From Preconception to Career. Our strategy supports people from our community throughout their working lifetime, providing education, training, and opportunities to build productive careers. Since 2020 we have been crafting our Job Skills and Entrepreneurship Programme (JSEP) to include accredited courses and skills development that fit within our community’s skill needs.
This year, JSEP is introducing an exciting handyman course through Africa Skills Village. The three-month course trains basic skills in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting and flooring. These practical skills are dearly needed but are currently very difficult to find in our remote rural region. With serendipitous timing, grid electricity will be installed in our community by the end of the year, so there will be an even higher demand for these skilled workers.
Our first cohort of handyworkers includes six learners who did not pass Matric last year, one matriculant and three current BI maintenance staff looking to improve their skills. The course consists of 30% in-class theory and 70% practical work. Our learners already tested their skills and successfully fixed a Wendy house at the BC that was damaged during a storm. The learners will continue gaining practical experience, rotating to the different BI sites and in the community.
Once finished with the course, our graduates will have a sweep of skills to improve their home situation, start a small business, seek apprenticeships or continue studying— this course is accredited and can be used toward earning a full degree. JSEP continues to offer valuable courses that equip people in our community with skills and work experience that also enhance our community.
