Programme to boost hopes of engineering students

THE Chris Hani Development Agency (CHDA), in partnership with the local department of public works and construction education and training authority, have embarked on an internship programme to give experiential training to engineering students.

Speaking to The Rep on Thursday morning, CHDA special projects manager Zolisa Xabadiya said 20 young people would benefit from the programme and get a R3 000 monthly stipend.

The agency had bursary, internship and learnership programmes.

“We looked for young people from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. But we had more space and took on youth from technikons. The project will place these young people in projects next to where they live to avoid traveling,” Xabadiya said.

One of the beneficiaries, a civil engineering graduate from Buffalo City TVET – Yondela Qangule, said the programme meant a lot to its beneficiaries.

“We were hungry for experiential training and CHDA has given us the opportunity to get it. We will gain a lot.”

Qangule advised young people to take opportunities when they came their way and thanked Chris Hani District Municipality for the opportunity.

Public works department acting manager for extended public works programmes in Chris Hani Simon Makambi said it was great that the department formed part of the project.

“This shows government working together to develop young lives.”