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They claim they were expected to write tests before being given the necessary training and given only three days to prepare for each test.

Five trainees from Balfour, Mpumalanga, said they were told to write a test in a National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF) level three course, when they had not completed the level two course.

The trainees - Stephen Mhlambi, Paseka Motloung, Siphelele Mhlambi, Nicky Matshaya and Saphulusa Leemai - further said the test was based on field training, which they had not done.

Matshaya said: "We applied, wrote tests, and went for interviews. They brought us to Grootvlei power station to start the training.

"They told us we were going to do level two in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, but the accommodation was not ready .

"While we were waiting, they gave us level three modules. After three days, we learnt that we were writing exams and had to achieve 80% to pass or we would be disqualified."

Eskom spokeswoman Hilary Joffe invited the trainees to contact the training department at Grootvlei power station.

"We want to obtain more information so that we can attend to the issues raised by these learners."

She confirmed that in 2008 a group of 20 youngsters were recruited to undergo training at Grootvlei on NQF levels two and three.

"The intention was to recruit this group to staff positions within the production department at Grootvlei power station."

Motloung joined the learnership in 2009 and lasted for about eight months.

"I was kicked out of the programme two weeks before we finished," he said.

"I failed a test once and I was sent home. Others had failed three times but were given a second chance."

Stephen Mhlambi said according to the contract they were allowed to fail a module three times.

"We were unfairly treated," he said. - bambalelep@sowetan.co.za

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Sun May 19 23:21:51 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 29, 2012

Kaylae

It is important to pass these tests as you are developed to be the future artisans most of these learners get here and lazy around and cry when their contracts are being terminated they are those that are dedicated and read their contracts well.I joined as a GIT and had tests to write and we signed in our contracts that should we fail or fall pregnant whilst on training Eskom has the right to terminate
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Aug 29, 2012

Sugaar

@Kaylae
I'm happy to see that you are a Gurdian,however I don't want to comment about this issue.

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Aug 29, 2012

Flemza

The bottom line is you have to pass , it will be unfair to candidates who started with you and worked hard to pass , from the article you were recruited being 20 & only 5 failed , so how did the 15 pass then , to me stop mourning , count your looses , you were given a chance to improve your lives and you blow it , they are millions of other students who would have done better , honestly speaking I don`t sympathise with you , you have disgraced the whole Escom effort and programme to try to uplift the lives of disadvanatged African people , if you were my sons I would have wipped you the African way
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Aug 29, 2012

sabza007

If what is being said by these learners is true, then they were unfairly treated. Why others fail three times and given a chance and others fail once but get kicked out?? Hillary Joffe, please investigate.
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Aug 29, 2012

RobinH

I agree with Kaylae and Flemza: SUch tests seem to be more or less the equivalent of an "entrance exam" offered by universities to those without matric. Obviously the candidate has to pull finger and demonstrate that he or she is going to be a worthwhile, productive employee. Those not willing or able to crack what is required, MUST fall by the wayside. They are not running a charity shop. They are trying to empower people who are prepared to work to improve themselves.
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Aug 29, 2012

MommaC

This is a very confusing article. I cannot make head nor tail of what it was supposed to be trying to inform us about.
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Aug 29, 2012

RobinH

MommaC; Agreed. Clueless and directionless reportage.
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Aug 29, 2012

Moffdat

Sowetan is outdoing itself today.
Why don't you write an article about the fact that i jog every morning and once sprained my ankle?
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Aug 29, 2012

Moffdat

Sowetan i'm chewing gum and just threw it on the pavement!!
Why don't you write about that... very interesting.
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Aug 29, 2012

CPMaklov

Shame,same thing is happening at Grovos Training Centre in Lephalale.African trainees are disqualified and few are absorbed.All whites are absorbed.

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