10
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
OCTOBER
2014
Established in 1999 in response
to worrying levels of youth unem-
ployment and an increasing skills
shortage in the Built Environment
and related industries, Go for Gold’s ‘educa-
tion to employment’ model has been recog-
nised both locally and internationally as an
innovative solution to these serious issues.
The organisation’s four phase model
is centred on the premise that in order to
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create future skilled graduate professionals,
who also possess the self-belief to succeed,
requires long term investment where the
whole child is developed – i.e. both academ-
ically and emotionally.
“Extra tuition is not enough,” says Go
for Gold programme director, Patti Bruyns.
“Given that most of our students grow up
in poverty-stricken communities, where
strong role models are sorely lacking, they
need constant mentoring in addition to
the academic support we provide, in order
for them to develop their self-esteem and
a belief that their future can be different to
their parent’s,” she says.
The organisation, which receives finan-
cial support from companies in the built
environment and related industries through
their skills development and socio-eco-
nomic development programmes, targets
under-resourced schools in disadvantaged
communities and provides after-school and
Saturday morning tuition in maths, science
and life-skills for selected learners during
their Grade 11 and 12 school years.
Internship programme
On average 80% of Go for Gold learners
matriculate with a bachelor pass rate,
enabling them to study at university.
But before they enter an under-graduate
programme, Go for Gold moves the students
into Phase II of the programme: an intern-
ship year where they are paid by a spon-
soring company to experience the industry
and help make informed career choices.
“The internship year is hugely valuable
as it allows students to gain first-hand expe-
rience of the various professions involved in
the Built Industry and other related sectors,”
says Bruyns. “It is also strongly supported by
our industry partners, who get a chance to
assess the students’ future employability,”
she says.
This sentiment is under-scored by
Murray & Roberts senior HR director, Dirk
Theron who believes this internship year is
a great opportunity for the students to get a
real insight into the industry, as they move
from site to site. “They learn to work as part
of a team and be inspired about a career in
this dynamic environment while still being
supported by Go for Gold, who continue to
mentor them and provide bridging courses
in maths and science,” he says.
Tertiary studies
Once the students complete their intern-
ship year they start their Phase III tertiary
academic studies, with most fully sponsored
by the same company who employed them
during their internship year.
Students have the freedom to choose
their course of studies, although civil
in Gauteng
GOING FOR
GOLD
Award-winning education
to employment NPO, Go for
Gold, is expanding and will
open its first Gauteng campus
in January 2015. Over the
past 15 years the organisation
has directly helped over 400
students in the Western Cape
improve their maths and
science matric results and
transition through technical
tertiary studies to guaranteed
employment with companies
in the built environment.
Go for Gold student Waleeda Clayton on the day
of her graduation.
Career Jamborie (introduction to companies): Ilde Marais fromWBHO with students Muneer Prins,
Najuwa Hamza and Tawfeeq van der Schyff.
