Celebrating a Milestone: First Cohort of SETA-Qualified Machinists ShowcasesTalent and Triumph

By Salesian Institute Youth Project

On Friday, 30 May, a sense of pride and achievement filled the Salesian Institute Youth Projects(SIYP) Campus as the first cohort of SETA-accredited machinists proudly presented their completed sewing projects.

This showcase marked a significant milestone for both the students and the Stitch Ahead Sewing programme, which aims to equip young people with marketable skills for sustainable employment in the textile and manufacturing industries.

A total of 16 students graduated from the programme, having completed four-months of intensive training, practical assessments, and creative projects. Each final sewing piece displayed at the event reflected their technical skills, creativity, and personal growth.

“These graduates have proven what’s possible when young people are given access to skills training, support, and an opportunity to thrive,” said Fr Francois Dufour, CEO of SIYP, who addressed attendees at the showcase. “They are not just machinists – they are makers of their own futures.”

The Stitch Ahead initiative is committed to developing a skilled workforce,

particularly among youth, and contributes to a more inclusive and empowered local economy. The programme is accredited by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and offers both technical training and soft skills development.

This celebration of success is not just an endpoint, but a new beginning. Many of the graduates are already exploring employment opportunities or considering launching their own micro-enterprises in the textile and garment industry.