Pretoria - A team of 21 students, who are heading to Brazil to participate in a global skills competition, have been wished well by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of their departure.
The World Skills SA Team will participate in the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo from 11 to 16 August.
World Skills International provides an opportunity to exchange skills, experience and technological innovations. As the largest skills competition in the world, it is expected to build the self-esteem and confidence of contestants.
Deputy President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, said the “skills ambassadors” come from various vocational streams.
“They are national winners in fields like mechatronics, mobile robotics, automobile technology, IT software solutions and IT network systems. They are artists, innovators and achievers in web design, hairdressing, beauty therapy, cooking and restaurant services.
“These are young people that will add value to any company they work for or any enterprise they decide to start. They excel in critical skills like welding, plumbing, refrigeration, air conditioning, plastering, auto-body repair, car painting and electrical installations.
“If you need any of these skills, you will find it in this room among our champions,” he said at the sendoff in Pretoria.
He suggested industry leaders to take note and start making solid offers to the team members because their skills and capabilities would soon be in great demand.
The Deputy President said the country was not yet meeting the National Development Plan’s target of producing 30 000 artisans year.
There was a need to ensure young people are adequately skilled so they can benefit from the construction of roads, schools and new power stations through government’s infrastructure plans.
“The massive opportunities in the green economy and the blue economy require that we constantly develop and refine our curricula. Our TVET [Training Vocational Education and Training] colleges must train our youth not only to participate in the roll out of mega-projects, but also to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure.
“We must improve the skills of artisans through in-service training and career development,” he urged.
He said government appreciated the role private sector was playing in supporting vocational training by partnering with SETAs and TVET colleges and in providing work experience and employment to graduates. – SAnews.gov.za
