Schools learn about artisan skills RACINE EDWARDES The Artisan Advocacy campaign officially kicked off at False Bay Technical and Vocational Education and Training College’s Westlake campus on Friday 4 October. The campaign was attended by the deputy minister of higher education, science and technology Buti Manamela and his entourage, as well as Penelope East, councillor for ward 71. East encouraged learners from schools in Fish Hoek, Khayelitsha, Westlake, Muizenberg and Mitchell’s Plain to embrace artisanship. “Artisans build the very fabric of the world we live in. “Not only do the artisans of our world make, maintain and develop the physical stuff we see around us; it is an artisan who lays the bricks; it is an artisan who repairs the equipment; it is an artisan who makes sure that our infrastructure is in good working order. “Artisans build the future,” she said. Leanne Andrews, a former student at False Bay College and a registered boilermaker, shared her views of artisanship with the audience of about 1 200 learners. “It’s such a privilege to be an artisan of this decade.” She added: “To our future leaders: there is a huge shortage in artisans in South Africa. There are jobs to be filled, but not enough artisans. “Gone are the days when you needed a university degree to be successful. I urge all people to engage in this exciting movement.” Manamela told learners that the government had made provision to encourage the development of artisans. Students who came from households earning less than R300 000 annually could study for free. This, he said, was only one of the reasons why learners should consider artisan careers. “All of you should consider becoming artisans. A few years ago, when financial markets were the big thing, a lot of young people were encouraged to consider careers