The Engen Computer School continues to positively impact the lives of South Durban residents, with 28% of the graduates who completed the course in May 2021 having found full-time employment. 

Gregory Gordon, Quinton Horwood and Selby Smith, all in their 40’s, are amongst the latest shining examples of the benefits of formal computer training. 

According to Sheryl Casalis, Engen Computer School course convener and training director of Added Advantage Academy, the trio had become redundant as they were not computer literate.   

“Greg, Quinton and Selby all expressed gratitude to Engen for the free training they received which has changed their lives,” says Casalis.   

“As primary breadwinners, they can now provide for their families thanks to their new computer skills, which enabled them to secure new contracts and become part of the workforce once again.” 

Other success stories from the recent graduates are Deon-Dre De Wee, who found employment in the logistics department at Chep, Robin Harris who secured a position at ADT, and Siyamthanda Mchunu who is working at EMRS. 

“With high levels of unemployment in South Africa, we believe that upskilling is of paramount importance in order to boost a person’s chances of securing employment,” comments Sykry Hassim, General Manager of the Engen Refinery.  

Over the past decade, Engen’s free computer skills training school has transformed many lives in South Durban, with 2 355 graduates having their prospects of finding employment enhanced in that time.  

“The stories of success bring hope to those who study at the centre knowing that the course really does increase their chances of finding employment,” adds Casalis. 

The Engen Computer School offers introductory-level computer skills training, covering eight-unit standards of the National Certificate: Information Technology, End User Computing qualification.   

To enroll, applicants must be unemployed school-leavers and reside in South Durban.  

While matric and age criteria are not prescribed, most students who attend the school are aged from 20 to 40.  

Adds Hassim: “As a caring and responsible company, Engen is both proud and humbled to play a small role in positively changing lives of community members who reside in an area close to the Engen Refinery. 

“Engen is committed to stepping up and doing the right thing, starting with paying special attention to the people in the communities in which we operate.”