Pretoria – Learners from disadvantaged schools are in for a treat this winter as they spend their holiday at a school camp learning exciting things about the built environment.
The Department of Public Works selected 100 learners from its schools programme, which include 16 disadvantaged schools from rural, township and farm communities.
The winter school camp, which kicks-off from 13-18 July, in Pretoria, is aimed at creating awareness and to influence learners to take careers in the built environment.
Built environment young professionals from the department will also have exciting practical presentations aimed at attracting the learners into the built environment.
During the camp, maths and science tutorials will be offered to address learning gaps and to focus on remedial work.
The camp also aims to di-stigmatise built industry professionals who are often perceived as mud mixing, back breaking people with unattractive salaries.
The department, in conjunction with the Construction Education Training Authority (CETA) have made available bursaries for learners interested in studying for careers in the built environment.
Professional Mentorship will also be offered under the department’s Young Professionals Programme to those students who studied for careers in the sector.
This year alone, the department awarded 143 bursaries to deserving students, who are pursuing careers in the built environment.
This is done as part of the seven-year plan of re-building Public Works, building the technical capacity of the department; and as a contribution towards Outcome 5 (Chapter 9 of the National Development Plan): Skilled and capable workforce to support an inclusive growth path.
The department’s Director General Mziwonke Dlabantu will also speak at the winter school camp. – SAnews.gov.za
