A newly launched skills development programme is opening doors to long-term employment for five young people in Kenhardt, a community facing high unemployment. Over 12 months, the occupational health and safety (OHS) training programme is equipping two young men and three young women with the practical skills and qualifications they need to compete for job opportunities — while helping build a stronger culture of safety locally.
“Participating in this training programme means hope and a new opportunity. I can now gain skills, a qualification and a stable job,” shared 22-year-old beneficiary, Zito Sylvan. “It’s a chance to change my life and be the first in my family with a professional qualification.”
Funded by Aries Solar Power, the year-long programme includes practical workplace experience, after which trainees will complete an external summative assessment before receiving their Quality Council for Trades and Occupations certification. With this qualification, a range of entry-level and developing careers in OHS become available, spanning sectors such as construction, mining, renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics and engineering.
“While the programme does not guarantee employment or automatically qualify graduates for every Safety Officer position, it provides a strong foundation for employment, practical experience and further career development, helping graduates contribute to safer and more compliant workplaces,” added Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Manager at the solar plant.
Forming part of the solar plant’s socio-economic development commitments, the programme also provides beneficiaries with ongoing career mentorship, the necessary PPE and a stipend.
Based on the success of this inaugural roll-out of the programme, there are plans to repeat and expand it in the future, providing training to more local people, introducing additional skills and strengthening partnerships with employers to create clearer pathways from training to employment.
“The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable skills development programme that supports graduates, increases opportunities for youth and women, builds local skills and creates lasting employment pathways in Kenhardt and potentially in the surrounding communities as well,” concluded Makhothe.
