Graduates equipped with real-life work skills 

Youth Month

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition recently held a graduation ceremony for its Itukise Programme.

The programme enables graduates to gain practical work experience by pairing them with host companies within their related fields. This is aimed at helping them gain an understanding of the work environment and what their future employer would expect from them.

During the course of the programme beneficiaries receive stipends. While in-service trainees with S4/N6 qualifications receive a R3 000 payment during their 18-month placement, graduates with diplomas and degrees receive R5 000 over 12 months. Graduates with honours degrees and above receive R7 000 over 36 months.

Mulalo Nemutudi (31), who holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of the Free State, was paired with Alkebulane Corporation, an agricultural company based in Bloemfontein. The experience allowed her to put the knowledge gained through her studies into practice.

“I chose to study agriculture because I have always been passionate about it from a very young age. There are plenty of career opportunities available as the world is counting on the agricultural sector to produce more nutritious food for its growing population,” said Nemutudi.

Through the Itukise programme, Nemutudi has learnt  several valuable work skills including research, reporting, time management, organisational and 
marketing skills.

The programme also imparted the necessary skills needed to interact well with farmers and suppliers.

“I am grateful for this opportunity as it helped boost my skills and increased my chances of getting employed. I am now equipped with basic skills that I can confidently implement in the professional environment,” said Nemutudi. 

This programme works with host companies that take in graduates that match their line of work. 

Nemutudi has advice for those willing to join the programme. “Apply with a mindset to learn and gain experience. Be open to change and be willing to adapt.”

She added that the programme equipped her with the skills to venture into various agricultural fields in the future. They include being an agricultural advisor, farm-assistant manager, researcher, administrator or even an agricultural salesperson. 

Graduates looking for similar opportunities can visit www.thedtic.gov.za