The Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) for Green Technologies recently held its Learner Activation Day in Atlantis to encourage youth aged 16 to 35 to register for training opportunities made available through various partners, to support the establishment of the zone.
The event was the culmination of collaborative efforts between Wesgro, currently incubating the ASEZ, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the City of Cape Town, the Department of Labour and Employment, the West Coast College and GreenCape.
Together these project partners leveraged their respective implementing partners, such as Lulaway, Harambee and Lesedi Academy, to present what opportunities await Atlantis youth to grow their skills to be relevant in the ASEZ context.
A strong focus on technical skills, especially for the manufacturing and construction industries, prevailed on the day. Young people were encouraged to sign up for training opportunities in the relevant courses, commencing in 2020.
“Skills development, specifically of our young people is a key priority for the ASEZ,” said Mayoral Committee Member, Alderman Vos. “We require the youth of Atlantis to be enabled and equipped to access employment opportunities in the zone, this is only possible through dedicated training opportunities.
“The response we have seen today is testament to the need of our communities to gain access to these opportunities, and I am encouraged to see how many of our young people came out to register.”
Denver Klaas, an Atlantis youth who came to register for employment opportunities, said: “I’m here to look for a job. Things are tough out there; I do not have an income, never mind a bonus this year. I am hoping that the registration drive will change that and that it will open doors for me, even if it’s just for a seasonal contract.”
“The ASEZ’s mandate is to create opportunities for the Atlantis community while becoming an attractive investment destination of choice for green technology,” said Ursula Wellmann, Skills, Enterprise and Community Development.
“Building skills and providing training opportunities enables the community to be a key actor and beneficiary of the ASEZ.”
