Empowering the Workforce: City Boosts Service Quality with Apprenticeships and Learnerships - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Empowering the Workforce: City Boosts Service Quality with Apprenticeships and Learnerships

4 mins read
t r

The City of Cape Town launched an Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme to address skills shortages and enhance service delivery in the Water and Sanitation Directorate. The programme provided training in water-related trades, empowering staff members and external candidates with the required qualifications to progress in their careers. The certification ceremony held earlier this week marked a significant achievement for the directorate, as 346 individuals received their certificates, boosting staff morale and reducing vacancy rates. Through these programmes, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate demonstrates its dedication to investing in its staff’s development and improving service quality.

What is the Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme initiated by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate?

The Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme was launched to combat skills gap identified in artisan and process controller streams, aimed at developing the workforce, enhancing service delivery, and motivating staff members. It provides comprehensive knowledge, skills, competencies, and industry-recognized qualifications to enable staff to carry out their tasks with confidence and proficiency. The certification ceremony held earlier this week marked a significant achievement for the directorate, as 346 individuals received their certificates.

Subtitle: Over 300 Staff Members and External Candidates Triumphantly Graduate from City’s Programme

Tackling Skills Shortages and Enhancing Service Delivery

To address skills shortages and enhance service delivery, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate initiated an Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme aimed at developing its workforce. The programme offered training in water-related trades, empowering staff members and external candidates with the required qualifications to progress in their careers. The certification ceremony held earlier this week marked a significant achievement for the directorate, as 346 individuals received their certificates.

The Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme was launched to combat the skills gap identified in the artisan and process controller streams. It aims to cultivate ready-to-place talent, filling current and future vacancies and enriching the City’s talent pool. The certification ceremony took place on Wednesday, 10 October 2023, at Wittebomme Civic Centre in Wynberg.

These mutually advantageous programmes provide staff with comprehensive knowledge, skills, competencies, and industry-recognized qualifications. This enables them to carry out their tasks with confidence and proficiency. Participants benefit from learning the appropriate methods and techniques to use, ensuring compliance with service standards. For external candidates, the programme offers valuable insight into the qualifications necessary for employment in the water sector.

Boosting Staff Morale and Reducing Vacancy Rates

The initiative also serves to motivate City staff, reinforcing morale and retaining skilled employees. The outcomes are evident as the vacancy rate fell from 20% to just 8.25%. Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, who presided over the certification ceremony, praised the graduates for their outstanding achievements.

“We are thrilled to announce that more than 300 graduates have accomplished their goals by successfully completing accredited water and sanitation-related certification programmes. These dedicated individuals have demonstrated their commitment to ongoing professional and personal growth. As a result, 47 apprentices have progressed into new roles as artisans, and 73 staff members have advanced to the next level of permanent positions within the directorate,” said Councillor Badroodien.

The programmes were provided through registered training institutions, including Northlink College, False Bay College, Industry Education and Training Authority, Portable Water Institute, National Occupational Safety Association, and College of Cape Town. The diverse range of modules catered to both internal staff and external candidates:

  • Apprenticeship Programmes for 98 participants in trades such as plumbing, electrical, millwrights, and bricklaying
  • Learnership Programmes for 238 participants (including those with disabilities) towards qualifications like National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Process Operations, National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Process Control, National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services, National Certificate: Professional Driving, and National Certificate: Public Administration

Commitment to Workforce Development and Improved Service Quality

Through these programmes, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate demonstrates its dedication to investing in its staff’s development. By enhancing employees’ skills, the directorate not only promotes career growth but also contributes to improved service delivery. This ensures that the City remains at the forefront of providing high-quality water and sanitation services to its residents.

As this initiative continues to yield benefits, it serves as a model for other sectors to follow. By addressing skills shortages and promoting a culture of continuous learning, the City sets a precedent for others to emulate, ultimately leading to better service delivery and an improved quality of life for all.

FAQ

1. What is the Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme initiated by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate?

The Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme was launched to combat skills gap identified in artisan and process controller streams, aimed at developing the workforce, enhancing service delivery, and motivating staff members. It provides comprehensive knowledge, skills, competencies, and industry-recognized qualifications to enable staff to carry out their tasks with confidence and proficiency. The certification ceremony held earlier this week marked a significant achievement for the directorate, as 346 individuals received their certificates.

2. What was the aim of the Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme?

The Apprenticeship and Learnership Programme aimed at developing the workforce, enhancing service delivery, and motivating staff members. It provided training in water-related trades, empowering staff members and external candidates with the required qualifications to progress in their careers.

3. How many individuals received certificates at the certification ceremony?

346 individuals received their certificates at the certification ceremony.

4. What was the impact of the programme on staff morale and vacancy rates?

The programme helped boost staff morale and reduce vacancy rates, with the vacancy rate falling from 20% to just 8.25%.

5. Who presided over the certification ceremony?

Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, presided over the certification ceremony.

6. What were the registered training institutions that provided the programmes?

The programmes were provided through registered training institutions, including Northlink College, False Bay College, Industry Education and Training Authority, Portable Water Institute, National Occupational Safety Association, and College of Cape Town.

7. What were the types of programmes offered by the registered training institutions?

The registered training institutions offered apprenticeship programmes for 98 participants in trades such as plumbing, electrical, millwrights, and bricklaying, and learnership programmes for 238 participants (including those with disabilities) towards qualifications like National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Process Operations, National Certificate: Water, and Wastewater Process Control, National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services, National Certificate: Professional Driving, and National Certificate: Public Administration.

8. What is the City’s commitment through these programmes?

Through these programmes, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate demonstrates its dedication to investing in its staff’s development. By enhancing employees’ skills, the directorate not only promotes career growth but also contributes to improved service delivery. This ensures that the City remains at the forefront of providing high-quality water and sanitation services to its residents.

Previous Story

Effective Police Collaboration Leads to Rapid Arrest of Robbery Suspects in South Africa

Next Story

South Africa’s Role in the Green Hydrogen Revolution: A Path to a Sustainable and Prosperous Future

Latest from Blog

Woolworths and the Public Investment Corporation: A Strategic Stake in South Africa’s Retail Giant

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has made a bold move by buying a 20.248% share in Woolworths, making it the biggest owner of this beloved South African retail brand. This investment is not just about money; it aims to help Woolworths during tough times while supporting the country’s economy. Woolworths stores are known for their bright, welcoming atmosphere and highquality products, making shopping a pleasure. However, the company faces challenges, especially with its Country Road brand struggling financially. Despite these bumps in the road, PIC’s backing shows a strong belief in Woolworths’ potential to bounce back and thrive.

A New Chapter in Regional Peacekeeping: The Southern African Development Community’s Withdrawal from the DRC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is ending its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a new chapter in peacekeeping. This shift shows that leaders now believe in using diplomacy and humanitarian efforts instead of just military force to create lasting peace. After a tough year with many casualties, including 14 soldiers, SADC leaders gathered to discuss their next steps. They are committed to supporting the DRC through peaceful solutions, recognizing that true stability comes from addressing the roots of conflict and working together for a brighter future.

Grappling with Nature: Cape Town’s Urgent Call for Preparedness Amid Escalating Weather Challenges

Cape Town is facing a tough winter with wild weather bringing chaos to the city. To stay safe, residents are urged to prepare by making emergency kits, clearing brush around their homes, and joining community workshops on disaster readiness. With a huge rise in weatherrelated incidents recently, everyone needs to pitch in—especially as powerful winds and fires threaten neighborhoods. By working together and using modern tools, Cape Town can better handle these fierce storms and protect its people.

Unveiling the Rising Threat: Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

Rabies is now a serious threat to Cape Fur Seals, once seen as graceful ocean dwellers. Symptoms like aggression, confusion, foaming at the mouth, and paralysis signal the deadly disease’s presence. A recent shocking video shows a seal acting strangely, raising alarms among scientists. This marks a new danger for marine life, as rabies usually affects land animals. To fight back, researchers are launching a campaign to understand and protect these seals, reminding us how fragile our ocean ecosystems can be.

A Community Shaken: The Assault at Wellington’s BP Garage

A terrible event shook the peaceful town of Wellington when a petrol attendant was violently attacked at the local BP garage. Two men jumped out of their car and, after a simple request to park properly, unleashed an awful assault on the worker. The shocking incident was caught on video, spreading outrage throughout the community and sparking calls for justice. Residents, outraged by the violence, are rallying together, demanding accountability and a safer environment. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of respect and unity in their community.