Sifiso Mabuza is a 30-year-old man. He was born and raised in Nkomazi Village in Mpumalanga, he later moved to Thembisa. After completing matric, he enrolled for his N course in one of the colleges in Johannesburg.

He couldn’t complete his N course due to financial restrictions. For these reasons, he started working at  Mea pharmacy as a packer for a few months. He then progressed to work as a stock clerk. That was not where he wanted to be, but he ended up enjoying his job eventually.

Sifiso found out about Artisan Training Institute (ATI) on social media. Upon finding out about ATI, he then started doing further research on the internet. He chose ATI because he feels that ATI will be a suitable institute that will allow him to advance in his career. “I have noted that many great artisans have graduated at ATI” said Sifiso.

Sifiso is interested in the Diesel Mechanic trade, and he believes he deserves this funding because it will help him get a step closer to achieving his dream job.

Sifiso shared that being able to work under pressure and having the willingness to learn are some of the qualities that make him unique.

Vincent Maluleke is a 26-year-old man from Randfontein. He completed his N2 in Diesel Mechanic at one of the colleges in Johannesburg. Vincent describes himself as a problem solver and a good communicator with minute attention to detail.

Vincent first heard about Artisan Training Institute (ATI) from a friend of his. He felt Artisan Training Institute is a great choice for him because of the quality of artisans they produce.

Vincent is interested in the Diesel Mechanic trade because it aligns with his studies, skills, and interests. Vincent believes he deserves this funding because he is passionate about the Diesel Mechanic trade and feels this would be a great opportunity for him to achieve his future goals by broadening his knowledge in the mechanical industry.

Vincent believes his personality is what makes him unique. He places importance on taking full responsibility and accountability for his own actions and mistakes.

Vincent sees himself as a more responsible, knowledgeable, and experienced individual in the next 5 years. His goal is to contribute his knowledge to others who follow him.

Dijuan Van Blerk is a 29-year-old man from Gauteng, Johannesburg. He completed his matric in Krugersdorp and during his time there he performed well in sports and acquired some interpersonal skills. Dijuan describes himself as someone who was more into sports than academics.

When it comes to career history, Dijuan has experienced many fields. He has been a runner, waitron, barman, junior manager, senior manager, driver, and a supervisor. Dijuan also started a business which unfortunately died down during Covid-19.

Dijuan found out about Artisan Training Institute (ATI) in a conversation he had with someone close to him. He said he was sharing his dreams with this particular person and that’s when they told him about Sean Jones, CEO of Artisan Training Institute.

Initially, he was confused about which trade to go for, however, after completing the Career Path Assessment, he learnt that Diesel Mechanic is the most suitable trade for him.

Dijuan feels he deserves this funding because he is someone who doesn’t give up easily and also shared how this opportunity would change his life. He said being level-headed is what sets him apart.

Dijuan sees himself as a financially secure person with a family and a house in the next 5 years. He also plans to keep furthering his studies.

Nhlanhla Mahesu

Nhlanhla Mahesu is a 27-year-old who is originally from Limpopo but currently resides in Kagiso, Gauteng.

She obtained her N2 in Diesel Mechanic and also has a certificate in Project Management and Office Skills. Nhlanhla describes herself as a problem-solver and creative.

Nhlanhla has previously worked as a process controller where she was encouraged to multi-task and work under pressure.

Nhlanhla heard about Artisan Training Institute (ATI) from one of her friends. After hearing about ATI, she started doing her research on ATI. Nhlanhla chooses ATI because it comes highly recommended. “Being a part of such a well-established company would be a privilege” she said.

Nhlanhla is interested in the Diesel Mechanic trade because she has always enjoyed working with her hands and fixing things in her home. Nhlanhla feels that she is deserving of this opportunity because she is more than willing to do the hard work.

Nhlanhla shared that her burst of energy is what sets her apart from others. She highlighted that she is a reliable individual who can be counted on at all times.

Nhlanhla sees herself working towards becoming a subject matter expert in her field that others revere. She aims to be in a senior position in the next 5 years.

Caroline Monakhisi is a 29-year-old lady from Eden Park. After matriculating in 2011, she went to go further her studies at a college in Johannesburg where she completed her N5 in Diesel and motor mechanic.

Good communication, problem-solving, time management and self-motivation are some of the skills Caroline has polished over the years. Caroline does not have any work experience but has a willingness to learn.

Caroline learnt about ATI on a Facebook group called “The World of Artisan”. Caroline felt ATI resonated with her because her skills match the requirements.

Caroline is interested in the diesel trade because she has always been passionate about cars from a young age. She further added that diesel mechanics are in demand and are well paid.

Caroline believes she deserves this funding because it is in alignment with her future plans and long-term goals of becoming a qualified artisan.

Caroline says what sets her apart is that she is goal-driven, hardworking and a team player. “I relate well with people from all different cultures and beliefs,” she said.

Caroline sees herself servicing company machinery in the next 5 years. ”It is important to be an impactful artisan who helps companies achieve their strategic goals,” she said.