Bokomo’s Weetbix division celebrated the graduation of 14 unemployed youth, each on a NQF 2 Production Technology learnership at an event held in Atlantis on Wednesday 25 October.
The project started in 2015 and involved 18 months’ training for the learners, who were hosted at Pioneer’s Weetbix plant. The aim of the project is to provide work experience opportunities for the youngsters as well as access to a national qualification while earning a stipend.
It forms part of a larger Pioneer Foods initiative envisioned by HR Executive Ninette Oliver, to provide opportunities for 70 unemployed learners at the company’s Weetbix, Cereals, Moirs and Ceres beverages factories. Pioneer partnered with Optimum Learning Technologies, the FoodBev SETA and the Merseta to implement the training programme across the Western Cape.
Learners acquired a good understanding of the operations they were employed in. They were exposed to production planning, the various stages of production and how to care for tools and equipment, and promoting workplace safety. Added to this was the acceleration new recruits’ orientation in the world of manufacturing, by giving them insight into how their personal performances are evaluated by managers, in this way empowering them to grow in responsibility, seniority and earnings.
Learners alternated between classes and practicals at the factory. Pioneer was able to offer a few graduates permanent jobs, and wants to collaborate with the Atlantis Business Forum to nominate those not absorbed into neighbouring businesses.
Also graduating were other Pioneer Foods employees, in NQF 4 Supervisory Development, NQF 5 Manufacturing Management and NQF 6 Manufacturing Excellence learnerships. Another intake is expected in February 2018.
