Minister Carlisle Delivers Keynote Address at Youth in Construction Expo | Western Cape Government

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Minister Carlisle Delivers Keynote Address at Youth in Construction Expo

13 August 2012

Media Statement by Minister Robin Carlisle

Infrastructure and construction create the foundations of our global economy and the basis for improving quality of life. It contributes significantly to the country's economy and provides much needed employment. The Provincial Government is clear in its conviction that the South African construction industry is a national asset in the strategy to achieve economic growth, create job opportunities and improve the quality of life of the majority of South Africans.

Department of Transport and Public Works' contribution to Career Advancement in the Construction Industry

The Department of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape has invested many years and significant resources into offering career and skills development opportunities to learners of the Western Cape. Our Skills Development unit has taken the next step to utilise the Youth in Construction programme and develop the potential of learners in the construction industry.

Our Department has allocated R9.7 million in the current financial year (2012/2013) to roll out targeted skills development opportunities for youth in the Western Cape. 270 young people have already been recruited and a further 320 will be recruited for training in the next financial year 2013/2014. There is continual engagement with the CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority) to ascertain if more funds can be made available in order to increase opportunities.

As we speak, young people from all six regions in the Western Cape are being trained in different construction-related trades as part of our Youth in Construction programme.


In the past, the programme has assisted many beneficiaries and looks to benefit another 900 between 2012 and 2014.

These targeted training trades are SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) accredited and also provide the platform for further development and studies in the construction field.

Current courses offered through the National Youth Service programme of the Department:

Air conditioning and RefrigerationNQF Level 2
Construction CarpentryNQF Level 3
Electrical WiringNQF Level 2
Construction Masonry and PlasteringNQF Level 2
Construction PlumbingNQF Level 3
Construction PaintingNQF Level 3
Construction TilingNQF Level 3
Construction Plant OperatorNQF Level 3
Construction Floor CoveringNQF Level 3
Construction WeldingNQF Level 3
Road WorksNQF Level


Our Department is proud to advance opportunities for our youth in the Construction Industry. South Africa is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople. Employers need highly skilled workers and graduates from trade apprenticeship programmes are in demand.

It gives us great pleasure to announce the roll-out of our Apprenticeship Pilot Project which will be implemented from 1 January 2013, and looks to train 20 apprentices per year. The project is a full qualification project providing essential artisan skills, namely in carpentry, electrical and plumbing. This initiative will be a joined partnership between the Skills Development Unit: National Youth Service programme of the Department, Industry and CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority). Over the next three years our Department will invest close to R 7 million to support this initiative. Our apprenticeship scheme also goes beyond just the built environment. We are currently training 16 diesel mechanics in our Belville Workshop.

Our Masakhi'Sizwe Bursary Programme has also played a part in addressing the skills shortages problem by awarding bursaries to students studying towards diplomas/degrees in transport, engineering and the built environment at higher education institutions in the Western Cape. Since its inception in 2006, the programme has grown from assisting 127 students to 221 students currently. The programme has managed to successfully place 74% of its bursars into jobs in the transport, engineering and built environment fields.

A career in trades can guide you to a promising future in a secure, well-paid and challenging occupation. Our aim is to help learners develop and become leaders who make a conscious, demonstrable and sustainable difference wherever they are. To this end the construction industry offers exciting career paths for young people.

Media Enquiries: 

Siphesihle Dube
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 8954
Cell: 084 233 3811
E-mail: Siphesihle.Dube@westerncape.gov.za