From November 2019 to September 2020, in partnership with a local company, The Woodshed and The Grahamstown Project, we ran a training project for three young people. They were given practical, on the job training in woodworking skills. They were also being mentored by Tabitha Jacobs in business and interpersonal skills. During the lockdown period we had to suspend the training, but we were able to continue supporting our trainees during that time.
The training objectives included
Developing an understanding a professional approach to working (in areas such as time-keeping, reliability, communication with clients, estimating and agreeing requirements of a job)
Developing an understanding of the theory of woodworking, including (but not restricted to) basic drawing, ruler measure work and use of hand tools
Developing an understanding and being involved in preparation, assisting and finishing work (including moving timber and materials, cutting, various ways of manual/machine sanding and filing)
Making and finishing their own products.
From left to right. Talitha Jacobs and Jane Bradshaw from the project management committee, Rowan Engelbrecht and Claude Baines of The Woodshed, Ade: Lusmore, chair of Khanya and Graeme Holmes of The Grahamstown Project.
Project outcome
This project was our first independent project and we learned much along the way, especially about recruitment and management. We were pleased to be able to find an apprenticeship for two of our young men, one of whom now has a full-time job. We are keen to expand our remit in supporting people as apprentices in different projects and trades.