The National Skills Fund (NSF) has partnered with occupational skills programmes provider Durnacol on its Artisan Development Programme by providing critical funding of R19 million for college’s skills hub.

The Durnacol Skills Hub is a fully-fledged, private training technical and vocational institution close to Newcastle in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which offers apprenticeship training for fitters, electricians, millwrights, diesel mechanics and other trades. 

The funding has supported 85 students for three years at the hub. These students include 20 welders, 25 fitters and turners, 20 diesel mechanics and 20 millwrights. The funding is from 30 June 2022 until 31 October 2025.

The partnership was a crucial foundation, highlighting the importance of improving skill development programmes. It emphasised a solid commitment to uplifting communities and moving the country towards a stronger economic future. The teamwork between NSF and the Durnacol Skills Hub represents a shared dedication to advancing skill development, which may greatly help the nation’s economic growth.

The NSF supports and funds variou’ aspects of skills development and education within the country. It is funding a wide range of skill programmes at Durnacol Skills Hub. Its goal is to address skills shortages in priority areas. 

The National Development Plan 2030 mandates progress across various fronts, pinpointing essential priorities, one of them being the imperative to elevate employment levels through accelerated economic expansion. This goal is interconnected with the critical need to enhance the quality of education, prioritise skills development, and foster innovation within the nation. In partnership with the Durnacol Skills Hub, the NSF has commenced its first intake of funded students who will undergo an 18-month placement with their respective employers. The theoretical learning phase for these students spans seven to twelve months, according to the specific trade pursued by each individual. 

Rajesh Rahul Rajlall, a 20-year-old Danhauser resident, believes in the transformative power of his millwright career. With his enthusiastic determination and pursuit of excellence, he recognises that his qualification is more than an academic achievement. It is the key that unlocks opportunities within and beyond the borders of South Africa.

Lindelwa Babuyisile Thwala, a 26-year-old Newcastle resident, has overcome significant challenges in her life. Difficulties marked her family background, and she faced financial constraints that initially hindered the pursuit of her dreams. 

“I do not come from a privileged background. My parents could not afford to send me to college. I was working on the Durnacol Skills Hub campus in KwaZulu-Natal when I found out that they were enrolling students for an electrical course. I applied for the millwright programme, which was a good thing because a dual trade is better. I specialise in mechanical and electrical engineering. I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Thwala. 

Today, she stands as an integral member of the Durnacol’s team of apprentices. 

Laurette Collet, the project manager for the artisan programme at the institution, expressed her pride in the programme’s participants. 

She said that all the students involved in the artisan programme thoroughly understand their respective trades. Moreover, she highlighted a noteworthy achievement: all participants have stayed in the programme since its inception. 

“These are dedicated participants. Thus far, there have been no dropouts.

“I wish that everyone will be employed at the end of their journey to better their lives and the lives of their families. The chance of employment after qualification lies in their hands,” said Collet.

Collet explained that they would gain valuable, high-quality experience through the NSF-funded programme that would equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers.

Durnacol is one of 65 private companies approved funding to implement the NSF Artisan Skills Development Programme. 

The NDP targets the generation of 30,000 artisans annually by 2030. Through this collaboration, the two entities are championing the cause of artisans and their contribution to society. The investment in skill development is an investment that promises to yield dividends by producing a more skilled workforce and an invigorated economy.

Picture: Durnacol Skills Hub students test electrical conductors 

By Andisiwe Mkoyana, a graduate intern at the National Skills Fund