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In an effort to address youth unemployment in the Bitou area, 150 young residents will be given the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to enter the workplace.
A learnership programme – a joint venture between the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta) and the Bitou Municipality – was launched in Kwanokuthula on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday.
Sasseta flagship project practitioner Manoke Setsetse said equipping the youth with the necessary skills was key in addressing South Africa’s devastating unemployment rate.
“Bitou’s economy relies heavily on the hospitality industry so we have identified business administration training as a field to explore,” Setsetse said.
She added there was also a need for artisans , especially electricians.
Therefore 100 young unemployed residents between the ages of 18 and 35 have been accepted to the programme and will start with business administration training from next month. About 50 youngsters will be trained to become artisans.
“We called on unemployed youth in the area to send us their CVs and from there we chose who was best suited for the programme. We received about 200 applications, those who didn’t make it was placed on a waiting list,” Anthony Fourie, who is driving the project on behalf of the municipality, said.
“One of the most important criteria was that each applicant had to have passed matric.”
Setsetse said Sasseta had appointed two service providers – Bucks Bubb Trading and Sibusisiwe Investments – to head the training, while the municipality would be providing the venue for the training as well as assist in identifying businesses for practical experience.
“The 50 artisan students will undergo 12 months of training and practical experience, while those doing business administration will be part of a six month programme.”
During their training the participants will also receive a stipend.
Wednesday’s launch was held at the Simunye Centre in Kwanokuthula and was attended by the participants, Bitou Mayor Memory Booysen as well as officials from the Eden District Municipality.
