Design course to bridge creative potential, training gap

Learn to Earn, Khayelitsha aims to bridge the gap between creative potential and formal training in graphic design and is offering a subsided full-time, 10-month long course to disadvantaged young people with a Matric exemption pass who do not have the financial resources to study further.

The new course is part of a funded project and is supported by the University of Stellenbosch, which has identified skills gaps in the theoretical application of tertiary level training.

The course is backed by Life Skills, Business Skills and Discipleship (optional) and covers the following topics: Introduction to the Apple Mac, Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator, Drawing Skills, Design Skills, Critical Thinking, Visual Literacy and Art Theory.

The intention is to provide a bridging course for tertiary study, skills for freelance and entrepreneurial pursuits or job placement/internship opportunities.

Attend lectures

The training will include giving students the chance to work on a range of customer and organisation-based projects and campaigns. The students will be required to attend lectures at Stellenbosch University at least once a week. These trips will be sponsored by Learn to Earn.

“Dialogue with tertiary institutions and employers about the needs of their students and workforce, respectively, has been central to the project, so the new course is geared to the needs of the region and students should know that their skills will be in demand.” says Susan Wishart, Learn to Earn's GM.

In line with Learn to Earn's motto of “A hand up, not a hand out”, students are required to pay R1200 toward their training.

For more information about the course and how to apply for a place, students can contact Susan Wishart, Learn to Earn GM, and Julia Baker, Learn to Earn graphic design instructor, on tel +27 (0)21) 361-5972, email or go to www.learntoearn.org.za.