Grootbos Foundation Youth Skills and Workplace Training

Grootbos Foundation believes in practical opportunities for learning, and this week, the students who are a part of the horticultural skills training programme got to learn the skills of brush cutter operation, petrol tool applications, and how to prepare and lay roller-lawn. Building a basic bouquet of practical skills, developing a network of personal connections, nurturing confidence and encouraging practice in a manner that does not fear failure is a great way to develop hope and pathways to employment.

These are the happy faces of the young people who started their workplace experience at a range of Gansbaai businesses this week. These youths are not in the Grootbos Foundation skills programme towards employment...instead, they have selected to participate in a shorter journey which is designed to give faster access to the workplace by developing personal agency and confidence through practical work experience.

Workplace experiences have begun in Hermanus as well. Many of these young participants have not had an opportunity to work in a formal environment before, so a short 2-week experience is often all they need to feel capable.