Skills development boost for local youngsters
IT is an opportunity of a lifetime for a group of youngsters, who are participating in Hillside Aluminium's skills development programme.
This is part of ongoing efforts to close the skills gap and help reduce the country's high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth.
Although nearing completion, the group has been receiving computer literacy training through the support of the Richards Bay smelter.
The End User Computing Learnership helps to build the knowledge and skills learners require in computer literacy - a crucial skill set for the job market.
“One of the reasons South Africa has been struggling with a high rate of unemployment is educational disparities.
“Disparities in access to quality education and training opportunities have left many young people ill-prepared to compete in the job market,” said Hillside in a statement.
The learnership ensures the youth gain experience and practical exposure to working environments.
“It is intended to empower learners to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to operate confidently in a computer literate environment in the corporate environment and to respond to the challenges of the economic environment,” said Hillside.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Nolwazi Magagula said the learnership has taught her multi-tasking - balancing between her studies and being an employee.
It granted her a financial lifeline to not only sustain her but also to further her studies in Human Resources.
"This programme has changed my life and allowed me to expand my knowledge and experience," she said.
Reagan Adams is another beneficiary who has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
"With this programme, we have host companies and people who train us, putting theory into practice.
“I was called by my host company to join the IT department," he said.
"Being in this programme, I have also been able to get my licence and the financial support has allowed me to purchase my first car. The learnership has opened me up to even greater opportunities," said Adams.