
SAAB GRINTEK DEFENCE ICT TECHNICAL SUPPORT LEARNERSHIP FOR YOUTH LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
During 2019, SAAB Grintek Defence partnered with AnswertheCall Skills and Entrepreneurship to initiate a learnership for 10 Gauteng based Youth living with disabilities. SAAB provided funding for the ICT Technical Support and also provided monthly stipends for the learners. AnswertheCall, a MICTSETA accredited training provider, conducted the training and also managed the entire project.
AnswertheCall partnered with the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller(GEP) to place some of the learners at their Johannesburg office to gain work exposure. The balance of the learners were placed at Manchu Group head office in Sandton.
10 learners were selected to participate on the programme after a fair and detailed process. The programme kicked off in November 2019 with induction and team building for all learners. A wellness day was held in December 2019 where a professional fitness instructor worked with the learners to promote a healthier lifestyle. The programme continued into 2020 but classroom and work attendance was interrupted by lock-down as a result of Covid-19. Learners continued with theorical training online doing self-study and writing formative assessments.
Despite the setbacks, all learners passed their assessments and attended their graduation ceremony in October 2020. SAAB then offered to extend the progranme by another year to enable the learners to acquire further ICT skills. Learners were thankful for the extension of their contracts, and are enthusiastic and eager to further their studies once they have completed their learnerships.