Learnership 1000 beneficiaries at the programme launch. The prestigious event received a lot of media attention and was attended by more than 2000 people, including the Premier of the Western Cape and 5 Cabinet Members.
Focusing on skills development, the Learnership 1000 initiative is a great leap forward for the Department of Transport and Public Works' contribution towards alleviating unemployment and poverty in the province.
The Community Based Public Works Branch, which drives the project, received 35 000 applications for the one thousand existing opportunities. Successful applicants will receive training and gain first-hand experience during their placement at various organisations. Backed by the SETAs, the Department of Transport and Public Works partnered with ABSA, the City of Cape Town, the Department of Education and municipalities across the Western Cape to place, train and develop the learners.
Minister Marius Fransman mentioned in his address that an intervention had to be made in the second economy to build and construct a new order in our society. He also encouraged the recipients of the learnerships to be disciplined, committed and part of the culture of work. "We will watch you closely," he said.
According to the event organizer, Yasir Ahmed, 727 beneficiaries have already started their training and will be placed in a working environment shortly.
Enquiries:
Chris Prins
Manager: Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 2132
Email: cwprins@pgwc.gov.za
