The new Training Portal campus in Jamestown Stellenbosch is ready to serve the skills development needs of the Western Cape community. We partnered with Usiko, a non-profit organization based in Jamestown, which aims to create long-term sustainable change in the lives of the youth and the community. Recently, Usiko identified a need for accredited training, seeing that many young people do not finish school, or don’t have the means to study at a university. Further education would enable young people in the area to improve their chances of employment, which would open new doors for them. To address this need, we decided to collaborate with Usiko to establish the Webbers Valley Winelands Skills Centre. Training Portal has provided state-of-the-art computers, Internet and access to 20 accredited courses, to facilitate online training at the centre. These courses are provided free of charge to the youth who form part of the Usiko programs and people with disabilities in the area. 

The campus officially opened its doors on 22 November with numerous learners already enquiring about the courses and possible learnership opportunities. Another project partner, the Corporate Strategy Group (CSG), which provides clients with statutory compliance solutions focused on maximising business productivity and efficiency has offered to seek and procure funding for the initiative by utilizing its comprehensive business network. Together, Training Portal, Usiko and CSG aim to effect lasting positive change in the community, by connecting the community to resources that will unlock new opportunities for them. 

How can you get involved? 

Businesses or individuals can contribute toward the initiative by giving a young person the opportunity to partake in the programmes of the centre, be it the upliftment of troubled youth or the completion of a SETA-accredited NQF level 1- 6 learnership to jumpstart their career. The financial investment could form part of your skills development plan and BEE spends with tax benefits received as an added advantage. 

Contact us for more information: 

Training Portal: Danie Krige: E: daniek@trainingportal.co.za T: +27 71 688 1656 

Usiko: Arnold Okkers: E: arnold@usikostb.org.za T: +27 72 138 2299 

CSG: Murray Pienaar: E: murray@corporatestrategy.co.za T:  +27 83 412 9159