Renishaw Hills empowers 25 community members through upskilling programme

Reinforcing its commitment to upskilling and empowering the local community, Renishaw Hills has secured Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA)-funded learnership programmes for 25 local individuals, with on-site training experience provided by Renishaw Hills for all candidates.

Located on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, just outside of Scottburgh, Renishaw Hills is a mature lifestyle development with construction of Phase 2 already underway.

“From the start of the development, Renishaw Property Developments has prioritised engaging with the surrounding KwaCele community, discussing ways in which the long-time inhabitants of the area can benefit holistically from Renishaw Hills,” explained Phillip Barker, managing director of Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of the Crookes Brothers group. “The approach has always been to seek and provide opportunities for training and job creation with a view to long-term sustainability and economic empowerment for the community, rather than intermittent opportunities that only benefit the individuals in a once-off capacity. This CETA training programme is a mutually beneficial undertaking that has been well received by the community and, we believe, will prove to be a life-changing experience for the chosen candidates.”

More than 100 individuals applied for the 25 posts, all of whom underwent a thorough screening process. Requirements outlined that each candidate be under 25 years of age, be unemployed and reside in the area falling under the KwaCele Traditional Council.

The 25 chosen learners – 13 female, 12 male – will begin the intensive, one-year training programme in June, completing five months of theory followed by seven months of on-site practical. The programme includes training in bricklaying, plastering, paving and carpentry, among other things.

Renishaw Hills has appointed a training authority to facilitate with the practical training experience which will be completed at Renishaw Hills and, following stringent assessment of knowledge and skills, the successful candidates will be awarded with the National Certificate: Building & Civils Construction, NQF Level 3.

Following the completion of the NQF Level 3 training, Renishaw Hills has committed to securing further CETA funding for the three best learners. This would allow them to complete a further two years of practical training, elevating them to level of Apprentice for masonry.

Bheki Dludla, deputy chair for the KwaCele Traditional Council, congratulated the successful candidates stating they looked forward to the successful completion of this programme.

“As community leaders, we are very happy about this development,” said Dludla. “We are also happy with the criteria used in this process and we are really looking forward to seeing Renishaw Hills and CETA uplifting the community through skills’ development. This will result in more skilled labour, producing qualified artisans who can start their own businesses and also create job opportunities. We encourage you to keep up the good work!”

For more information about this exciting new development, visit www.renishawhills.co.za

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— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 29, 2017