Local government
Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele has announced the roll out of the Fire and Rescue Operations Learnership Programme where those who want to pursue a career in emergency services will undergo training.
The launch marked the beginning of an aspiring firefighter’s journey, as the first 50 young people were sworn into the learnership programme through which they will be trained in a range of foundational NQF Level 4 Fire and Rescue competencies.
The City of Ekurhuleni is investing
R14 million over the next two years towards this programme. This will cover the students’ uniform, training material, training fees and stipends.
This first intake of 50 will be followed by another three intakes of 50 candidates in June, December and January 2017. In total, 200 candidates will be trained.
The training will last for 12 months and once completed, the students will be competent in firefighting, rescue operations, victim care, care of the environment and the protection of property as set by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
For many like 30 year-old Kholofelo Rampedi (30) this programme is the break that she needed after years of applying for skills development opportunities.
“I was on the verge of giving up. I had even forgot I had applied when I received the call to come for physical evaluations. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity because I will now at least have a useful skill to add to my CV after completing this programme,” said Rampedi.
Mayor Gungubele encouraged the learners to make the most of this opportunity, as the training they would undergo would equip them with the essential skills needed when seeking employment.
“These are our humble steps to eradicate unemployment, poverty and inequality. We are not giving you fish because that is not sustainable, instead we are teaching you how to fish so you can go out there and start fishing to feed your families,” said Mayor Gungubele.
He also emphasised that the training did not mean that the learners would ultimately work for the municipality, but improve their employability in the fire and rescue field, wherever the opportunities exist.
Source: The City of Ekurhuleni
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