This is How We Tackle Unemployment! A programme focused on creating work opportunities for young people and women in Cape Town celebrated over 100 graduates who now have a better landing in the fashion world.
Cape Town, South Africa (02 July, 2023) — 119 Students recently graduated from the Cape Skills and Employment Accelerator and are stepping into a more hopeful future in fashion, clothing and textiles. The programme which is managed by the Craft + Design Institute and funded by the City of Cape Town, sews together skills development and employment opportunities for many young people and women looking to break into the above industries.
Beyond skills development, the programme places more weight on work-based experience; something many young job hunters are gate-kept from.
The group of 119 graduated and received their National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level training certificates from Boland College and the Cape Town Workbased Learning Academy (CTWLA). This achievement marks the final stop for the students on their quest to better prospects.
Throughout their journey, the students developed skills like pattern and garment making, sewing and apprentice-like skills, with 75% of their time spent in workplace learning environments and the other 25% in the classroom.
Since the programme’s inception last year, 139 students have graduated to date. By going through the programmes they gained unique access to SMMEs where they got to learn the ropes.
“When we initiated this project it was in the midst of a very difficult period for employment creation and for businesses trading in the creative industries. We are proud of the outcome, through which so many young women have gained an NQF4 Learnership qualification as a machinist.
“While they were learning, 27 CDI member SMMEs hosted the learners by providing the site for workplace learning to take place, and hopefully with a job at the end of each learner’s 12 month journey,” shared Erica Elk, CEO of the Craft + Design Institute.”
She added:
“A highlight is that 87 of the learners have now been placed in jobs or chosen to study further. That’s a 64% retention rate through the programme, which is a testament to the resilience and efforts of the youth and the local businesses to overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic and its aftermath.
“We also spent time with learners who weren’t going into jobs or further study by facilitating conversations with them about their next steps and getting them into other networks, so they are more accessible in the job market.”
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