Apprenticeships an important tool in tackling youth unemployment | Western Cape Government

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Apprenticeships an important tool in tackling youth unemployment

15 February 2018

In a bid to make it easier for businesses to take on apprentices, the Western Cape Government has enlisted the help of its highly successful Red Tape Reduction Unit.

Increasing the number of young people getting on-the-job training as apprentices is one of the Western Cape Government’s Game Changer initiatives. The province has set a target of helping 11 300 qualified apprentices get into the labour market by 2019 in partnership with schools, TVET colleges and employers.

“Apprenticeships represent the first step on the career ladder for a lot of young people. But employers need to be at the centre of this, creating a bridge that will take them from their educational institutions into the workplace, where they can learn skills that are vital to our economy,” Minister Alan Winde said.

“If we want to meet our targets, we have to change the way artisans and technical colleges are viewed by young people and their parents, and make it easier for employers to hire them as apprentices.”

“This is why we have brought our Red Tape Reduction Unit on board. They have been equipped to answer questions and direct queries to the right place,” Minister Winde said.

The Red Tape Reduction Unit was set up to help businesses overcome hurdles which they might face in setting up or running their business.

Minister Winde took to the streets this morning to distribute flyers detailing the benefits of employing apprentices which include boosting productivity and tax incentives.

In order to ensure that the right skills are available, the Game Changer team have worked with employers to identify which skills are required in the five priority sectors.

The five sectors, with examples of some of the skills required are:

  • Oil and Gas: Air conditioner technicians, refrigeration mechanics, boat builders, brick layers, riggers, pipe fitters
  • Tourism: Bakers, tour guides, chefs, sports and fitness instructors
  • Agri-processing: Electricians, fitters and turners, microbiologists, food technicians
  • Energy: civil engineers, environmental health specialists, electricians
  • ICT: Software developers, programmers, systems analysts, telecommunications engineers.

We encourage employers to contact our red tape hotline on 0861 888 126 or email redtape@westerncape.gov.za with their apprenticeship queries.

Media Enquiries: 

Media enquiries:

Bianca Capazorio

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Opportunities

Tel: 021 483 3550

Cell: 072 372 7044

Email: bianca.capazorio@gmail.com