New training programme to raise skills

The Department of Labour has announced a R300 million training programme that will benefit 8000 unemployed people and youth.

The programme, funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta), will also involve the Departments of Public Works, Higher Education and Training and Human Settlements.

The immediate beneficiaries of the programme will be youth and unemployed people who have registered on the department’s match-making platform, the Employment Services for South Africa (Essa), at the recent Jobs Fairs held by the department.

Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant confirmed that those chosen for the programme would receive training in fields such as motor mechanics, instrument mechanician, fitting and turning and diesel mechanics.

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) is expected to train 1 500 students at a cost of R100 million.

The Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, Education and Training Authority (THETA) will train 777 learners in aviation-related fields at a cost of R47 million, while the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) will train 200 learners in plumbing and renewable energy skills at a cost of R3.6 million.

Minister Oliphant said a further 100 learners will receive training in the scuba diving- related field at a cost of R6 million and 500 more learners will be trained as seafarers.

The Department of Human Settlements to train 1 800 youth in a variety of construction skills, while the Department of Public Works will also train 900 learners in the same field at a cost of R16 million.

A further 2 000 youths will be trained in information, communication technology and marketing skills to assist the UIF to market the uFiling (online filing for UIF) system to both employers and employees.

It was a priority that workers’ skills be improved, said the Minister.

“The more people we train, the more likely that they will gain the necessary skills and secure employment therefore rely less on UIF benefits and other social services,” Minister Oliphant said.

For more information contact the Department of Labour on 0800 209 020.