Karoo training centre boon for young artisans
KAROO pupils have been granted the opportunity to become electrical artisans in a SA Radio Astronomy Observatory (Sarao) sponsored training centre, just 14km from their homes.
Though the centre has been operational for six months, the Klerefontein Training Centre had its official launch at the weekend.
It was launched to provide the MeerKAT and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescopes with qualified artisans for their operations and maintenance.
To become a qualified artisan, students will complete several theory courses, followed by eight months of practical training at an accredited facility.
Thereafter, students are required to complete 18 months of on-the-job training before writing their trade tests and qualifying.
Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas attended the official launch, where students demonstrated what they had learned.
Lucas said: “We have awarded 72 bursaries since the start of this project from partnerships with various industries, including fitting and turning. The biggest challenge has been an exit strategy once students complete their studies.
“It doesn’t help transferring skills that are not marketable. But I am glad that young people get to do the trade test because then their qualification becomes useful and they can easily find a job – not just here but in other industries.”
Student Morgan Daba, 21, said he was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the training programme.
“I thank God for this. Being able to become somebody has made my mother very proud.
“I am not very academic but I am good with my hands, so this is perfect for me. I now have a five- to 10-year plan. I would like to qualify and go on to work in the mining sector.”
Since 2011, Sarao has provided 72 bursaries to students from Carnarvon, De Aar, Lokston, Kimberley, Van Wyksvlei, Victoria West and Williston to study and train as artisans in motor mechanics, boiler-making, fitting and turning, instrumentation and control, electrical and IT.
Skills courses in carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, welding and optic fibre have also been funded. Having a training centre in the Karoo region has also reduced the cost involved in training electrical artisans, because these students no longer need to be accommodated and trained at facilities located in Gauteng and elsewhere.