CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING LEARNERSHIP LAUNCH Women In Construction and

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING LEARNERSHIP LAUNCH Women In Construction and Property Summit 2009

Background of the programme The Province as a whole is faced with a huge number of unemployed youth as well as skills shortage The KZN DPW introduced this programme intervention that is meant to see the development of contractors from rural areas The KZN Office of the Premier granted DPW R 5 million to roll out the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP) in 2008 120 NYS participants were invited to do carpentry and brick laying and plastering 40 youth contractors from Sisonke DM were also recruited from Masakhe ECDP database to do the Construction Contracting Learnership that is being launched today The KZN DPW implements this programme as a response to capacity challenges raised by young contractors in past Construction Summits.

Objectives of the Programme • • • The purpose of this Programme is to equip youth contractors with the skills necessary to have sustainable construction business. The objectives are as follows: Ensure that on completion of the Learnership, beneficiaries are able to compete competitively on job market having all the necessary skills. Reduce unemployment and promote SMME development. To ensure youth contractors are the beneficiaries of the Masakhe Emerging Contractor Programme. Ensure capacity building amongst the Youth Entrepreneurs. To give youth an opportunity to express their civic responsibility by volunteering their services on the infrastructure projects where they will be doing their in-service training.

Programme roll-out Training started in March 2009 and planned to be completed in December 2009 A National Certificate in Construction Contracting NQF Level 2 will be awarded at completion with 192 credits Programme is registered with the National Youth Service Unit of Umsobomvu Youth Fund (Now NYDA) CETA plays a role of moderating the training and ensuring compliance with quality standards Participants receive a stipend of R 600 per month in line with national standards of the National Youth Service Programme Of 40 participants, 25 are young Women Contractors all registered with CIDB and Masakhe Emerging Contractor Development Programme (ECDP) of KZN Public Works.

Expected outcomes • • • Increased capacity of youth contractors to undertake and supervise construction work and sites Increased ability to secure tenders through properly filled tender documents and proper costing Demonstrated understanding of general management of construction businesses and full understanding of construction regulations (e. g. Site Safety) More youth participation in economic activities and proper financial management Youth Contractors providing employment to other destitute individuals and households

Learning & economic opportunities Graduated learners will be highly competent to secure tenders from various institutions At completion of the training the participants will remain beneficiaries of the KZN Public Works Masakhe Emerging Contractor Development Programme The Sisonke District Municipality has also committed that participants of this learnership will benefit from its Infrastructure Projects Some qualifying participants will be awarded bursaries to study further (e. g. Professional Qualification in Project management)

NGIYABONGA THANK YOU