SKILLS FOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Gautrain provides several construction related learnerships for women who have been previously unemployed. The first intake is currently completing their theoretical training in the classroom. They will start their practical on-the-job-training at the various construction sites in June.

By offering previously unemployed women the opportunity to complete learnerships, Gautrain is meeting its Socio-Economic Development targets. Traditionally, not many women were employed in the construction industry which makes these learnerships very significant.

These women learners will be guided by experienced coaches when completing the practical phase of their learnerships within the Bombela Civil Joint Venture work environment. At the end of their 16 months long learnership, graduates receive a recognised qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework and endorsed by SAQA. The learnerships are offered in co-ordination with the Construction SETA and the Mining Qualifications Authority SETA.

According to Ntombi Langa, Bombela CJV Training Manager, recruitment for the next intake of learners is currently in progress. The following learnerships were launched in the beginning of the year:

In addition to these learnerships, there are ten women who are currently completing their BBA Degrees at Cida City Campus, a university for disadvantaged students. Another 44 learners at FET colleges are completing courses in construction and civil engineering related study fields.

Learnerships form part of Government’s National Skills Development Strategy which receives the full support from Gautrain.