Over 4 700 new artisans for SA

As part of the skills needed to grow the economy, 4749 new artisans have been certificated by the National Artisan Moderation Body in the first quarter, said government.

Also, 24 324 workplace based learning opportunities were taken up.

“Artisans possess specialised skills that are sought after by industry; and also have the opportunity to become entrepreneurs,” Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said.

She was briefing media on the work done by the Economic Sectors, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cluster in the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) towards achieving the goals of the National Development Plan: Vision 2030.

South Africa has been racing up to its target of training 30 000 artisans a year by 2030.

The country’s requirement for artisans in the construction, engineering and other relevant sectors is seen as key in economic growth and sustaining these industries.

But the cluster said it is turning things around. This through the opening of TVET colleges like the Waterberg College which was opened in June which will further help meet the target.

“There are another two campus sites at 60 percent completion. Protocols for the secondment of sector specialist to work in TVET colleges have been developed and 329 lecturers have thus far undergone workplace exposure to strengthen the quality of training,” Minister Pandor said.

The cluster also reported that its public employment programmes such as the Expanded Public Works programme (EPWP) has created 189150 work opportunities in the quarter.

“The programme has also exceeded the target of employment of women in the programme. 68.3 percent work opportunities for women were created while 1.9 percent were created for people with disabilities.”

A total of 1550 aquaculture jobs have been created to date and 220 additional jobs are committed for 2016.