Addressing the Artisan Skills Gap in the Northern Cape
Anglo American Zimele has partnered with the Artisan
Training Institute (ATI) to launch a transformative artisanal skill development
program aimed at young people in the Northern Cape. This initiative, which
began in November 2024, aims to train 75 young individuals from the communities
surrounding Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen and Kolomela mines over the next three to
four years.
The program uniquely combines institutional and workplace
learning through ATI’s fully accredited Kimberley campus. Participants will
receive training in nine essential trades, including auto electrical, heavy
equipment mechanics, and instrumentation. Graduates will earn internationally
recognized Red Seal Certificates from the Department of Higher Education and
Training, a significant credential that enhances their employability and
assures potential employers of their skills. Furthermore, all accredited trades
will meet a minimum of NQF level 4 status, preparing participants for diverse
career opportunities across various industries.
This program follows in response to the ongoing narrative of
a shortage of artisans in local communities often overlooking a more complex
issue as many qualified artisans struggle to find employment despite their
skills
