In celebration of Youth Month, Tertuis Simmers, the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, visited Conradie Park, one of the Department’s flagship projects. The site serves as a training ground for learners in the Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at nurturing the growth of 100 young individuals over three years, with a focus on field-based training.
First-Year Learners Receive Hands-On Learning
At the time of the visit, the program’s first-year learners were assigned to several project sites for hands-on learning, with the apprenticeship scheduled to conclude in July. The second year of the program involves a partnership with FET College Industries Education and Training Institute (IETI) and offers a curriculum covering an array of accredited modules.
Program Provides Critical Skills and Qualifications
The Apprenticeship Programme provides a monthly stipend as an incentive and allows learners to acquire a formal qualification in the infrastructure sector, establishing a foundation for their future. During the visit, 23-year-old Jordan Samuels expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, as it allows her to develop the necessary skills to join her father’s carpentry business.
Minister Simmers Highlights Importance of Youth Empowerment
Throughout June, Minister Simmers will visit other projects and youth empowerment initiatives initiated by the Department of Infrastructure across the province. He emphasized his enthusiasm for witnessing young people taking advantage of the opportunities provided to them. The program offers students access to education and accredited training that could lead to trade testing and recognized qualifications, nurturing the next generation of infrastructure professionals.
Conradie Park Project Paves the Way for Economic Opportunities
The Conradie Park project serves as an ideal setting for experiential learning and practical training, hosting 14 learners. The successful implementation of these projects, as Minister Simmers noted, is due to partnerships with SETA, FET & TVET colleges, and the collaboration between public and private sectors and various government levels. The program paves the way for learners to access economic opportunities beyond the project, either through self-employment, formal employment, or further learning.
Minister Simmers Commits to Investing in the Future
By visiting the Apprenticeship Programme site and initiating Youth Month, Minister Tertuis Simmers demonstrates a commitment to investing in the future of South Africa’s young professionals. The program provides them with the skills and qualifications necessary to thrive in the infrastructure sector, ensuring the continued growth and development of this crucial industry.
