SKILLS AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

In terms of skills development, the city has improved the employment prospects of the youth and it is being implemented in collaboration with the private sector.

The programme was implemented using 14 local youth offices, which provide business training, funding application and referrals to other support programmes. The City has appointed over 6 500 young people to the work readiness programme and internships.

In advancing skills development, the city’s bursary scheme has benefitted around 9 000 young people and over R470m has been spent in developing the local skills base.

Around 26 000 work opportunities have been created through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Short-term opportunities were created during the construction of infrastructure projects within the communities including water and sanitation, roads and stormwater, and local housing programmes. One of the most successful programmes implemented through EPWP is a three-year plumber’s apprentice programme, where over 90 trainees received fully accredited plumber’s certificates at the end of the programme.

Employment opportunities are advertised and must be applied for, on the city’s website.