Africa Skills Village – sharing proud moments with qualifyin
George, Garden Route (Aug 2019) On Friday, 02 August Africa Skills Private College proudly hosted a very emotional but jubilant Trade Test Graduation in the Lapa at Van Kervel School in George. The 14 learners who completed their 3-year studies in Welding and who successfully trade tested, received their red seal certificates with absolute pride. Most of the learners were able to complete their studies via the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) route and 3 formed part of an apprenticeship.
The college is a private business and without the much-needed funding from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, who fund the above-mentioned special training project, it would not be possible to assist these learners in completing their journey of education and skills development.
Managing Director and Founder, Elsie Harmse launched Africa Skills Private College almost 12 years ago – a dream that had to focus on facilitating a skilled workforce in South Africa, to promote and support development, especially in rural areas. The primary aim to change the South African landscape by changing lives, restoring dignity and contributing to initiatives that will not only benefit local communities, but the country. Over the past 10 years, unceasingly endeavoured to improve skills development practices, work placement and making a real impact on the economic growth and unemployment epidemic – they have successfully trained over 5000 artisans in the Garden Route district as well as across South Africa.
Previously a Van Kervel learner could not further their skills development journey by qualifying as an artisan but with the dedication of the College and the School, learners are now able to enrol for further training after they finish school. Three Van Kervel learners have now pathed the way for others to follow suit.
Not only does the College help youth to fulfil their dreams, but more mature individuals who have been in the trades industries for many years can still obtain their qualifications. At the graduation Tom Links, a 54-year old community member from Thembalethu, who have been a welder for over 30 years – tearfully shared his journey explaining that he thought it would be impossible for him to have a qualification at his age. Tom has recently joined the Africa Skills family in becoming a Welding Facilitator, inspiring new learners and ensuring they follow a path to victory. Another success story of the more mature generation obtaining their qualification is the 58-year old Moghamat Ryklief, an employee of Petro SA, who can now proudly boast with his red seal certificate.
You are never too old to learn they say, and never too young to start either. The motto of the College is to Equip! Empower! Excel!……and they will diligently and tirelessly continue to assist learners across the nation.
Africa Skills would like to thank the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Van Kervel School and all our other VIP’s and guests for sharing in this special occasion.
For any information regarding Africa Skills Private College, please contact Marketing Manager, Charleen Boshoff at 044 884 0791 / marketing@skillsvillage.co.za or visit their website at www.africaskills.co.za
Picture A: Tom Links – Welding Facilitator, Africa Skills Private College
Picture B: Moghamat Ryklief – Employee, PetroSA
Picture C: Elsie Harmse – Managing Director & Founder, Africa Skills Private College
Press release on behalf of Africa Skills Village:
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mimi finestone | mimi@gojipr.net | +27 84 583 3144