Motor companies to train youths
Katlehong – This week Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi officially launched the Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation, with a focus on manufacturing, transport and logistics.
Pupils at the school on the East Rand will be trained as car technicians by motor companies Ford, VW, Audi, Toyota and Mazda.
Lesufi said the school has partnered with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta (MerSeta) to provide pupils with workplace experience, learnerships, artisanships and entrepreneurial skills.
“MerSeta will assist learners who will pass mathematics, tech maths, and physical science to be trained as motor technicians. The companies will also assist the school in funding and upgrading the workshops to enable the school to be accredited as a formal training centre,” Lesufi said.
The school has 17 apprentices, including former pupils. They do their theory at the school and are then placed in various automotive companies to do the practical component.
Lesufi said he was excited about the partnership they have with companies in the private sector, as they would support the school with training services and material.
“If we fail to change the education landscape, we will never succeed in empowering our children with necessary skills to improve our economy,” he said.
The schools of specialisation target talented pupils, focusing on the disciplines of maths, science and information communication technology, commerce and entrepreneurship, engineering and sports.