The Amathole District Municipality (ADM), in partnership with the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), has launched an eight-month-long artisan skills development initiative project at the Mdantsane Border Training Centre earlier in July.
The ADM’s artisan skills development initiative project targets at least 40 artisans across all local municipalities in the district, in an attempt to address critical skills shortages through the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme.
Some of the local municipalities under ADM jurisdiction include Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, Ngqushwa, Great Kei, Mnquma and Mbhashe.
The eight-month-long skills development training programme is structured and implemented in three phases, which include theoretical and practical assessment, targeted gap-closer training and workplace application.
The participants will gain practical experience in advanced technical areas, preparing and equipping them to tackle diverse municipal projects.
Trainees will be awarded the nationally recognised trade test certificate upon successfully completing the training period, which will enhance their career prospects and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Quality Assurance Manager at the Mdantsane-based Border Training Centre, Yolanda Kholwane, praised Amathole District for introducing the artisan skills development initiative and launching it at the centre.
“This training and qualification will be essential for local artisans and will open doors to employment and business ventures,” said Kholwane.
One of the participants, Lucky Rentjie, said that the skills development training programme has introduced him to new skills and will enhance his artisan experience.
