In a significant move to support skills development and help reduce graduate unemployment, the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) has approved a generous funding of R13 790 700 to assist Durban University of Technology (DUT) students in completing their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and graduate internships.

This funding brings exciting opportunities for the Co-operative Education unit at DUT, which is tasked with securing relevant workplace internships for students to facilitate experiential learning.

According to Dr Themba Msukwini, Acting Director: Co-operative Education unit at DUT, BANKSETA has been approving such funding from 2013 to 2023 for the amount R 22 912 071.

“Co-operative Education have been engaging with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) for relationships and partnerships support for DUT Work Integrated Learning Students and graduates internships for funding of stipends during their workplace training. We usually submit the application when the Discretionary Grant window is open for funding proposal. The application for this year, 2024 only have surpassed all with the amount of R 13 790 700. This is attributed to the mutually beneficial partnership with the BANKSETA and the maintenance of good relationships,” he shared.

Giving insight of how DUT secured this funding, Dr Msukwini indicated that Co-operative Education at DUT had submitted a business case to BANKSETA after numerous reports had drawn attention to the problems experienced by government, as well as the private sector, in implementing planned growth strategies, fast-tracking service delivery and producing high quality products and services owing to a lack of skilled people.

“The focus is on occupations in which there are a scarcity of qualified and experienced people, currently or anticipated in the future, either (a) because such skilled people are not available or (b) they are available but do not meet employment criteria. Students completing their Work Integrated Learning or internships gain not only experience but an excellent platform to prepare them emotionally and socially for the job environment,” added Dr Msukwini.

He expressed his gratitude to BANKSETA for the funding, saying it will give the students an opportunity to be exposed to challenging experiences related to work and starting their career plans during studies. He believes the funding will assist with the compilation of programmes that will address the needs of commerce, industry and the public sector in general, for the betterment of the society and job prospects after graduation.

“Furthermore, I want to thank the Co-operative Education staff especially SETA office administrator Ms Philisiwe Khuboni at our office who assisted me on the BANKSETA Monitoring and Evaluation sessions,” said Dr Msukwini.

He is looking forward to expressing his appreciation in person with BANKSETA officials for the generous financial contributions for DUT students. Furthermore, BANKSETA will participate in the upcoming World of Work (WOW) Careers Fair 2024 to be hosted by the DUT Co-operative Education unit at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko campus in Durban on Wednesday, 21 August 2024 and Thursday, 22 August 2024 as well as on Friday, 23 August 2024 at the Indumiso campus hall in Pietermaritzburg.

Pictured: Dr Themba Msukwini, Acting Director: Co-operative Education unit at DUT.

Simangele Zuma