The Atlantis Special Economic Zone successfully hosted the close-out ceremony for its Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) in Welding initiative, a key part of its Skills Development Programme on Friday 6 September.
The event celebrated 14 artisans who earned their Red Seal qualifications through the ARPL process, marking an important milestone in their professional journeys. These qualifications formally recognise the skills and knowledge they acquired through non-traditional means, demonstrating the value of experiential learning.
The ARPL initiative, funded by Merseta, was an important step in advancing local talent within the Atlantis community. ASEZ’s application for Merseta funding in 2021, in collaboration with SEDA, allowed for the expansion of artisan development across the country. This initiative highlights the ASEZ’s commitment to job creation, skills development, and local economic growth, particularly in the green technology and manufacturing sectors. The ARPL initiative aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), which aims to close the skills gap in critical trades, contributing to national economic stability and sustainable development.
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth in Cape Town, praised the graduates for their hard work and emphasized the City’s commitment to skills development as a key driver of economic growth.
Speaking to the graduates Vos said, “Today we celebrate your achievements. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and you should be incredibly proud. Skills development is a priority for the City, but we don’t just train for the sake of it, we ensure that our programmes contribute to the sectors driving economic growth.”
He likened the graduates’ journey to the process of welding, stating, “Planning for the future is a bit like welding. You have to manoeuvre and manipulate parts together to build something new, something that works. The skills you’ve learned, symbolized by your Red Seal certification, can take you to endless places.”
Vos went on to highlight the vast opportunities now available to the graduates. “You are equipped with some of the most sought-after skills in the country, right here in South Africa’s greentech hub. You can contribute to the success of some of the biggest companies in the country or take the entrepreneurial plunge and start your own business the choice is yours.”
Encouraging the graduates to continue their careers in Cape Town, Vos emphasised the City’s forward-thinking approach to infrastructure and energy. “Choose Cape Town because this City government has committed to a R120 billion, ten-year infrastructure project pipeline, with R2.3 billion going towards our power plan. Our goal is to add 650MW of independent power to Cape Town’s grid by 2026/27, with a long-term aim of 1GW.”
The event was attended by the newly qualified artisans, Atlantis councillors, industry stakeholders, and community members, all of whom appreciated Vos’s insights on the importance of skills development and local economic empowerment.
The event was a testament to the ASEZ’s commitment to driving initiatives that support sustainable development and empower the local community through skills training and education.
