Port of Cape Town training center completed

Construction of the Port of Cape Town’s Maritime Training Centre has been completed and it is set to open its doors in September.

The center was built by the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) in an underutilized building in the port and will offer marine skills development programs and apprenticeships to youth from previously disadvantaged communities and employees within Transnet.

Cape Town Port manager, Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, said: “As an agency of the state we have a responsibility to contribute positively to the economy of the country by providing proper skills development programs, training artisans and developing engineers to ensure the sustainability of our ports and to stimulate growth of the maritime economy. These skills will ensure that young people can participate meaningfully in the economic development of the country.”

The center will open its doors in September offering training programs WHICH will include General Purpose Rating, Berthing Master, Master Port Operations, Skipper Port Operations, Able Seafarer Deck, Ordinary Seafarer Engine, Ordinary Seafarer Deck, Fitter and Turner, Electrician and Information Communication and Technology courses.

There is a particular shortage of Dock Masters and the TNPA needs to train at least 50 of them.

“Through the Maritime Training Centre, we aspire to develop the skills of the South African workforce, increase the levels of investment in education and training and use the workplace as an active learning environment,” said Dweba-Kwetana.