By Thebe Mabanga

The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) has partnered with the V&A Waterfront on the iconic precinct’s new R24 billion development programme over the next 10 to 15 years.

CETA is the lead partner in a work-based skills and learning programme linked to the V&A Waterfront’s expansion, which will develop an additional 5,500 square metres land over the next decade and a half.

The development is expected to support 120,000 direct and indirect jobs during this period.

Joining CETA in the partnership are the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&R SETA) and the Services SETA.

Speaking at the launch of the programme at the Cape Town tourist destination, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela praised the partnership, describing the V&A Waterfront development as “more than a construction site”, but rather “a classroom” and training centre where unemployed young people will gain employment while taking pride in “building something for the country”.

Manamela said the partnership underscores the importance of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) as part of government’s skills development drive.

He said the department aims to secure 100 major employers as Work-Integrated Learning partners by the beginning of next year.

CETA administrator Oupa Nkoane said he hopes the initiative will become a template for similar partnerships in future.

He revealed that CETA is expected to announce a comparable partnership with the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) later this month.

Nkoane said learners participating in the programme will spend more than half of their training on site rather than in the classroom, providing them with practical workplace experience.

He added that CETA has allocated R320 million over three years to the V&A Waterfront project alone.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship.

W&R SETA chief executive officer Tom Mkhwanazi said the authority was drawn to the partnership because of the V&A Waterfront’s significant retail component as one of the country’s leading shopping destinations.

Learners placed through the programme are expected to benefit from employment and business opportunities in the retail sector once the development is completed.

National Skills Fund (NSF) chief executive officer Melissa Erra said the fund can help scale successful programmes, expanding them from around 100 beneficiaries to significantly larger numbers when replicated through similar partnerships.

She added that the NSF also supports artisans, electricians and other tradespeople who want to become entrepreneurs by helping them acquire tools and providing entrepreneurship training.

Some of the V&A Waterfront upcoming development include a residential development, boutique hotel and a retirement facility.

INSIDE EDUCATION

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