From unemployment to opportunity, 15 young graduates are now ready to stitch their way into the fashion and textile industry.
The group successfully completed a four-month SETA-certified Garment Construction course through the Salesian Institute Youth Projects’ (SIYP) Stitch Ahead programme and graduated recently.
The Stitch Ahead is a four-month course that equips young people aged 18 to 35 with practical skills in industrial sewing, garment construction, quality control, and pattern interpretation, preparing them for careers in the textile industry.
It accommodates only 15 participants at a time.
Skills Training
Heather van Diemen, Lead Facilitator of the SIYP Stitch-Ahead programme, said the initiative provides students with valuable opportunities to improve their future.
“To me, this programme is more than just teaching the young people. When the students complete the course, I stay in touch with them and follow up, I remain involved in their lives.
“The programme is beneficial because it opens doors to future learnerships.”
Van Diemen said the programme concludes with an incubation phase where participants design and develop their own products, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship.
She said students come from across Cape Town, including Manenberg, Hanover Park, Bonteheuwel, Langa and Nyanga.
“Throughout the programme, students gain hands-on experience in product development, pricing strategies, marketing, and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping them with the skills to turn their creativity into careers.”
Van Diemen said through partnerships with businesses some students are placed in in learnership programmes, to gain practical experience and earn a stipend.
Life-Changing Experience
For Thebakazi Sigwadi (20) from Langa, the course was a life-changing experience.
“I wanted to further my studies but unfortunately due to circumstances I could not. I heard about the Stitch Ahead programme and decided to join. Now that I am done with the programme and unemployed, I will start making clothing items.”
She reflected on her journey through the programme, describing how it helped her grow in confidence and skills.
“When I started the course, I was scared, but when I finished after the four months, I was happy. I have learned many things especially how to work with different materials.”
She now plans to use her new skills to give back to her community.
“I am planning to make items for the youth choir at church so that everyone can wear the same outfit.”
Young people are encouraged to follow the Salesian Facebook page for updates and announcements on new programme cohorts.
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