K-Way wins learnership award

Key skill shortages, coupled with high levels of unemployment, are well documented in South Africa. K-Way has addressed skill shortages in the clothing industry through its learnership programmes and by offering young people an opportunity to work and grow with the company.

"We have a shortage of machine operators at K-Way and by investing in both employed and unemployed learnership programmes we have promoted employment and succession planning in our business and also enabled and fostered the development of new machinists," said Belinda Wolffe, HR manager at K-Way Manufacturers.

"We are very proud to have trained 20 unemployed individuals, some of whom are now permanently employed. They had no background or experience in operating a sewing machine and today they are making a positive contribution to our company.

Promoted to more senior positions

K-Way has also invested in a number of employed learnership programmes. Some of the individuals coming from these programmes have been promoted to more senior positions in the company.

Last month K-Way won the National Productivity Award for the Corporate Sector. This FP&M SETA award further confirms K-Way's belief that the quality of its people defines the quality of its merchandise.

"We pride ourselves on the investment in our people and believe that this is the key to success and future growth. Through ongoing internal and external training programmes, and the development of our staff, we have had more promotions, which has resulted in improved staff morale, great teamwork and a committed workforce," said Wolffe.

For more on K-Way, visit www.capeunionmart.co.za.