Learners obtain training at Coega’s SDC

In line with Coega’s vision to be a leading catalyst for the advancement of socio-economic development, Coega announced that its Skills Development Centre (SDC) is accelerating skills training and coaching of young learners to help address the high rate of unemployment in the province and beyond.

The Coega SDC is situated in the Coega SEZ facility that is adjacent to the Motherwell Community to enable easy access.

Coega strives to create sustainable job opportunities and training and development for local communities, with a focus on the youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

During the financial year 2021/22, Coega reported 9 540 additional construction jobs, 9 659 operational jobs in the SEZ, and trained over 3 296 people, making a real impact on the lives of young people and communities.

According to David Lambaatjeen, Coega’s Training Manager, “the Skills Programme, Shielded Metal Arc Welding at NQF Level 3 offers learners an opportunity to be awarded 40 credits. The successful learners receive a Statement of Results (SOR) from the QCTO, and Learner Achievement is uploaded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD) with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and this type of Welder produces a variety of flat fillet welds with carbon steel and stainless steel materials.”

One Coega SDC learner, Kwayiyo Mavuso (33), from Motherwell highlighted: “With this training programme, there is a significant amount of work one can do even in their neighbourhoods, and Coega SDC has really helped me obtain a skill that will open doors and make me employable.”

Another learner, Lusanda Marwalana (24) from Kamvelihle pointed out some of the benefits of the programme: “This training programme provides opportunities as there are many organisations who are looking for trained welders.  I have gained extensive experience in such a short period of time because of the training, and now I am ready for any opportunity that may come my way.”

Meanwhile, Mzoleni Kosana (34) from Motherwell shared how the programme will help him: “The programme has empowered me to start my own business and become a better person because of the skills I have obtained from the Coega SDC.”

This significant milestone follows a recently announced Coega’s accreditation by the Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO), as an Assessment and Trade Test Centre for the new two trades, Joiner and Painter.

The SDC is built on Coega’s two decades of expertise in providing distinctive and bespoke socio-economic development solutions. Coega SDC continues to position itself as the people’s empowerment Centre of excellence through facilitating education, training,  skills development, and ancillary services concludes Lambaatjeen.