
– and undertaking administrative tasks.

PAINTING L3 (Ref. PGR)
CARPENTRY L3 (Ref. CGR)

Minimum requirements:
• Between 18 and 30 years old
• Resident of the Garden Route District
• Painting: Grade 10 or TVET equivalent with a pass in Mathematical Literacy
• Carpentry: Grade 10 or TVET equivalent with a pass in Mathematical Literacy

Register online: https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN

• Successful candidates will be informed by 13 September 2024.

16 May 2023 Opportunities: Construction Management Systems Training for Grades 5-8 Women-owned Businesses

Construction Management Systems Training for Grades 5-8 Women-owned Businesses

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) calls on women-owned contractors with 51% shares, registered in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 within General Building and Civil Engineering classes of works, to apply for Construction Management System (CMS) training. Construction Management System enables a business to implement a framework of processes and procedures to control its construction risks, improve performance and deliver better client value. In the long term, the CIDB will add the CMS standard as criteria for grading on the Register of Contractors.

CMS includes:

  • Health and Safety Management.
  • Quality Management; and
  • Environmental Management (covering air, water, land, and waste).

The CMS training programme is for the business owner or the contractor’s representative. The representative must be a permanent employee. Training will last 12 months and consists of two modules that will be presented at a workshop over five days of classroom sessions, implementing the CMS in the contractor’s organisation with support and a resources website. Prospective applicants will be required to undergo a pre-qualifying selection test.

Selection of successful applicants will be based on the following criteria:

  • Active CIDB registration in grades 5 to 8 GB and CE.
  • 51% women-owned company.
  • The participants must be competent to attend an NQF 5-level training course.

Interested and qualifying contractors will only contribute 10% (R2 300,00) towards training, and the 90% will be covered by CIDB through the B.U.I.L.D Fund.

Click here to download the application forms:
CIDB CMS Application Form 2023

The Application Form can also be downloaded from CIDB website.

Applications can be emailed, hand-delivered or posted to the following addresses:
E-mail:  malehlohonolom@cidb.org.za
Physical address: 01 Gordon Hood Road, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
Postal address: PO Box 2107, Brooklyn Square, 0075

10 May 2023 Media Release: GRDM adopts its Workplace Skills Plan

GRDM adopts its Workplace Skills Plan

For Immediate Release
10 May 2023

An organisation’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) describes its skills needs and the range of skills development interventions it will use to address them. It comprises of information from the Skills Audit and Personal Development Plan processes as well as the Organisational Needs Analysis through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). To align the WSP with the IDP, the Training Section of GRDM must ensure that each employee completes a Skills Audit form and a Personal Development Plan (PDP).

On Monday, 24 April 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Education, Training and Development Committee approved the 2023 Workplace Skills Plan. This meeting was also attended by the Western Cape Deputy Director: Training Coordination from the Department of Local Government and the Provincial Manager from the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA).

According to Mr Reginald Salmons, Coordinator of Skills Development of the organisation, most of the skills-related projects included in the WSP are in their implementation stages and include the Home-Based Care; Work Based Learning and Development; Renewable Workshop Assistants; Tourism and Hospitality; Water and Sanitation; Fire Fighter, Patrol Officers and Just Energy Transition Projects. “With these projects, the main objective is to eradicate unemployment in the region and make unemployed people employable by equipping them with the necessary skills, particularly the youth,” Salmons said.

Photo Caption:  GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, signing the WSP with Ms Trix Holthausen, Executive Manager of Corporate Services and officials from the Training and Development Section.

ENDS

Op Maandag, 24 April 2023 het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) se Opvoeding, Opleiding en Ontwikkelingskomitee die 2023 Werkplek Vaardigheidsplan goedgekeur. Hierdie vergadering was ook bygewoon deur die Wes-Kaapse Adjunkdirekteur: Opleidingskoördinering van die Departement van Plaaslike Regering en die Provinsiale Bestuurder van die Plaaslike Regering Sektor Onderwys en Opleiding Owerheid (LGSETA).

Volgens mnr Reginald Salmons, Koördineerder van Vaardigheidsontwikkeling van die organisasie, is die meeste van die vaardigheidsverwante projekte wat in die Werkplek Vaardigheidsplan ingesluit is in hul implementeringsfases. “Die hoofdoelwit van hierdie projekte is om werkloosheid in die streek uit te roei en werklose mense indiensneembaar te maak deur hulle toe te rus met die nodige vaardighede, veral die jeug,” het Salmons gesê.

2 December 2022 Media Release: LGSETA conducts another due diligence visit at GRDM

LGSETA conducts another due diligence visit at GRDM

For immediate release
2 December 2022

As part of the Due Diligence process, a Local Government Sector Education Training Authority (LGSETA) delegation led by Mr E Saeke, Manager in the Office of the CEO, and Ms J September, Provincial Coordinator, visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on Wednesday, 30 November 2022. The meeting follows GRDM’s application for a Discretionary Grant (DG) when the funding window for the period from 09 October 2022 to 01 November 2022 opened.

The Garden Route Skills Mecca Team supported the Training Team at the GRDM and coordinated the needs of the Skills Development Teams across all eight municipalities (including GRDM) and submitted a combined application for the following projects during the window:

  • Fire Fighter training
  • Water Reticulation
  • Water Purification
  • Minimum Competency Training
  • Bursaries for Unemployed Youth (18.2)
  • Bursaries for Employed Officials (18.1)
  • Artisan Training (Plumbing, Electrical, Bricklaying and Carpentry)

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Coordinator, Dr Florus Prinsloo said: “The above combined collaborative approach demonstrates that the District Development Model is being implemented pragmatically within the Garden Route for the benefit of all residents”.

The meeting was chaired by Trix Holtzhausen, Executive Manager of Services, who thanked LGSETA for considering GRDM for these projects. “We would like to thank LGSETA for their past and ongoing support, as well as assure you that these projects will greatly contribute to alleviating poverty within our district.”

After careful evaluation and consideration, LGSETA selected the following projects for the due diligence visits:

  • Fire Fighter training
  • Water Training
  • Artisan Training (Plumbing, Electrical, Bricklaying and Carpentry)

These projects amount to R30 million and will benefit employed and unemployed youth.

Dr Florus Prinsloo, gave a brief overview of the Garden Route Skills Mecca and introduced the Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians who assist with the drafting of LGSETA proposals.

GRDM Skills Development Coordinator Reginald Salmon and Senior Training Officer Angeline Naidoo presented the different proposals. As Skills Development Facilitators, both officials act as a link between the LGSETA and the Municipality.

Fire Chief Deon Stoffels also attended the meeting with Brian Afrikaner, who facilitates training at the fire service. Stoffels thanked LGSETA for considering GRDM for Firefighter training and explained that GRDM recently received accreditation from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). ” LGSETA’s Fire Training will be the first of its kind in the district, and it will serve as a pilot project to prepare GRDM for more significant projects in the future,” he concluded

Several sites and training facilities in the George area were visited by LGSETA delegates.

After the formal presentations, the delegates from LGSETA were accompanied to by the Training Section and GRSM Technicians to the various sites and training facilities within the George area. The following areas were visited:

  • Outeniqua Water Works in Pacaltsdorp
  • African Skills Village in Thembalethu
  • Garden Route District Municipality Fire

Did you know:

What is Seta discretionary grant?

Discretionary grants are paid out at the discretion of SETA management for skills development projects linked to scarce and critical skills (sector priority occupations). Funding for discretionary grants is focused on Professional, Vocational, Technical and Academic Learning (PIVOTAL).

What is due diligence?

Due diligence takes place when the LGSETA initially approves a project and then needs to check if the municipality will be able to deliver the training. Training venues, training facilities where participants will be trained, and accreditation of the service provider are all checked.

-End-

28 June 2022 Media Release: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and SASSETA visit GRDM

Media Release: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and SASSETA visit GRDM

28 June 2022
For Immediate Release 

An Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) delegation consisting of national and provincial officials visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on 13 and 14 June 2022. The aim of the two-day visit was to learn more about the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) model and to investigate the possibility of replicating the Skills Mecca concept in other parts of the country.

On the first day, representatives from GRSM and the GRDM EPWP section accompanied the delegation on several site visits to training centres in the area that support the GRSM. Delegates visited Cheeba Africa, African Skills and François Ferreira Academy where they were given thorough insights of each facility and the type of training provided.  Through several Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) grants and EPWP programmes, learners have successfully completed courses at the training centres visited by delegates and have been able to enter the job market.

The second day was reserved for engagement.  Lusanda Menze (GRDM Executive Manager:: Planning and Economic Development) gave an overview of GRDM and its Growth and Development Strategy and Dr Florus Prinsloo (GRSM Coordinator) gave a comprehensive overview of the GRSM model.

Tsholofelo Pooe from National EPWP presented on the their EPWP Training Framework and possible linkages to the Garden Route Skills Mecca.

MOU between GRSM and SASSETA discussed.

Joining the delegation on the second day, were Chris Mudau and Thamsanqa Mdontswa from the Safety and Security SETA (SASSETA). After listening to the presentations given by GRDM and GRSM, they presented on the SETA’s mandate, Skills Development Levy (SDL) breakdown, and strategic scope amongst other topics.

SASSETA’s sub-sections and constituencies include:

  • Policing
  • Corrections
  • Justice
  • Defence
  • Intelligence Activities
  • Legal Services
  • Private Security and Investigation Activities

There are 17 SDL contributors in the Garden Route, which comprises law firms and security companies.  It is for this reason that SASSETA and GRDM will enter into talks to establish an MOU that will see closer cooperation with GRSM.

The two-day delegation visit was concluded with a visit to Calitzdorp Hot Springs where a Security Training Centre has been established through formal partnership between BM Skills Development (who is a SASSETA Accredited Training Provider) and the GRDM.

ends

 

 

13 June 2022 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Focuses on Renewable Energy

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Focuses on Renewable Energy

For Immediate Release
13 June 2022

The fifth quarterly Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum was held virtually on in May 2022 and focused on renewable energy strategies for the Garden Route.

This follows a fruitful engagement Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) had with the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority  (EWSETA) on Tuesday, 17 May 2022.  During the engagement, EWSETA expressed its desire to support renewable energy projects in the Garden Route, which is in line with its support of Just Energy Transition (JET),  Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), and the work done in South Africa by The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).

EWSETA has a significant demand-based focus, and it is important for them to determine what the needs are of employers and businesses. They receive a limited skills levy income and need to partner with other agencies to address this challenge. This is why they’ve agreed soon enter into a memorandum of understanding with GRDM.

During his opening remarks, the GRSM Forum chairperson, Ald. De Vries remarked that renewable energy is gaining momentum as countries around the world are increasingly understanding the benefits it offers.

During the forum, Mr. Warrick Pierce, Technical Leader on Energy Systems Modeling at the Energy Centre of CSIR, presented the Draft Municipal Electricity Master Plan for the GRDM. The Draft document was funded by GIZ and co-funded by the CSIR and is considered to be a mini Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

Mr. Pierce noted that the plan looks at different possible energy futures and the employment opportunities it may hold. Furthermore, the plan’s focus is twofold as it looks at each municipality individually in the region and the Garden Route as a whole to achieve optimisation.

To draft plan addresses issues of future demand usage and that municipalities need to know their customers – their past behaviors towards energy and how this is changing in terms of self-generation.  There seems to be clear indication that Solar PV is the priority option for the Garden Route to consider. The Draft Energy Master Plan will be tabled to the GRDM Council this month for adoption and a media release about it will be issued.

The final presentation was done by Kirsten Freimann, from GIZ, who is the Head of Project: Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E), which is a new 3-year program that started in June.

The program aims to address two major concerns identified by GIZ, which are the economic recession and the high youth unemployment rate plaguing South Africa. With the help of the Swiss Development Agency, The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Government was able to raise €10.5 million for the project.

CPDE4E strives to improve the employability of the youth by unlocking employment potentials by supporting entrepreneurship and SME development in township economies, as well as (ecologic) industrial parks.

The transition from learning to earning will be done by matching soft skills with entrepreneurship training with specific measures in place for girls and women.

Demand-driven TVET/ skills development will improve delivery capacities, through lecturers, in-company mentors, short skills programs, new occupational profiles, and curricula development. It is anticipated that it will strengthen private sector involvement in agile training interventions. This could lead to job creation and meeting demands.