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29 February 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches Occupational Certificate: Electrician Program

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches Occupational Certificate: Electrician Program

For Immediate Release
29 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with B-Municipalities in the district, has rolled out an apprenticeship and Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) program for 37 people. Funding was applied for and received from the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). Sourcing of funding for skills that are aligned to the need of business in the Garden Route is central to why the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), exists.

Reginald Salmons, Coordinator of Skills Development at the GRDM, previously at an induction shed light on the significance of this initiative within the Garden Route Skills Mecca Program. The collaborative effort with George-, Mossel Bay-, Oudtshoorn-, Kannaland-, Knysna, and Bitou Municipalities secured funding to address the identified need for qualified electricians outlined in various Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs).

The program encompasses 17 employed officials and 20 unemployed individuals, spanning 18 months for the employed and 3 years for the unemployed. Upon completion, participants will receive a Red Seal qualification, officially recognised as Electricians.

LGSETA Representatives, Ms Jacobs (Provincial Manager) and Ms September (Provincial Coordinator), have pledged their commitment from LGSETA, who contributed an nearly R5 million to fund this critical project. Ms Jacobs has previously encouraged learners to seize this opportunity, underscoring the importance of dedication and responsibility.

LGSETA utilises a remote tracking system to manage payments for unemployed learners. Apprentices log their workplace locations and theoretical class attendance on the system, ensuring accountability and transparency in program participation.

The program commenced on Monday, 19 February 2024, and will run over a three-year period until 2027. The GRDM looks forward to empowering individuals in the region, creating a skilled workforce for the future.

Featured Image Caption: The occasion was attended by an array of stakeholders, including students enrolled in the program, marking a collaborative effort to address the growing need for skilled electricians.

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