The City of Cape Town has facilitated computer training for 300 temporary workers employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The five-day training course, valued at a total cost of nearly R520 000 for all participants, is the latest initiative designed to ensure that EPWP workers get more value out of the programme and improve their job prospects. The participants were put through their paces in the following areas:

• keyboard skills
• introduction to computers
• MS Word Level 1-3, MS Outlook Level 1-3
• and Windows 7/8 Level 1-2

‘We live in a world where an understanding of, and ability to use digital tools is crucial. It also opens up a new world of possibilities for job seekers and improves their chances of employment. I am very excited for this group of participants and the training is something that we will look to provide to others in the future so that they too can cut and paste a new path for themselves,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.

Other examples of ‘value added’ training through the EPWP initiative are a work training pilot project with the Federated Hospitality Industry of South Africa (FEDHASA) as well as an assistant artisan programme run by the City’s Water and Sanitation Department, amongst others, benefitting more than 500 individuals.

The training and skills development programmes are based on research around the growth sectors in the country and the city, so that the participants are equipped with skills that will improve their employment prospects.

‘We’re tapping into relevant industries to create opportunities for residents who are struggling to break into the job market because they aren’t effectively skilled or are short on experience. By helping to increase their skill set, we are improving their prospects of finding employment, which in turn improves the economic standing of the individual and their family. As an administration, the City can only do so much, but we are willing to engage with the private and NGO sectors to see how we can unlock more opportunities for the unemployed,’ added Alderman Smith.

In terms of the general Expanded Public Works Programme, the City has created 33 549 work opportunities to date in this financial year, against a target of 34 500 and a budget of R150 million.

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