Six young adults from Gauteng’s West Rand have completed their Adult Education and Training qualifications and progressed into bricklaying learnerships through a community skills development initiative.
The programme, supported by Pan African Resources’ Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) operation, is helping residents overcome educational barriers that can prevent them from accessing vocational training and employment opportunities.
The six graduates recently received Adult Education and Training (AET) Level 4 certificates after completing approximately 10 months of learning. All six have subsequently registered for bricklaying learnerships facilitated by Corobrik, providing an opportunity to develop practical skills for South Africa’s construction industry.
The achievement forms part of a broader community education programme that has already supported more than 50 residents through different AET levels, exceeding the human resource development targets set out in MTR’s Social and Labour Plan.
For adults who left school before completing their education, foundational qualifications can provide access to further studies, accredited skills programmes and vocational training.
The initiative brings together Pan African Resources, Mogale City Local Municipality and accredited training provider Triple E Training, with local ward councillors participating in a project steering committee to connect the programme with surrounding communities.
Mogale City Local Municipality Speaker of Council, Councillor Doreen David, said partnerships between government, businesses and training providers were essential to expanding opportunities for unemployed residents.
“Government cannot do it alone,” she said. “We need strong partnerships with companies, training providers and community organisations to ensure communities have opportunities for skills development.”
David encouraged businesses to invest in practical training that could help young people and unemployed adults develop skills relevant to local economic activity.
Triple E Training has worked with MTR for approximately three years, delivering the accredited adult education programme and helping participants build the foundational knowledge required for further learning.
Marco Maree of Triple E Training said completing AET Level 4 in approximately 10 months demonstrated the graduates’ determination and the importance of sustained support throughout their studies.
The qualification provides a foundation for learners seeking to progress towards matric, participate in learnerships or enrol in additional skills development programmes.
MTR General Manager Oriel Shikwambana acknowledged the challenges faced by adults returning to education, particularly those balancing family responsibilities with their studies.
“Returning to education as an adult takes exceptional courage. Many of you have families to support, responsibilities to carry and challenges to overcome. Yet you have chosen to believe that your future could be brighter,” he said.
Thembinkosi Zulu, MTR’s Community Stakeholder Engagement Officer, credited the involvement of local councillors and management support for helping sustain the programme.
Two graduates who spoke on behalf of their fellow learners said completing their qualifications had strengthened their confidence to continue studying and pursue additional opportunities.
Their progression into bricklaying learnerships represents the next stage of the initiative, connecting foundational education with practical vocational training.
Shikwambana said the programme reflected the mining operation’s commitment to creating opportunities beyond its core activities.
“The life of a mine may be measured in years, but the impact of education can last for generations. This is the legacy we want to leave behind,” he said.
The programme’s outcomes demonstrate how collaboration between businesses, local government and accredited training providers can help adults return to education and access further skills development opportunities.
