The Construction Education and Training Authority has officially joined the National Skills on Wheels Campaign, a nationwide outreach initiative aimed at bringing skills development opportunities, career guidance, and training information directly to communities across South Africa.
Led by the Department of Higher Education and Training, the campaign seeks to improve access to information about learnerships, apprenticeships, artisan development programmes, and employment pathways, particularly for young people interested in the construction and built environment sectors.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to address youth unemployment while supporting skills development in industries that play a critical role in South Africa’s economic growth.
CETA Takes Construction Opportunities to Communities
According to CETA, the Skills on Wheels campaign will provide communities with direct access to information about careers in construction and related industries.
Through outreach activities across the country, young people will be able to learn more about:
- Construction careers
- Learnership opportunities
- Apprenticeship programmes
- Artisan development pathways
- Skills development initiatives
- Training and funding opportunities
- Career guidance and support services
The campaign aims to ensure that opportunities reach communities that may have limited access to career information and industry networks.
National Rollout Scheduled Until February 2027
The Skills on Wheels programme will run from June 2026 to February 2027, with activities aligned to key national awareness campaigns and development priorities.
Youth Month – June 2026
The campaign will focus on connecting young people with:
- Skills development opportunities
- Career guidance services
- Learnership programmes
- Employment pathways within the construction sector
Women’s Month – August 2026
CETA will use the platform to encourage greater participation by women in the construction industry.
The campaign will highlight:
- Career opportunities for women
- Skills development programmes
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Industry transformation initiatives
TVET Month – September 2026
During TVET Month, the campaign will showcase:
- Technical and vocational education pathways
- Artisan development programmes
- Industry training opportunities
- Work-integrated learning pathways
The focus will be on helping students understand how technical qualifications can lead to sustainable careers in construction and infrastructure development.
Applications and Registration Season – October 2026 to February 2027
The final phase of the campaign will provide information and support relating to:
- Learnership applications
- Apprenticeship registrations
- Training opportunities
- Skills programmes
- Career planning and development
This period is expected to assist prospective learners preparing applications for 2027 opportunities.
Why the Construction Sector Matters
South Africa’s construction industry remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors, supporting infrastructure development, housing projects, transport networks, and public works programmes.
The sector continues to require skilled professionals across multiple occupations, including:
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Electrical Installation
- Quantity Surveying
- Project Management
- Artisan Trades
By promoting awareness of these career paths, CETA hopes to encourage more young South Africans to consider careers in the built environment.
Bringing Skills Development Closer to Communities
One of the key objectives of the Skills on Wheels initiative is accessibility.
Rather than expecting young people to travel long distances to obtain information, the campaign brings services directly to communities, helping bridge information gaps and connect individuals with available opportunities.
This community-based approach aligns with national efforts to improve participation in education, training, and employment programmes.
Final Thoughts
The National Skills on Wheels Campaign represents an important step towards expanding access to construction-sector opportunities across South Africa. Through its partnership with DHET and other stakeholders, CETA aims to connect thousands of young people with training programmes, learnerships, apprenticeships, and career pathways that can help build sustainable futures.
As the campaign travels across the country until February 2027, young South Africans are encouraged to engage with local activations and take advantage of the information and opportunities available.
Source
Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) – National Skills on Wheels Campaign announcement, June 2026.
Editorial Transparency
This article is based on information published by CETA regarding its participation in the National Skills on Wheels Campaign. Programme details, activation dates, and opportunities may be updated by the organisation. Prospective participants should consult official CETA communication channels for the latest information.
