A new Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) was announced on Wednesday by the executive mayor of the metro, Clr Mzwandile Masina.<\/p>\n
This programme is expected to see 300 youth enter a three-year apprenticeship which is intended to create sustainable artisan jobs.<\/p>
Through this initiative the metro will potentially phase out dependency on external contractors who undertake the installation, repairs and maintenance of water meters in the metro.<\/p>\n
Through a partnership with Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) and the metro, beneficiaries will exit the programme as qualified artisans, having obtained a trade test certificate and a vocational qualification simultaneously.<\/p>
ALSO READ:\u00a0Job seekers cautioned to beware of job recruitment hoax<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The programme has two components, namely, six-month theoretical and practical plumbing apprenticeship training at an accredited TVET college integrated with 24 months experiential training within the Ekurhuleni Department of Water and Sanitation.<\/p>\n The metro has identified water governance as an immediate remedy to improve water use efficiency, and reduce non-revenue water in the municipality.<\/p>\n Non-revenue water in the metro is currently standing at 34.7 per cent and the long-term target is to reduce this figure to 20 per cent by 2023, in line with the water demand management strategy.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are continuously investigating ways on how we can exploit the potential of the demographic dividend in our metro,\u201d said Masina.<\/p>\n \u201cThis initiative is a targeted programme aimed at rebuilding the plumbing skills base for water stewards while creating work opportunities for the youth.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch an effort is required in order for the metro to decisively deal with metering and the resultant lost revenue for the municipality.\u201d<\/p>\n ALSO READ:Learn all about city planning and what it means to you<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n