This Woman’s Month the City of Cape Town is shining the spotlight on a group of young ambitious woman who have recently been appointed in permanent positions at the City as Handywomen, after completing one of the City of Cape Town Apprenticeship Programmes.
‘It was a pleasure to meet these ambitious and inspiring women recently. Each of their stories demonstrates their determination and positive attitudes towards learning and working towards their future goals. These are women who persisted with their apprenticeship programmes through trying times and are now reaping the benefits of their hard work. I can see them tackling their career path with much grit and enthusiasm. I am happy that the City’s apprenticeship programmes could provide them with the stepping stone they needed to launch their professional journey with the City,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.
· Makabongwe Sibanda, 27, from Parklands was recently appointed as a Handywoman within the City’s Facilities Management department after completing the City’s two-year Electrical Apprenticeship programme.
· Faheemah Marthinus, 24, a single mother from Blue Downs was recently appointed as a Handywoman within the City’s Facilities Management department after completing the City’s two-year Carpentry Apprenticeship programme.
· Ntshepiseng Rametsi, 23, from Kuils River was recently appointed as a Handywoman within the City’s Recreation and Parks department at the Kuils River depot, after completing the City’s two-year Carpentry Apprenticeship programme.
· Anganathi Tsholeka, 31, from Eerste River was recently appointed as a special workwoman within the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate at the Melton Rose depot after completing the City’s two-year Plumbing Apprenticeship programme.
· Unathi Mehlomakulu, 24, from Gugulethu was recently appointed as Senior Handywoman within the City’s Water and Sanitation directorate after completing the City’s three–year Engineering Apprenticeship programme.
An apprenticeship in South Africa is funded by Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and is a form of training that includes practical and theoretical training in selected trades. Once individuals have completed their apprenticeship and passed an exam, they receive a national artisan/trade qualification, allowing them to be employed as a skilled artisan by government or the private sector.
‘An apprenticeship is hugely beneficial to individuals looking to attain a nationally recognised qualification while working and earning a stipend. This way they are able to go straight into practical training for their trade, which is what these women have chosen. Their apprenticeship opportunity eventually landed them with permanent employment at the municipality, at a young age, which will only benefit their career in the long run’, said Uys
Some of the City’s apprenticeships fall within the following trades:
· Engineering-related fields: diesel mechanic, petrol mechanic, refrigeration, electrical, welding, auto electrical, spray painter
· Construction-related fields: plumber, carpenter, bricklayer, painter
Advertising for the next intake of apprentices will take place later this year for the programme to start early 2024. The City will communicate these details to the public closer to the time.
Requirements for apprenticeships at the City of Cape Town include Senior Certificate (Grade 12 / Matric) with technical subjects, or Engineering / Construction N3 or NCV4.
