IN line with Coega’s vision to be a leading catalyst for the advancement of socio-economic development, it announced that its Skills Development Centre (SDC) is accelerating skills training and coaching of young learners to help address the high rate of unemployment in the Eastern Cape Province and beyond.
The Coega SDC is situated in the Coega SEZ facility that is adjacent to the Motherwell Community to enable easy access.
Coega strives to create sustainable job opportunities and training and development for local communities, with a focus on the youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
During the financial year 2021/22, Coega reported 9 540 additional construction jobs and 9 659 operational jobs in the SEZ, as well as training over 3 296 people, making a real impact on the lives of young people and communities.
According to Coega’s Training Manager, David Lambaatjeen, the skills programme, Shielded Metal Arc Welding at NQF Level 3, offers learners an opportunity to be awarded with 40 credits.
“The successful learners receive a Statement of Results (SOR) from the QCTO, and learner achievement is uploaded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD) with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); this type of welder produces a variety of flat fillet welds with carbon steel and stainless-steel materials,” said Lambaatjeen.
One of the learners, Kwayiyo Mavuso, said that with this training programme, there is a significant amount of work one can do even in their neighbourhoods. “Coega SDC has really helped me obtain a skill that will open doors and make me employable.”
Another learner, Lusanda Marwalana, pointed out some of the benefits of the programme.
“This training programme provides opportunities as there are many organisations looking for trained welders. I have gained extensive experience in such a short period of time because of the training, and now I am ready for any opportunity that may come my way,” said Marwalana.
Sharing the same sentiments, Mzoleni Kosana stated how the programme empowered him to establish his own business, thereby removing one person from the unemployment line.
The SDC is built on Coega’s two decades of expertise in providing distinctive and bespoke socio-economic development solutions.
“Coega SDC continues to position itself as the people’s empowerment centre of excellence through facilitating education, training, skills development, and ancillary services,” concluded Lambaatjeen.
– ISSUED BY COEGA
