The premier, Dr Zamani Saul launched the Civil Engineering Internship Programme of the Department of Roads and Public Works.
WITH the aim of reducing unemployment, the Northern Cape Provincial Government is constantly seeking ways and partnerships to ensure the youth in the Province is part of the economy as well as the Covid-19 recovery plans.
The premier, Dr Zamani Saul, yesterday launched the Civil Engineering Internship Programme of the Department of Roads and Public Works.
A total of 14 youths from across the Northern Cape have been selected to participate in this programme.
Saul said initiatives such as the internship programme have played a huge role in providing the youth with employment opportunities and reducing the unemployment rate in the Province.
“We are pleased that youth unemployment dropped from 78 000 to 71 000, representing 36.4% in Quarter 1 of 2021. If we look at the drop in figures it becomes clear that we are making progress.
“This initiative by the department works to train young men and women to become professionally qualified engineers, diesel mechanics and architects and is therefore a step in the right direction and will go a long way in adding to the skills base of the Province.
“The Phakamile Mabija Artisanship Programme is the proud holder of the 2017 Public Sector Trainers Forum Achievers Excellence Award and I am pleased to learn that the department ventured into training initiatives in the field of renewable energy.”
According to Saul this is a step in the right direction direction and it shows that as government, “we hold true to our commitment to place young people at the centre of our development”.
He said some of the selected interns will be employed to assist the Sol Plaatje Municipality.
“Some civil engineering interns, through the Department of Roads and Public Works, will assist the municipality with the various infrastructure challenges that we are currently grappling with,” he said.
Opportunities were created through the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme.
“As part of the NYS Programme, we also acknowledge the implementation of a Rigger and Refrigeration Apprenticeship Training Programme that started in November 2019. These
apprenticeship training programmes are funded by the Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Merseta).”
Merseta contributed a total of R10 million towards the training of learners in this specific field of training. Through this initiative, a total of 20 unemployed young men and women from across the Province were selected for this programme.
Saul added that his executive will continue to unlock training opportunities through various joint ventures with the private and public sector.
