This project, currently in its second round, involves close integration between three partners, namely South Cape College, Seta and various host employers. The first round kicked off two years ago, with the initial group of placed students finishing their internships in January this year. The second round started on 1 September and will be concluded at the end of February next year, with a possibility of extending the employment grant.
The project provides funds allocated by the Seta for paying stipends to students being employed to gain work experience at host employers.
The current revised project guidelines stipulate an employment contract between the college and the student, with the funds from the Seta being paid to the college.
The college then, in turn, pays the students. A memorandum of understanding is then signed between the college and the host employer.
"These new arrangements protect all parties, make provision for the legalities of the project and ensure that the college assists in sharing the responsibility for the project," says Mrs Tercia Terblanche, deputy chief executive officer: Academic, at South Cape College.
SCC is the first college in the province rolling out this project. Feedback from one of the previous host employers, Waltons, was given by Ms Anne-Mare Tredoux, who praised the skills and diligence of the students and the opportunities offered to host employers through these. Tredoux emphasised that gaining exposure at host employers is imperative and invaluable. It adds value to students' resumes.
One of the ex-students, Modiege Modikwe, also provided feedback. She completed a stint at Pick n Pay in Oudtshoorn, starting with packing shelves and cleaning the floor to advancing to the cash registers and finally ending up in the office.
She is currently employed as a job placement intern at SCC.
Students with dignitaries at the launch of the workplace experience and employment grant.
