The Department of Public Works (DPW) has awarded full bursaries to 50 learners (Matric Class of 2013) who will study for careers in the built environment industry, as part of the government’s priorities to build a skilled and capable workforce.
Bursary beneficiaries were selected from 15 schools across the country participating in the Department of Public Works’ Schools Programme aimed at promoting the teaching of Maths and Science as well as the Built Environment professions.
DPW adopted the 15 schools in the Schools Programme and were piloted in five regional offices of the DPW, including Polokwane, Mmabatho, Kimberly, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth and Head Office (Pretoria).
The schools were recommended by the Department of Basic Education through District Offices. A number of selection criteria were used including, Schools that are performing at an average of 65% and above, Schools with learners performing above 65% in Maths and Science, Less resourced schools and Schools situated in Rural, Farm and Townships areas
Each bursary is valued at R120 000 and will cover tuition, residential fees including three meals, textbooks, academic projects and resources including monthly allowance.
Below is the breakdown of the careers the learners will be studying towards:
|
Study field |
Females |
Males |
Total |
|
|
Analytical Chemistry |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Architecture |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Chemical Engineering |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Civil Engineering |
6 |
6 |
12 |
|
|
Construction Management |
4 |
3 |
7 |
|
|
Electrical Engineering |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Landscape Architecture |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
|
Mechanical Engineering |
4 |
5 |
9 |
|
|
Property Valuation |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
Quantity Surveying |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
|
Town Planning |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Total |
22 |
28 |
50 |
The department ‘s bursary programme is part of an array of initiatives undertaken by the public works sector to build a sustainable national skills pipeline, targeting pertinent fields in the construction and property industries - the two sectors which are regulated by Public Works. The other is the Young Professional Programme which recruits and hire graduates in this fields for the purpose of mentoring them to gain their professional registration.
In November 2013 the Minister of Public Works, Mr T.W Nxesi handed over certificates to 26 young Professionals who have successfully attained professional registration status after being part to the department’s Young professionals Programme.
The young professionals programme aims to accelerate registration of built environment professionals through significant mentorship and structured training. It provides structured mentorship support, exposes candidates to national and international projects covering training areas in the following fields; Engineering (Structural, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical), Quantity Surveying, Construction Project Management, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Town Planning, Property Valuation and Interior Design.
