Skills training history made in the Garden Route

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The first ever training programme for renewable energy workshop assistants in South Africa has been completed by 40 learners at the Africa Skills Private College in George.

The programme was financially supported by the Energy and Water Seta through the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Skills Mecca programme.

It included two months of theory and workshop training and the students are now ready for workplace learning at host companies in George to gain work experience.

The course teaches the identification, selection and care for hand and power tools in the renewable energy industry, as well as health, safety and environmental requirements.

At a ceremony held to celebrate the students' achievement, UXi Artisan Development CEO Elsie Harmse said that local expansion in this field is opening up job opportunities for recipients with "the right attitude and a willingness to be diligent and dedicated to hard work".

Keynote speaker Dr Florus Prinsloo, coordinator of the Garden Route Skills Mecca, said learning must take place in an environment where there is economic growth. "We are fortunate in the Garden Route that all our municipalities and many stakeholders support learning, and the economy is still showing growth. "

Campus manager Gunther Kietzmann (left), Clr Iona Kritzinger and course facilitator Rohan Vermaak.

Prinsloo encouraged the successful learners to consider starting their own small businesses.

Vanessa Taylor, a National Business Institute (NBI) advisor, also encouraged the students to keep entrepreneurial opportunities in mind.

"We are looking for people within your group who are excited about the development of their own small businesses and have the potential to start small and grow a sustainable shop or business in this area. We have already started targeting 30 existing small businesses in the Garden Route and will help them to grow and become successful. As they grow bigger, they can provide jobs and help grow the economy."

At some scaffolding that learners erected.