Imagine being one of the twenty young South Africans who recently graduated from the Sandock Austral Shipyards Apprentice Training Programme. This initiative, a collaboration between Sandock Austral Shipyards and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE), is truly making waves in skill development and tackling youth unemployment.

Sandock Austral Shipyards, a 100% black-owned South African company, based in Durban, has taken a proactive stance in empowering youth from underprivileged backgrounds. Through this partnership with DFFE, they’ve provided opportunities for young artisans to develop and qualify in a meaningful way.

Reflecting on the recent graduation, the company expressed immense pride in the achievements of these young graduates. Their success marks not only the culmination of hard work and dedication but also a significant step forward in addressing critical skills shortages and youth unemployment challenges in South Africa.

Indeed, this joint venture serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration and investment in the future generation. Congratulations to the graduates, whose journey serves as inspiration for many others aspiring to reach their full potential.