The successful graduation of 25 KwaCele residents in the NQF Level 3 National Certificate in Building and Civils’ Construction Masonry, sees them better-placed for future employment opportunities – with eight of the graduates already securing employment at Renishaw Hills.

Renishaw hills graduates

Surrounded by family, friends, KwaCele community leaders, and representatives from Renishaw Hills and local government, the candidates were awarded their Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA) certificates at a ceremony held at the iNkosi Mkakwa Cele Community Hall on Tuesday, 30 October.

Funding for this sought-after learnership programme was secured by the management of Renishaw Property Developments, developers of Renishaw Hills, the mature lifestyle village based just outside Scottburgh, with on-site training experience provided at Renishaw Hills.

“We would like to congratulate each candidate on the successful completion of this learnership programme,” said Richard Crocker, Project Director of Renishaw Hills. “We have managed to sub-contract two of the candidates on an ongoing basis and a further six have secured employment with one of our major contractors. Hopefully, this will encourage others to excel in future learnership programmes, empowered with the knowledge that if they perform well, there are employment opportunities waiting for them.”

From the start, Renishaw Property Developments prioritised engaging with the surrounding KwaCele community, seeking ways to improve the lives of the area’s long-time residents. The view was for training and job creation with long-term sustainability and economic empowerment for the community.

More than 100 individuals applied for the 25 posts, all of whom underwent a thorough screening process. The entry requirements stipulated that each candidate is under 25 years of age, unemployed and residing in the area falling under the KwaCele Traditional Council.

The 25 chosen learners – 13 female, 12 male – underwent the intensive, one-year training programme – starting in June 2017 – which included five months of theory and seven months of on-site practical. Renishaw Property Development appointed a training authority to facilitate the experience which included bricklaying, plastering, paving and carpentry, among other things.

Amandawe resident, Londiwe Buthelezi (21), said she had wanted to pursue a position within the construction industry since high school: “I wanted a career in something that was different and challenging. When I saw the notice for the programme, I applied, and was so happy and excited when I was selected from such a large group.”

She said that using her certificate, she would now seek experience within the construction industry and eventually realise her entrepreneurial dream of starting a company.

Dumisani Njilo, a member of the KwaCele Traditional Council Committee, said this was the type of ambition they were excited to witness, particularly in an area with such high unemployment: “The committee is so happy about the learnership programme. Now that they have their certificates, they are able to open businesses for themselves. The whole community is really happy about this.”