Western Cape Province Learnership Programmes 2015
Whilst all the Western Cape Government bursaries for next year (2015) have closed, there are still learnerships available. One is an exciting project that will help WC matriculants who want to get into the public service as a career; the other is for volunteers who want to make a difference in the field of education. Both are for a year.
PAY Learnership Programme
Applications for the Premier’s Advancement of Youth (PAY) Project will be open from 7th to 31st January 2015 and successful applicants will work for the Province for a year from April 2015 until the end of March 2016. This work experience will provide free training, and invaluable experience working for the public service.
The opportunities offered by the Western Cape Province are in keeping with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority’s (EtdpSETA) stated mission to ensure that the South African workforce will be “better educated and informed”.
The idea of the PAY Learnership Programme is to help those wanting to start a career in the public service get a new set of skills and get experience that will ultimately make them more employable and more marketable in the sector. Ultimately the programme provides work experience and a year during which participants can make “informed career choices”.
The programme provides public sector, on-the-job training in the full range of provincial departments; specifically in the Department of:
- the Premier
- Agriculture
- Community Safety
- Cultural Affairs and Sport
- Economic Development and Tourism
- Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
- Health
- Human Settlements
- Local Government
- Social Development
- Transport and Public Works
as well as in the
- Provincial Treasury
- Western Cape Education Department (WCED)
A total of about 750 matriculants from the class of 2014 will secure positions, providing they:
- Have passed the Western Cape National Senior Certificate this year
- Are not planning to study next year
- Are South African citizens who live in the Western Cape
- Do not have support or any form of network that will help with career choices
- Are not sure what to do once they have left school
- Are financially “constrained”
- Are aged between 18 and 24
If you fit this profile, then bookmark the Western Cape website and diarise the opening and closing dates for applications (7th to 31st January 2015).
Year Beyond Programme
Another learnership opportunity currently being offered by the Western Cape Government is the Year Beyond Programme, an educational enrichment opportunity that involves dedicating 12 months to helping at schools in the province that are underperforming.
While volunteers give there time without remuneration, they get the chance to enhance their economic and social networks, and gain access to work experience. There are also bursary opportunities for the future.
Essentially the Year Beyond learnership programme involves tutoring both primary and secondary school pupils after school hours in subjects they are struggling with, primarily English, mathematics, technology and science. For this reason, it is essential for participants to be committed, motivated and to have been high-achievers at school. Important qualities include:
- Excellent leadership capabilities
- Good academic results, particularly in the subjects mentioned above
- A proven track record that indicates community involvement
- Good skills when it comes to solving problems
- The ability to be able to work in an environment that is diverse
- Good interpersonal skills
- An innovative and creative flair
The Year Beyond Programme is open to local volunteers and to people from other countries who are no older than 24 years. Applicants must have achieved at least a 60 percent pass in English and maths in matric, and they must have good computer skills. Qualities that are required include personal initiative, leadership skills, courage and the ability to self manage. They must also be able to demonstrate a commitment that they will aim to make a difference and impact on the lives of other people.
Where to find the application form?
Applications for this exciting leadership programme, which runs from January to November 2015, close on 30th November. It is essential to complete the APPLICATION FORM, and then either email it to apply@yearbebyond.org.za or deliver to the Western Cape Government Contact Centre in Wale Street in the Cape Town city centre.