Minister Mildred Oliphant launches commercial diving and pilot training in Durban

The Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant launched the Aviation and scuba diving programme at the Virginia Airport, in Durban today (Monday)

The Minister thanked the UIF board members for showing interest in the advancement of youth by giving them the opportunity to get skills. She also thanked and encouraged the learners for accepting the opportunity. 

The Minister reminded delegates that "this year marks the centenary our icon, Tata Nelson Mandela who said “freedom is in our hands”.

“He was talking about your future, encouragement of working together irrespective of race, gender or religion”, the Minister continued.

The training programmers are sponsored by the Unemployment Insurance Fund's (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP) in association with the John Langalibalele Dube Institute. There are currently 100 learners, with 50 undergoing commercial diving training and the other 50 are being trained in Private Pilot License. 

The pilot training takes 24 months, with 12 focusing on theory and practicals and the 12 focusing on workplace. They started in February and will conclude in 2020. Meanwhile the training for commercial divers takes 12 months to complete and then they will be placed for experiential learning at different institutions.

Commercial diving learners are trained to dive in open and confined water and after completion of their studies they will be able to peruse their careers in under water mining activities, under water plumbing, engineering, research et cetera.

The attendees were able to witness the impact of the training as one of the learners was able to show-off his flying skills at the Virginia Airport followed by the commercial divers who showed their mantle at Blue Marlin Hotel at Scottburg.

From here the Minister will be heading for Emadungeni Tribal Office tomorrow, Tuesday, to launch another project, this time for women who engage in organic farming. 

Enquiries:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694

More on

Share this page

Similar categories to explore