Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet says the 3 year agreement signed today by the Director-General Mbulelo Sogoni and CEO Dr Raymond Patel of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) will boost the skills base of the province. In terms of the agreement merSETA will disburse R22,6 million over a period of 3 years to the Office of the Premier aimed at training thousands of artisans in the province.
“Skills development has proven to be a foundation for successful economies. It is an ingredient to achieve sustainable job creation and economic development. Our young people should grab this opportunity as it will open doors for them in today’s world of work. This also gives meaning to the government’s New Growth Path Strategy,” said Kiviet.
The agreement will focus on students undergoing experiential training for the completion of P1 and P2 work-based learning programmes, which is a requirement for them to graduate from their respective learning institutions. The agreement also includes assisting 80 learners who have obtained at least Level 2 qualifications, through the Eastern Cape Strategic Skills Project, to complete their learnerships and undergo trade tests.
In addition, a further 42 indentured apprentices will be able to complete a three-year programme, while 150 engineering students, in need of completing their training through bridging programmes, will be assisted.
MerSETA CEO Dr Raymond Patel said the agreement is a step in the direction of assisting the province with poverty alleviation, in particular in the rural areas in the province. “Skills development, job creation and poverty alleviation go hand-in-hand. We are confident that this partnership will lead to sustainable job creation for the youth and also address gender equality in the process.”
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