Retired principals’ efforts see jobless youth get learnerships
Unemployed youth of Whittlesea are receiving workplace training at wholesale and retail businesses.
This is thanks to the efforts of retired principals Nkosinathi Vuntu and Thembiso Khesa, with the assistance of Ikhala TVET College.
The two retired principals started the Mhlotshana restoration committee with the aim of making productive use of the former Mhlotshana High building after the school was closed by the education department.
“We came up with an idea that the school can be converted into a technical high school so it can service Whittlesea and surrounding areas,” Vuntu said.
“We approached Ikhala, which assisted us with a 12month learnership.”
The learnership applications open for youth in Whittlesea and surrounding areas, saw 30 young men and women selected to be part of the programme.
The project started on January 22 when the students were welcomed at the
Nomzamo Primary building, which is also no longer a functioning school.
The learnership students were required to have passed Grade 11 or 12 maths (core and literacy) and English.
Their stipends were paid in January and they were placed for workplace training at retail and wholesale businesses in Komani, as there were no training opportunities in Whittlesea.
After completion of their workplace training, the students will attend theory lessons at the college.
Student Sive Ntaba, who was placed at Relay Jeans, said: “I
am happy with the learnership from Ikhala TVET College, at least with the stipend I can buy soap and do other things here and there so there is a huge difference now.”
Being unemployed at home was depressing but now hope had been restored for many, she said.
“The shop managers are superb. We feel at home. I am happy to wake up and know I am going to work. We are taught to do everything in the shop such as working the till, packing, opening accounts and customer service.”
She encouraged the youth to take advantage of learnerships.