Another group of job seeking South Durban residents have had their chances of securing employment boosted after completing free computer skills training offered by the Engen Computer School. 

The group of 60, who enrolled in June and graduated in late October, are all excited to put their newly acquired skills into practice.  

“At Engen, we believe that continuous community upskilling will ensure resilience and readiness in today’s everchanging and demanding new digital world,” comments Sykry Hassim, General Manager of the Engen Refinery.   

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Engen Computer School has put stringent safety protocols in place, including reducing the class from 80 to 60 students to allow for social distancing. The group of 60 students was further split into two groups, with regular equipment sanitization, mask wearing at all times, social distancing and the installation of Perspex screens.   

“The direct impact of Covid-19 has unfortunately broadened the inequality and digital skills gap in South Africa. Engen’s role in helping to bridge the digital divide and help facilitate the sustainable development of our communities is now more important than ever,” adds Hassim.  

Over the past decade, the Engen Computer School has transformed many lives in South Durban with approximately 2 260 graduates to date having had their prospects of finding employment enhanced following their basic computer skills training.   

“All 60 learners who commenced the course in June this year graduated in October. We are proud of all our graduates who have had to endure through these challenging times and look forward to welcoming the next group of students,” says Sheryl Casalis, the course convener and training director.   

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

Well known in the local community and frequently boasting a waiting list, course applicants wanting to upskill themselves, 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.   

The Engen Computer School’s third course for the year started on 21 October 2021. 

“The Engen Computer School has a proud history of giving graduates the knowledge and confidence to go out and seek jobs that would otherwise have been beyond their reach,” continues Hassim.  

“As a caring and responsible company, Engen is 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.  

“As such, 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.”