Two of the four participating students from the Motheo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Bloemfontein came out top at this year’s WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) Biennial National Conference held in Durban.

They are Chazney Jacobus, who excelled in beauty technology, and Ambrochy Hiles, who does graphic design.

They attained first and third position at the event held from 7 to 10 June with the theme “Ratcheting up the Production of 21st Century Artisans”.

The pair showcased their innovation while representing the college together with their peers Kelebogile Pan, who studies hairdressing, and Jerome Mokhutle, who does automotive body repair.

Jacobus and Hiles will now go on to represent South Africa at the 46th WorldSkills Competition to be held from 12 to 17 October in Shanghai, China.

The international leg of the competition will bring together more than 1 600 competitors from more than 60 countries and regions, competing in over 63 skills. Skill categories include: construction and building technology; manufacturing and engineering technology; information and communications; social and personal services; creative arts and fashion; and transportation and logistics.

WorldSkills competitions create a global platform to develop and help young people who want to change the lives and the fortunes of their communities and societies.

The event in Durban was organised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and formed part of the final stages of promulgating the National Apprenticeship and Artisan Development Strategy 2030.