The Department of Public Works (DPW) has partnered with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to capacitate EPWP officials on an international programme known as “Start and Improve Your Business”. This training programme is designed to empower the EPWP officials with knowledge and expertise to become the trainers of the EPWP participants and be able to impart skills relating to generating business ideas, and to improve small businesses. Through this partnership, a number of young people across the nine provinces have been trained. These training opportunities are aimed at ensuring that EPWP participants are able to improve livelihoods beyond the EPWP. Furthermore, a total of 318 small businesses were supported across all provinces and various EPWP sectors. Small businesses formed by EPWP participants received development support through engagements with various key stakeholders, such as the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). Another crucial partnership was forged with the Financial Services Board (FSB) which provided critical financial education to 6 022 EPWP participants. This was done in an effort to ensure socio-economic sustainability and mitigate the risk of EPWP participants being financially exploited. Training has been part of the EPWP since its inception in 2004.The programme endeavours to provide
“THIS TRAINING PROGRAMME IS DESIGNED TO EMPOWER THE EPWP OFFICIALS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE.”
accredited training to its participants in the form of short courses, skills programmes, learnerships and artisan development programmes. From 2010 to 2018, 25 961 EPWP participants were trained in skills programmes such as mixed farming systems, environmental practice, horticulture, construction road works, child and youth care support, library practice, the provision of palliative care and community house building. From 2010 to 2018, 172 participants were trained in the artisan development programme in the following areas: electrical, diesel mechanic, auto-electrical and boiler making. In addition, 3 076 youth were recruited by the National Department of Public Works in 2018/2019 to participate in the National Youth Services (NYS) programme. These young people were trained in