A group of 20 youths from Browns Farm, Philippi, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Tafelsig and surrounds will benefit from the a skills development project aimed at alleviating unemployment.
With the assistance of funding from the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA, non-profit company, Serve the Needy has already identified the 20 candidates who will learn skills required to become machinists.
Albert Solomons, organisation chair, says they applied for funding and received it earlier this year.
Learners will be split in two groups. The first will start in October until December and the second group will start in January.
The course includes a stipend for learners, to assist them in attending classes.
“They will be trained by accredited instructors and receive a certificate on completion.
“They will also receive a kit of equipment so that when they find employment, they have everything they need,” says Solomons.
The course will cover how to operate a sewing machine, what to do with the machine and how to sew straight lines and seams. They will also be taught how to operate three different machines – overlocker, plain machine and mock machine.
“Everyone is welcome to apply. Any young person that is interested in learning sewing skills to equip themselves better with these skills in order to find employment,” says Solomons.
Following this skills programme, they hope to again apply for funding to offer a 12 month learnership.
Like the current programme it will cover sewing skills, but in a higher category. It will also make it possible for learners to understand how to start their own sewing business.
At the end of this programme, learners will receive a certificate from the SETA. All tools will be provided for the classes.
The programme is an NQF 2 and qualifying criteria included having passed Grades 10,11 or 12, be unemployed and in possession of a valid ID.
