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Western Cape launches artisan development programme

Western Cape Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Minister Alan Winde

Western Cape Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Minister Alan Winde

Photo by Duane Daws

19th August 2013

By: Creamer Media Reporter

  

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The Western Cape government on Monday launched a R5.8-million pilot programme to help aspirant artisans become fully qualified and find employment.

The Artisan Development Programme will fund 200 young people who have theoretical knowledge of artisanship but have not been able to find placement at a host company, to complete the in-service training they need in order to write the National Trade Test and become fully qualified.

This year, 72 host companies have agreed to create placements for in-service training.

Funding has also been made available to train coaches within the host companies.

“The lack of artisans in our region could have a devastating impact on our economy down the line as artisans play a crucial role in the delivery of services, especially in engineering trades. At present, the average age of artisans is 55 years old. This means that within the decade, artisanship will become a really scarce skill. If we do not have enough artisans to meet the demands of business, business will go elsewhere,” said Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Minister Alan Winde.

The programme is being run in partnership with the private sector, communities, sector education training authorities and further education and training colleges.

Those selected for the first phase come from across the province, including Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Belhar, Grabouw, Philippi, Du Noon, Atlantis and Wellington.

Qualifying criteria include that the trainee must have a certain level of trade qualification and must be unemployed.

The National Development Plan states that South Africa needs to produce 30 000 artisans a year to grow the economy and reduce poverty. “The Western Cape government is determined to play its part in realising this national goal,” Winde said.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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