The Tiso Foundation has committed to R5,6 million over a period of five years for the development of 100 artisans – 50% of whom will be black women. IFTA sources learners through the Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges and applicants are required to send through CVs with letters of motivation. Following preliminary screening, applicants are required to complete a pre-assessment test based on the test-teach-test methodology.

The Tiso Foundation, in its first year of suppo rt, funded the training of 30 learners. After completion of the six-month training pro gramme, learners are placed with companies requiring their skills. IFTA boasts an 80% placement rate with an impressive network of employers. Evaluation of the impact of the programme will be managed by the Tiso Foundation but IFTA is required to provide six-weekly reports on progress of the learners. The Aveng Community Investment Trust has partnered with the Tiso Foundation to match training for an additional group of learners – Rand for Rand. This joint funding partnership, aims to train 500 artisa ns over a five-year period.

The agreement includes optimising synergies, meeting regularly and sharing findings in this artisan development programme. Training of the 30 learners began in November 2009 and was completed in April 2010. Courses were completed in: autoelectrical, boilermaking, diesel mechanical, electrical, fitting, fitting and turning, millwright and welding. The focus is currently on placing learners with companies. The Aveng Community Investment Trust recently agreed to fund the training of an additional 44 unemployed learners in line with the matching agreement with the Tiso Foundation.