Durban - The Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP), aimed at providing skills to 100 unemployed South Durban residents, was launched at the Engen Refinery in Wentworth on Thursday.
James Nyawera, Engen’s head of Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement, said it was an exciting venture.
“The EGCDP, in partnership with the Community-Engen Joint Committee, is set to boost future job prospects for residents from the Umlazi, Wentworth, Lamontville and Merebank areas, by providing them with artisan training, learnership opportunities, accredited qualifications and Adult Based Education and Training (ABET),” he said.
Engen Skills Development Manager, Mmalenyalo Galane, said the company was passionate about upskilling and empowering the youth and unemployed.
“The EGCDP provides a literal springboard towards a brighter future by teaching skills that can be used throughout people’s lives either as employees or as entrepreneurs,” she said.
Galane said ABET was designed for adults and youth who do not meet the Grade 12 requirement but would like to venture into the various learning programmes on offer.
“ABET offers opportunities to those who have always wanted to complete their Grades 10, 11 and 12 certificate but may not have had the financial means to do so,” she said.
Through the Engen programme:
- 50 ABET beneficiaries will have the opportunity to obtain their high school grade certificate as well as move onto post matric programmes.
- The artisan skills programme, which runs over 36 months, will empower 21 future artisans who have already passed matric maths and science, with qualifications as electricians, mechanical fitters, and instrument mechanics.
- Boosting youth unemployment, 29 beneficiaries with grade 11 or 12 certificates are set to embark on various learnerships, which run over 18 months and promise to provide invaluable work experience.
“We wish all EGCDP beneficiaries the best of luck as they embark on this new chapter of their lives. It is Engen’s ultimate reward to empower and upskill members of the community to pursue stimulating careers that won’t only benefit them personally, but also their families and the broader economy of South Africa,” added Nyawera.
