GEORGE NEWS - As a new benefit at the Workers Collection Point (WCP), a training facility was constructed on the premises through a sponsorship by Kirsten en Tulleken Vervoer BK.
A feasible skills development plan has been drawn up for the training facility in order to benefit contractors, unemployed men and households in George.
According to Des Carolus, coordinator of the WCP, they are currently doing the finishing touches at the facility. He says the main aim of the training facility is to provide life skills programmes and train the jobseekers and the broader community in various trade skills, including bricklaying, painting, carpentry, paving and general safety (Ohasa).
The Department of Labour will play a pivotal role in providing training.
Men on the side of the road (MSR), now referred to as the Municipal Workers Collection Point, was originally started as an NGO in Cape Town with a branch in George. Its purpose is to assist unemployed jobseekers to get temporary or full-time employment by placing them in a programme where they are registered free of charge.
The NGO closed their operations in George in 2013, and as the facility was located on municipal property, the Local Economic Development office of the George Municipality took over.
This resulted in the appointment of a project coordinator and administration clerk, and the programme has since gained extensive public support.
The Municipal Workers Collection Point offers a safe space where unemployed persons can connect with local residents or businesses looking for a general or specific skilled worker.
From left are coordinator at the Municipal Workers Collection Point Desmond Carolus; workers on the database of the WCP: Ayanda Magala, Leon Koopman, Nkosiyabo Seyisi, Sizwe Alfred Maatiwa, Zolile Bennet Madikane, Gofi Michael Gcememe, Kadefuna Gami;and Amy Kearns, administration officer at the WCP, in front of the newly built training facility.
George Municipality is not involved in negotiating daily rates and all payments take place directly between the private parties. The project was initially set up to improve the safety situation around intersections where unemployed persons wait to be picked up for a job.
It further allows unemployed persons to build a reference list over time, thus improving their chances of securing full-time work.
Finally, the facility reduces risk to businesses through verifying skills and being able to recommend reliable, productive workers.
Even though the project still faces challenges, the Workers Collection Point remains a constant hub for jobseekers, contractors and the general public. The most concerning challenge is that contractors and the general public still persist in picking up unemployed persons off the streets, creating safety and other issues at a number of intersections.
Contractors or anyone interested in the project may contact the office on 044 801 9173 for more information, or visit the premises in Industrial Road, next to Coca-Cola and opposite Tekkie Town.
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