Teacher assistants required

THE Western Cape Education Department is recruiting 20500 teacher and general school assistants for public and special needs schools in the province.

The recruitment drive forms part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) to provide young, unemployed South Africans with work experience and to earn a stipend.

The department’s spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said only new applicants who hadn’t participated in previous phases would be considered.

She said the programme had benefited schools in the province and motivated some teacher assistants to show an interest in pursuing careers in the education sector as a result.

“The education assistants support teachers with administrative tasks, classroom management, sport coaching and cultural activities, while the general assistants help with maintenance, cleaning, vegetable gardens, and general administration,” she said.

Applications opened this week and will close on October 16.

“Unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 34 (turning 35 before or on March 31, 2024) are encouraged to apply for the posts at a public school within a 5km radius of their place of residence,” Hammond said.

Candidates who wish to apply for assistant positions at special schools need to be between the ages of 18 and 39 years, turning 40 before or on March 31, 2024.