Ashwin Ruiters from Gouda completed the NYS electrical learnership at the end of 2022. 
NYS learner Sementa Frans from Worcester made the most of her Electrical Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and is now working at Transnet. 
The Department of Infrastructure develops aspiring artisans through the National Youth Service (NYS) programme and assists them to go on to build careers through the programme’s exit framework which aims to help youth participate in the mainstream economy.
The exit framework is based on three pillars: 1) further learning and training, 2) employment opportunities, and 3) development of SMMEs (small, medium- and micro-enterprises) and cooperatives.
In 2022, the Department assisted 200 young people to complete accredited learnership training in electrical wiring, plumbing, bricklaying, health and safety, welding, landscaping, roadworks and more. In accordance with the exit framework methodology, 48 of these learners were selected for the full apprenticeship qualification in plumbing and electrical trades. A further 58 went on to pursue further training in the electrical, plumbing, health and safety, and welding trades. Others found employment and further training opportunities.
Ashwin Ruiters from Gouda completed the NYS electrical learnership at the end of 2022. He worked in the private sector after the learnership and is now employed at the Drakenstein Municipality.
“The learnership was really helpful in my job where I am now permanently employed as an electrical attendant, not far from what I really want to be – an electrician,” he said.
“I learnt a lot on site during the practical part of the training because on site we were physically busy with our hands and working with tools. The theory was also interesting with some lectures leading to debates between learners in class. To work on site you must understand your theory before you can do your practical.”
NYS learner Sementa Frans from Worcester made the most of her Electrical Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and is now working at Transnet.
“The learnership helped me a lot,” she said. “My favourite part was distribution boards (DBs) and motors.”
The annual National Youth Service learnership forms part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and is aimed at training unemployed youth in various construction trades. The training is accredited with sector education and training authorities (SETAs) and conforms with the Western Cape Youth Development Norms and Standards, as well as the EPWP National Youth Service (NYS) Guidelines.